New Issue of NIAAA Spectrum is Now Available!

Volume 11, Issue 2 Is Now Available!

NIAAA Spectrum is the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's (NIAAA) triannual webzine. With engaging feature articles, short news updates, and colorful graphics, NIAAA Spectrum offers accessible and relevant information on NIAAA and the alcohol research field. The latest issue is now available. The full table of contents is presented below.

In This Issue

Bringing Alcohol Treatment Into the Mainstream

Nearly 15 million people in the United States have alcohol use disorder (AUD), but in any given year, less than 10 percent of them receive treatment. And even those who receive treatment may not receive the type of care that best fits their needs and improves their chances of a successful recovery. More...

Noteworthy

NIAAA Receives National Leadership Award

On February 7, NIAAA, along with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), received the National Leadership Award from the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) at the CADCA 29th National Leadership Forum.

NIAAA@Work

NIAAA Docs Talk Brain Awareness with Teens

On March 14, NIAAA scientists Mohammed Akbar, Ph.D., Rachel Anderson, Ph.D., Ivana Grakalic, Ph.D., and Soundar Regunathan, Ph.D., gave presentations on alcohol and the adolescent brain for teen students visiting the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Silver Spring, Maryland.

By the Numbers

Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder in the United States

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common but undertreated health issue in the United States. According to a recent nationwide survey, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), nearly 15 million people age 12 and older had AUD in the past year. Of those individuals, it is estimated that less than 10 percent received any treatment.

News From the Field

Reduction in Drinking Associated with Improvements in Health and Quality of Life

In clinical trials for alcohol use disorder (AUD), abstinence and no heavy drinking days are currently the only end points approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, many individuals who do not achieve these end points may still reduce their drinking to less harmful levels during treatment.

A New Treatment Strategy for Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease

Alcohol is involved in nearly half of all liver disease deaths in the United States each year. Alcohol-associated liver disease (AALD) now replaces hepatitis C viral infection as the lead cause of liver transplantation due to chronic liver disease.

Improving Treatment by Measuring Neuroscience Domains

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common, heterogeneous disorder, and this heterogeneity drives the need for precision treatment.

5 Questions With...

Raye Litten, Ph.D.

Acting Director of the Division of Treatment and Recovery Research and Acting Director of the Division of Medications Development