14 DAY TRIAL // In a new scientific investigation, researchers determined that people who consume even moderate amounts of alcohol weekly are more susceptible to becoming hooked by the addictive effects of amphetamines and other stimulants.
Their “performances” were cross-referenced with those of non-alcoholics, in a new research carried out at the University of Kentucky. Researchers here wanted to learn why some become drug abusers.
Some scientists believe that the addictive effects of stimulants may be especially appealing to those who already have the alcohol-induced mindset of accepting them. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why people who are already addicted to a substance are more likely to become addicted to another too.
“Lots of us sample drugs at some point in our college careers, but most of us don't go on to abuse them,” explains Kentucky professor of behavioral science, psychiatry and psychology Craig Rush.
The study researcher was a member of the team that conducted the four-year study, which involved 33 volunteers, aged 21 to 30. The investigation began back in 2005, My Health News Daily reports.
Of the test group, 16 were women and 17 men, and each of them was subjected to rigorous medical exams beforehand, which included cardiovascular tests. Researchers also collected data on each of the participant's drug history.
After the initial assessment, the test subjects were surveyed for drinking habits, and then split into two groups: light drinkers (1 to 6 servings per week) and moderate drinkers (7 to 14 servings weekly).
The scientists then introduced amphetamine into the equation, providing participants with pills containing either low or high doses, or a placebo. The subjects could learn more by completing a task.
Those in the moderate group worked more for extra amounts of the drug, and reported feeling more intense effects than those in the low-alcohol-consumption group.
“Hopefully, what this should result in is educating college-age students about the hazards of drinking beyond drinking and driving. Going out and drinking seven-plus drinks a week can have consequences in terms of other drug use,” Rush explains.
In future investigations, the expert says, the Kentucky team plans to look at how moderate alcohol consumption influences addiction risk for substances such as opiates and sedatives.
“There is no magic bullet out there that we are going to find that's just going to stop people from using [drugs]. There's a lot of behavior involved with drug use and abuse. We’ve got to deal with that as well,” the expert concludes.
Details of the new investigation will appear in the March 2011 issue of the esteemed scientific journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.