The neurobehavioural effects of cannabidiol in alcohol use disorder: Study protocol for a double-blind, randomised, cross over, placebo-controlled trial.

Current treatments for alcohol use disorders (AUD) have limited efficacy. Recently, Cannabidiol (CBD) has been examined in a multitude of clinical settings. Preclinical and clinical results suggest that CBD might be particularly well suited for the treatment of AUD and may reduce alcohol cue and stress-induced craving and alcohol seeking.

The effects of N-acetyl cysteine on intrinsic functional connectivity and neural alcohol cue reactivity in treatment-seeking individuals with alcohol use disorder: a preliminary study.

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a potential pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder (AUD), but it is not known whether it modulates neural activation to alcohol cues or intrinsic functional connectivity. We investigated whether NAC attenuates (i) alcohol cue-elicited activation, and (ii) intrinsic functional connectivity compared to placebo in patients with AUD. In this preliminary study, twenty-three individuals (7 females) with moderate-severe AUD received daily NAC (2400 mg/day, n = 9), or a placebo (n = 14) for at least 2 weeks.

Topiramate Versus Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Genotype-Stratified Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: There have been no well-controlled and well-powered comparative trials of topiramate with other pharmacotherapies for alcohol use disorder (AUD), such as naltrexone. Moreover, the literature is mixed on the effects of two polymorphisms-rs2832407 (in ) and rs1799971 (in )-on response to topiramate and naltrexone, respectively. The authors sought to examine the comparative effectiveness of topiramate and naltrexone in improving outcomes in AUD and to examine the role of the rs2832407 and rs1799971 polymorphisms, respectively, on response to these medications.

Neuroimaging studies of cannabidiol and potential neurobiological mechanisms relevant for alcohol use disorders: a systematic review.

The underlying neurobiological mechanisms of cannabidiol's (CBD) management of alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains elusive.Aim We conducted a systematic review of neuroimaging literature investigating the effects of CBD on the brain in healthy participants. We then theorise the potential neurobiological mechanisms by which CBD may ameliorate various symptoms of AUD.

The role of impulsivity in the relationship between affect and alcohol consumption in young adults.

Background: Theoretical models of alcohol use posit that individuals consume alcohol to ameliorate negative affect or to heighten positive affect. It is important, however, to consider the influence of factors that may determine an individual's tendency to consume excessive amounts of alcohol under positive and negative circumstances. Thus, the current study examined a large sample of young adults to clarify whether positive and negative affect predict total alcohol consumption on drinking days and whether facets of impulsivity moderate these relationships.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical response in alcohol-dependent patients during baclofen treatment and association with clinical outcome: Preliminary results.

Baclofen has been shown to reduce alcohol consumption in some individuals with alcohol use disorder. This preliminary study aimed to evaluate i) the effect of baclofen versus placebo on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical activity (HPA axis), as measured by cortisol, and ii) the relationship between clinical outcomes such as alcohol consumption on a randomized controlled trial of baclofen (BAC) versus placebo (PL) (Kirsten C. Morley et al.

Impaired Decision-Making and Skin Conductance Responses Are Associated with Reward and Punishment Sensitivity in Individuals with Severe Alcohol Use Disorder.

Introduction: Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) have difficulties regulating alcohol consumption, despite adverse drinking-related consequences. This may be due to incapacity incorporating previous negative feedback from drinking, resulting in impaired decision-making.

Methods: We assessed whether decision-making is impaired in participants with AUD related to severity of AUD, indexed by severe negative drinking consequences using the Drinkers Inventory of Consequences (DrInC) and reward and punishment sensitivity with the Behavioural Inhibition System Behavioural Activation System (BIS BAS) scales.

Sex differences in the interrelations between stress, craving and alcohol consumption across individuals and time during baclofen treatment for alcohol dependence.

Aims: Recent studies have suggested that females respond more favourably to baclofen treatment for alcohol use disorder. Females are generally more likely to drink to regulate stress reactivity and negative affect. This study thus aimed to evaluate the role of sex on the effect of baclofen on the relationship between daily alcohol consumption, stress and craving.

