Excluding alcoholics, have you ever noticed that some people can down a few drinks without allowing booze to cripple their fun, while other people start downing drinks with a nearly instinctive drive? Shot after shot is ordered, while you observe them with a mixture of shock and concern. The problem of alcohol abuse is a major epidemic in our country, with a reported 15 million American adults suffering from a variety of alcohol use disorder. Also, 88,000 people are reported to die from alcohol consumption every year in the United States. So, what makes some men and women crave alcohol to the point they continue to keep up their dangerous habits? Why are some people more prone to binge drinking than others? Let’s take a closer look and find out some more information.
KCNK13 Channel Deficiency
Recently, Mark Brody (professor of biophysics and physiology at the UIC College of Medicine) and a team of researchers from the Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics (University of Illinois at Chicago) theorized that alcohol put a damper on KCNK13, a potassium channel contained in the membranes of dopamine passageways. After testing their idea on lab mice, Professor Brody and his associated concluded that mice with lower amounts of KCNK13 consumed more alcohol than the mice with normal quantities of this potassium channel. In other words, a problem with the dopamine pathways may trigger a desire to drink more booze.
Weakened Brain
As part of future studies, Professor Brody and his colleagues want to uncover more information about this KCNK13 deficiency not only to make the connections with binge drinking but to discover more information about addiction problems, overall. Without the proper functions of this channel, as Brody explains, alcohol cannot trigger the flood of dopamine, resulting in a low rate of reward after a person consumes this dangerous drug. Interestingly, though, he presents the notion that current types of drugs may put a damper on KCNK13, meaning people are unintentionally “turning off” the natural dopamine production in their brains.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol is a dangerous drug that can and will eventually inflict tremendous damage on your mind, body, and social life. Despite what medical reports about alcohol’s benefits for heart health and stroke prevention (which are true), alcohol (like any drug) can potentially harm you. Are you suffering from a form of alcohol use disorder? Do you have a friend or a loved one who is suffering from this problem, as well? In both cases, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the rehabilitation process and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle.
If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to put a stop to your alcohol use disorder today.
