HealthNews.in

Striatal dopamine is increased by virtually all drugs of abuse, including alcohol. Scientists using positron emission tomography were able to show that, even without alcohol, the flavour of beer can induce dopamine release.

Forty-nine men – ranging from social to heavy drinkers, with a varied family history of alcoholism – underwent two PET scans: one while tasting beer, and one while tasting Gatorade. Relative to the control flavour of Gatorade, beer flavour increased self-reported desire to drink and induced dopamine release.

The results demonstrate that alcohol-conditioned flavour cues can provoke ventral striatal dopamine release, and that the response is strongest in subjects with a greater genetic risk for alcoholism.

Researchers at King’s College London found that people who stop smoking are less anxious than those who remain addicted, contradicting the belief that smoking is a stress reliever.

The research did not address anxiety levels in people who want to continue smoking or those who do not smoke, as the study’s primary aim was customizing nicotine replacement therapy based on patients’ genetics.

NHS Choices published a useful analysis of the research.

If you smoke, stop.