A new study from researchers at Texas A&M revealed some interesting findings on alcoholism and the brain. A part of the brain known as the dorsomedial striatum is lined with protruding neurons and a dopamine receptor known as D1. When large amounts of alcohol are consumed, the D1 neurons develop mature protrusions and become activated with less and less stimulation. Thus, drinking alcohol causes easier activation and activation makes you want to drink more. When mice with mature protrusions from alcohol were given a drug to block the D1 receptor, cravings diminished significantly. These findings may help in understanding the phenomenon of craving and one day eliminating alcoholism. To read the full article click here.
