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People addicted to alcohol can finally find a way to reduce their addiction through a love drug called oxytocin
, a hormone responsible for social bonds.
Scientists at Scripps Research and the National Institute on Drug Abuse have discovered that oxytocin can block the desire to consume more alcohol in rat models. They believe that the hormone could be an effective pharmaceutical approach in the treatment of alcohol dependence.
The way oxytocin works
In this study, the researchers hypothesized that oxytocin could normalize the brain changes that occur when a person develops an alcohol-related disorder. They specifically examined the effect of the hormone of love on the part of the brain called amygdala.
The results of the experiment showed that oxytocin successfully blocked the excessive consumption of alcohol in alcohol-dependent laboratory rats. The modes of administration were either systemic, intranasal or directly in the brain.
The drug did not show the same effect in normal, non-dependent rats. Oxytocin works by blocking signals from the neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
The brain already produces its own intake of oxytocin. Use as a treatment for alcohol dependence
will probably be well tolerated in humans.
Co-author Dean Kirson said he believed the drug could eventually lead to the development of new treatments for alcohol dependence.
"Oxytocin would have reduced the consumption, withdrawal and addict behavior badociated with many drugs, including alcohol, and we are on the verge of understanding why," he said.
Marisa Roberto, co-author and professor at the Scripps Research Neuroscience Department in La Jolla, California.
The study was published
in the April 16 issue of PLOS Biology
.
More than the abuse of alcohol
According to a study of the consumption habits of some 40,000 people in 2003 and 2003, then in 2012 and 2013, more Americans were experiencing alcohol dependence.
The results of the study, which were published
in JAMA Psychiatry
revealed that alcohol-related disorders had increased by 50%. About 30 million Americans were actively fighting against the abuse of alcohol.
Women, elders and minorities were most affected. The study also showed high risk consumption habits. High-risk drinkers are women who drink at least four drinks a day and men at least five drinks a day, plus one day a week when they exceed that number.
According to experts, the abuse of alcohol in the country is perceived as a public health crisis
similar to the current national opioid crisis. They encouraged all stakeholders to destigmatize alcohol-related disorders so that affected people can seek appropriate treatment.
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