Researchers at Brown University conducted a study using fruit flies to investigate alcohol addiction on a molecular level. They found that alcohol hijacks a conserved memory pathway in the brain responsible for euphoric recall, altering genes in this pathway and forming cravings. This explains why alcoholics continue to experience cravings even after abstaining, as their brain only recalls the rewarding effects of alcohol rather than the negative effects. The study concludes that alcoholism is caused by chemical changes to the brain's reward system from repeated alcohol exposure, leaving alcoholics powerless over their addiction. Further research is still needed to fully understand the factors influencing individual predispositions to developing alcoholism.

1. Alcohol Hijacks The Brain
Study Finds

2. A new US study conducted by neuroscientists has uncovered
an explanation as to why alcoholics crave alcohol so badly…
Alcohol hijacks the brain.
The scientists’ aim was to find out why, even after years of
abstinence in some cases, those who have suffered from
alcohol addiction are still vulnerable to relapse. This follows
the National Institutes on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recognising
addiction as a “chronic relapsing brain disease”.
Fruit Flies Unlock The Mystery Of Alcoholism
Using fruit flies as the basis of the neuroscience studies, the scientists from the
famous Browns University, Rhode Island in the US, found that one of the key
molecular structures that fruit flies and humans share is disrupted by alcohol
and genetically changed as a result. This disruption occurs in the brain’s
pleasure-reward centre and is key to animals and humans chasing rewarding
experiences.

3. We have known for a long time that addiction of any kind,
whether it be to alcohol, drugs, behavious or activity, is
linked to brain’s reward system and involves euphoric recall.
Hence, there is currently no medical cure for addiction.
The scientists conducting the study wanted to find out how
addiction occurs on a molecular level in the case of
alcoholics.
Fruit flies were used as a comparable substitute for the
human brain, as whilst they only have 100,000 neurons in
comparison to humans who have 100 billion neurons, they
share some core features of the brain’s structure – the
pleasure-reward system pathway being one of them.

4. Alcoholic Suffering Is Not A Deterrent
Dr Karla Kaun, an assistant professor of
neuroscience at Browns University and senior
author of the published findings, explained the
purpose of the study which was conducted by
a team of undergraduates, technicians and
postdoctoral researchers: She said: “One of the
things I want to understand is why drugs of
abuse can produce really rewarding memories
when they’re actually neurotoxins.”
The professor added: “All drugs of abuse — [including] alcohol, opiates, cocaine,
methamphetamine — have adverse side effects. They make people nauseous or they give people
hangovers, so why do we find them so rewarding? Why do we remember the good things about
them and not the bad? My team is trying to understand on a molecular level what drugs of abuse
are doing to memories and why they’re causing cravings.”
The findings of Browns University alcohol study were published late October ths year, in the
journal Neuron and on Browns University website. Full details of the study and its findings can
be found by following this link.
Researchers at Brown University found that
alcohol and drugs hijack the brain creating
euphoric recall.

5. Alcohol And Euphoric
RecallThe study concluded that alcohol hijacks a conserved memory pathway in the fruit fly’s brain
that is identical to the one in humans. This particular memory pathway is responsible for
euphoric recall. Alcohol changes the molecular version of the genes made in this pathway,
which in turn forms cravings that fuel addiction.
This explains why this particular baffling (and often misunderstood) characteristic of
alcoholism remains even once alcohol consumption has ceased.
Why would an individual who has lost all as a result of their alcoholism even consider the
possibility of taking another drink once they have gotten sober?
The answer to this is partially reflected in the studies findings and what we already know of
alcoholism that alcoholics have no natural in-built defense against their brain’s altered reward
system pathway, which at certain times only recalls what alcohol did for them as opposed to
what it did to them.
Each relapse, following a period of sobriety, is commonly worse for an alcoholic in the vast
majority of cases. This is due to the fact that the disease of addiction, which is created on a
molecular level within the brain, is progressive in nature. It dictates the individuals thinking
and removes their ability to see truth and reason.

6. Science Is Eradicating The Stigma Of
Alcoholism
One thing that has been clear for a long time is that alcoholism isn’t a
choice, it is a disease and compulsion that is beyond the sufferer’s
control. The chemical changes to the brain’s reward system induced by
repeated exposure to alcohol, leave an alcoholic powerless over alcohol.
The power of choice is lost.
What is not yet clear is what makes one individual predisposed to
developing alcoholism and another not. We know that there are
contributing factors to addiction such as trauma, mental ill health,
genetics and environmental upbringing, but science is yet to fully
establish the main determining factor(s).
The more that science comes to understand alcoholism and the causes
of alcoholism, and the more that this information is fed back into the
world, the less stigma there will be and more individuals will seek life
saving treatment and help as a result.

7. What Is The Answer To Recovery From Alcoholism?
The reality as we see it, is this:
An alcoholic will always have the disease of addiction residing within their brain.
Once they are aware of the nature of their illness, the associated behaviours that
enable it, and they have been shown the tools and means to challenge and change
their own thinking, they then possess the ability to cut to the truth. They are able to see
reason and reject the thought of alcohol in favour of a healthier coping strategy.
Step by Step Recovery understands the importance of rehabilitating the brain
following an alcohol detox. Each patient we treat has their own experience of
alcoholism and how it affects them and their loved ones. We therefore design a
bespoke and very specific alcohol rehab programme that is therapeutic and holistic in
nature – to challenge and change the core beliefs that drive their addiction.
By introducing our Lighthouse rehab patients to mindful practices, healing on a
deeper level, awareness and healthy coping strategies, we are able to provide
alcoholics with the life saving tools required for continuous sobriety.

8. Specialised Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Step by Step Recovery are passionate
about saving lives and helping alcoholics
and addicts to recover from alcoholism.
We provide a totally non-judgemental
residential rehab environment in which
you or your loved one can be nurtured
back to full mental, emotional and
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We teach proven methods of awareness and change that are conducive to healing from
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many of our counsellors and therapists are in recovery from addiction themselves.
Call us today on 0800 170 1222 or complete our online form and take the first step to a brand
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Sources and References
https://news.brown.edu/articles/2018/10/alcohol
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181025142050.htm
https://www.drugabuse.gov/
The Original article Published at stepbysteprecovery
https://www.stepbysteprecovery.co.uk/alcohol-hijacks-the-brain-study-finds/