Links This Week

Tackling the Mysteries of Alcohol Dependence
Why does drinking alcohol have such profound effects on people’s behavior? Why does alcohol dependence develop and persist in some people but not in others?
Scientists attempt to answer these questions by studying the brain, where alcohol intoxication and dependence begin. During the past decade, advances in technology have helped us better understand how alcohol changes the brain and how those changes influence alcohol-related behaviors. In the coming decade, this knowledge will help researchers develop drug and other interventions that can reduce the high social, personal and economic costs of alcohol-related problems. Read more…

If Your Kids Are Drinkng ‘Alcopops,’ Be Worried
The alcohol industry has found ways to make its products attractive to kids, and parents may not realize what it is their children are drinking. So-called “alcopops” taste like fruit juice but can contain as much booze, or more, than some beers. Girls, in particular, are said to love the sweet malt punch. Other beverages are packaged to look like popular energy drinks, but contain liquor. Read more…