In The Journal Of Neuroscience, Dr. Subhash Pandey Identifies A Link Between Alcoholism And Anxiety As Co-Occurring Disorders With A Similar Brain Chemistry

Posted by John Lavitt on May 9, 2012 · Leave a Comment 

As reported in The Journal of Neuroscience, Dr. Subhash Pandey and his research team at the University of Illinois have identified a molecular link between alcoholism and anxiety. The hope of ONE80CENTER and other treatment professionals is that his research will spur new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of the co-occurring disorders. As a well-known neuroscientist in the alcohol addiction field, Dr. Pandey has contributed significantly towards a better understanding of the neurobiology of alcoholism.

Alcohol Researcher Dr. Pandey

Dr. Pandey described the neurological connection between the co-occurring disorders of alcoholism and anxiety in a paper published in The Journal of Neuroscience. Pander described the following: “The association of anxiety with increased alcohol use is a key factor in the initiation and maintenance of alcohol addiction.” Pandey’s team found that the same brain behaviors are related to both alcohol consumption and anxiety-like behaviors.

The researchers found that short-term alcohol changed the biology of the brain, producing anti-anxiety effects by stimulating the creation of proteins. The same proteins play a role in both alcoholism and anxiety disorders. Researchers traced the anti-anxiety effect to the production of a particular protein, Arc. When alcohol was withheld from animals that had been chronically exposed, they developed high anxiety. But the researchers were able to eliminate the anxiety in the alcohol-dependent animals by Arc to normal levels.

Dr. Pandey has expressed that two of the most striking features of alcoholism are the rapid onset of tolerance to the acute effects of alcohol and the development of withdrawal symptoms after cessation of protracted consumption. Predisposition to alcohol abuse may involve abnormalities in the signaling neural pathways that ultimately lead to abnormal behaviors. Dr. Pandey is attempting to help design drugs to treat alcohol abuse, alcoholism and anxiety disorders.

On page 31 in the chapter entitled “More About Alcoholism” in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill Wilson wrote about the possibility of a medical cure for alcoholism: “Science may one day accomplish this, but it has not done so yet.” ONE80CENTER supports research into this field, but believes it is important to emphasize that no definitive conclusions have been drawn and no effective medicines found. Progressive research by Dr. Pandey and other scientists is essential, but far from the answer today when it comes to alcoholism. Treatment for the disease and a long-term focus on the path of recovery is what has been shown to work over and over again.

Alcoholism and anxiety often are co-occurring disorders that the ONE80CENTER treatment team have effectively addressed in past clients.If you or a loved one needs help with alcoholism and anxiety, please contact the clinical team at ONE80CENTER by calling 888.593.2301.