NIAAA Funds Studies in Alcohol and Alcoholism Research

NIAAA Funds Studies in Alcohol and Alcoholism Research Addiction Alcohol Use Print NIAAA Funds Research in Alcohol and Alcoholism By Buddy T facebook twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial policy Buddy T Updated on July 27, 2019 NIAAA Funds 90% of All Alcohol Research. © Getty Images More in Addiction Alcohol Use Binge Drinking Withdrawal and Relapse Children of Alcoholics Drunk Driving Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery With the support of NIAAA, scientists at medical centers and universities throughout the country are studying alcoholism. The goal of this research is to develop more effective ways of treating and preventing alcohol problems. Today, NIAAA funds approximately 90 percent of all alcoholism research in the United States. Some of the more exciting investigations include: Genetic research: Scientists are now studying 3,000 individuals from several hundred families with a history of alcoholism in order to pinpoint the location of genes that influence vulnerability to alcoholism. This new knowledge will help identify individuals at high risk for alcoholism and also will pave the way for the development of new treatments for alcohol-related problems. Other research is investigating the ways in which genetic and environmental factors combine to cause alcoholism.Treatment approaches: NIAAA also sponsored a study called Project MATCH, which tested whether treatment outcome could be improved by matching patients to three types of treatment based on particular individual characteristics. This study found that all three types of treatment reduced drinking markedly in the year following treatment.New medications: Studies supported by NIAAA have led to the Food and Drug Administrations approval of the medication naltrexone (ReVia) for the treatment of alcoholism . When used in combination with counseling, this prescription drug lessens the craving for alcohol in many people and helps prevent a return to heavy drinking. Naltrexone is the first medication approved in 45 years to help alcoholics stay sober after they detoxify from alcohol. Preventing Alcohol Problems In addition to these efforts, NIAAA is sponsoring promising research in other vital areas, such as fetal alcohol syndrome, alcohols effects on the brain and other organs, aspects of drinkers environments that may contribute to alcohol abuse and alcoholism, strategies to reduce alcohol-related problems, and new treatment techniques. Together, these investigations will help to prevent alcohol problems; identify alcohol abuse and alcoholism at earlier stages; and make available new, more effective treatment approaches for individuals and families. NIAAA Research Advances Since 1970, the NIAAA has been the lead Federal agency responsible for scientific research on alcohol and its effects. Some of the agencys key contributions include: The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions;Research to identify the genes linked to alcoholism;Creation of the Collaborative Studies on Genetics of AlcoholismExploring the effects of alcohol on fetal development;Supporting a medications development program;Research on preventing alcohol problems through community programs;Production of award-winning clinician training materials.