Alcoholism research: A virus could manipulate neurons to reduce the desire to drink Long-term alcohol misuse could harm your liver, stomach, cardiovascular system and bones, as well as your brain. Chronic heavy alcohol drinking can lead to a problem that we scientists call alcohol use disorder, which most people call alcohol abuse or alcoholism. In recent research we identified a way to mitigate these changes and reduce the desire to drink using a genetically engineered virus. Alcohol use disorders include alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence, and can be thought of as an addiction. Drug and alcohol intake can profoundly increase the level of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation, in the striatum. Alcohol, especially excessive amounts, can hijack this reward system because it increases dopamine levels in the striatum. In another experiment in this study, we found that directly delivering a drug that excites the “no-go” neuron into the striatum can also reduce alcohol consumption. Most people with an alcohol use disorder can benefit from treatment, which can include a combination of medication, counseling and support groups.

 

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