New Australian guidelines for the treatment of alcohol problems: an overview of recommendations.

Of Recommendations And Levels Of Evidence: Chapter 2: Screening and assessment for unhealthy alcohol use Screening Screening for unhealthy alcohol use and appropriate interventions should be implemented in general practice (Level A), hospitals (Level B), emergency departments and community health and welfare settings (Level C). Quantity-frequency measures can detect consumption that exceeds levels in the current Australian guidelines (Level B). The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is the most effective screening tool and is recommended for use in primary care and hospital settings.

Assessing the validity of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) in predicting completion in a long-term residential rehabilitation for substance use problems.

Background: We aimed to examine the predictive validity of the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) in predicting treatment completion, over and above educational status.

Methods: One hundred and ninety-six ( = 196) individuals from the Odyssey House Residential Rehabilitation Program, NSW, Australia between 2010 and 2016 were administered a structured interview including substance use disorders and the Verbal Comprehension (VCI), Perceptual Reasoning (PRI), Working Memory (WMI), and Processing Speed (PSI) domains of the WAIS-IV.

Results: There were significant differences between our clinical sample and the population norm with respect to the proportion below the mean for PSI (z = 12.

Daily experiences of hangover severity and food consumption in young adults.

Objectives: Our aim was to determine whether alcohol hangover is associated with eating unhealthy foods (hot chips, soft drink) or healthy foods (fruit, vegetables).

Design: Daily diary study across 13 days (micro-longitudinal design).

Methods: We examined a sample of 605 young adults (71% women; ages 17-25; mean age 19.

High-dose baclofen attenuates insula activation during anticipatory anxiety in treatment-seeking alcohol dependant individuals: Preliminary findings from a pharmaco-fMRI study.

The GABA agonist, baclofen, has been shown to reduce alcohol consumption in patients with alcohol use disorder and also those with comorbid anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of baclofen versus placebo on the BOLD response during an anticipatory anxiety fMRI task in treatment seeking alcohol patients. Participants included 28 alcohol dependant individuals who had received daily baclofen 30 mg (n = 10), 75 mg (n = 8) or placebo (n = 10) for at least 2 week on a randomized controlled trial (Morley, Leung et al.

GABA Receptors and Alcohol Use Disorders: Clinical Studies.

Harmful alcohol use and alcohol use disorders (AUD) result in major health and community burden worldwide, yet treatment options are limited. Novel pharmacotherapies are urgently required, and treatments involving GABA receptors have been used in treating alcohol-related disorders. This chapter will review the clinical evidence of GABA pharmacotherapies, such as baclofen and γ-hydroxybutyric acid.

Genetic Polymorphisms on , and in Young Adults: Lack of Association With Alcohol Consumption.

Risk behaviors for young adults such as alcohol use are associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Patterns of risk behavior may be genetically determined and vary between genders. Previous studies in both young adults and heavy drinking adult samples have demonstrated that some genotypes, such as A118G, Val158Met and Taq1A and C52IT, may predict addictive behaviors including alcohol consumption and impulsivity, although results have been mixed.

Baclofen modulates cardiovascular responses to appetitive cues in treatment-seeking alcohol use disorder individuals.

Objective: To assess whether baclofen-treated alcohol dependent participants show different subjective and psychophysiological responses to appetitive cues during an alcohol cue reactivity task compared to placebo, and whether these responses are associated with prospective drinking outcomes.

Methods: Forty-two alcohol dependent participants (placebo: n = 12, low-dose baclofen [30 mg/day] n = 18, high-dose baclofen [75 mg/day]: n = 12) completed an alcohol cue reactivity task, whereby water and alcohol beverage cues were presented, with subsequent recovery periods, and subjective alcohol craving and psychophysiological indices (skin conductance; cardiovascular measures: heart rate, high-frequency heart rate variability) were recorded.

Results: High-dose baclofen-treated participants showed both overall cue reactivity to water and alcohol cues and greater recovery effects during recovery periods, revealed by high-frequency heart rate variability, when compared to low-dose- and placebo-treated participants.

Brain N-Acetyl Aspartate and associations with cognitive impairment in alcohol dependent patients.

: Chronic alcohol consumption has been observed to be associated with a range of cognitive impairments that impact on treatment management. In this spectroscopy study, we examined the association of N-Acetyl Aspartate (NAA), a marker of neuronal integrity, and cognitive impairment in alcohol dependent patients.: Using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-MRS), we examined brain metabolite levels in 31 alcohol dependent individuals.

Baclofen attenuates fMRI alcohol cue reactivity in treatment-seeking alcohol dependent individuals.

Rationale: Baclofen has been shown to effect fMRI alcohol cue reactivity in alcohol dependence, but potential varying effects related to baclofen dose levels have not been examined.

Objective: This study investigated whether baclofen attenuates craving and alcohol cue-elicited activation in alcohol-dependent treatment seekers, and the relationship between this response and clinical outcomes (Morley et al. 2018; Morley et al.

Executive Functioning Moderates Responses to Appetitive Cues: A Study in Severe Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcoholic Liver Disease.

Aim: To examine subjective and psychophysiological responses to appetitive cues during an alcohol cue reactivity task, and its relation to alcoholic liver disease and assess whether executive functioning is associated with appropriate regulation of cue-elicited responses in individuals with severe alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Methods: Seventeen treatment-seeking alcoholic liver disease patients and a control group of treatment-seeking severe AUD participants completed neuropsychological executive functioning measures (Stroop task; Trail-making test) and the cue reactivity task, whereby control (water) and alcohol beverage cues were presented, followed by respective recovery periods. Subjective alcohol craving and heart rate variability were recorded across the task.

Brain GABA levels are reduced in alcoholic liver disease: A proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.

Background And Aims: Baclofen, a selective γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor agonist, has emerged as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder with much unexplained variation in response to treatment efficacy and dose regimen. Several positive studies include patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and/or history of heavy drinking. The aim of this paper was to examine the association of cortical GABA+ concentration with severity of liver disease (including markers of liver injury) and other clinical characteristics in alcohol patients.

Neurometabolite Levels in Alcohol Use Disorder Patients During Baclofen Treatment and Prediction of Relapse to Heavy Drinking.

Baclofen, a GABA agonist, is used as a treatment for alcohol dependence. We aimed to examine brain metabolites following administration of baclofen or placebo in alcohol dependent individuals enrolled in a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Participants included 31 alcohol dependent individuals (recent drinking: = 16; and abstinent: = 15) who had received daily baclofen (BAC 30-75 mg = 20) or placebo (PL = 11) for at least 2 weeks (average 17 days).

Socioeconomic and geographic disparities in access to pharmacotherapy for alcohol dependence.

A higher rate of alcohol-attributable morbidity and mortality exists in remote and socioeconomically disadvantaged regions of Australia. This study aimed to explore the dispensing pattern of pharmacotherapy for alcohol dependence across these groups. A retrospective cohort study of patients (aged 15-84) dispensed acamprosate or naltrexone (July 2009-June 2013) was conducted.

National trends in alcohol pharmacotherapy: Findings from an Australian claims database.

Background: Although the efficacy of alcohol pharmacotherapy has been widely investigated, little is known about real-world prescription patterns. Population-based dispensing data can provide an understanding of prescription patterns and characteristics of treatment in nonexperimental settings.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients (aged 15-84) treated with acamprosate or naltrexone between July 2009 and June 2013 was conducted using dispensing claims from the Australian Pharmaceutical benefits Scheme Database.

Do individually ventilated cage systems generate a problem for genetic mouse model research?

Technological developments over recent decades have produced a novel housing system for laboratory mice, so-called 'individually ventilated cage' (IVC) systems. IVCs present a cage environment which is different to conventional filter-top cages (FILTER). Nothing is known about the consequences of IVC housing on genetic mouse models, despite studies reporting IVC-mediated changes to the phenotypes of inbred mouse strains.