Call 888-647-0579 to speak with an alcohol or drug abuse counselor.

Who Answers?

Binge-drinking ‘lowers resistance’

Binge-drinking not only causes a hangover but weakens the body’s ability to fight off infections for at least 24 hours, research has shown.

Drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short time inhibits the production of signalling molecules that are vital to the immune system.

The proteins, known as pro-inflammatory cytokines, have a host of functions that are supposed to kick in when the body is under attack.

They include maturing, activating and increasing numbers of immune cells which target invaders such as bacteria and viruses.

Tests on mice given drinking water laced with ethanol – the type of alcohol found in drinks – showed they were prevented from generating key pro-inflammatory cytokines. But levels of one cytokine, called interleukin-10 (IL-10), that acts as a brake on the immune system were increased.

IL-10 has an anti-inflammatory role intended to prevent the immune system going into overdrive. It helps the body avoid harmful inflammation, but can also reduce resistance to infection.

The scientists who carried out the experiments wanted to see if results previously seen in isolated cells could be repeated in living animals. Some cytokines were still not “on duty” as long as 24 hours after the mice were dosed with alcohol.

Study leader Dr Stephen Pruett, from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University in the US, said: “The timeframe during which the risk of infection is increased might be at least 24 hours. A persistent effect of ethanol on cells is indicated, such that inhibition of the response of some cytokines occurs even after the ethanol is cleared.”

Binge-drinking is loosely defined as consuming enough alcohol in a single drinking session to get intoxicated.

In the UK, it is said to account for 40% of all men’s and 22% of all women’s drinking experiences. The behaviour is most common among young people aged 16 to 24, with 36% of men and 27% of women admitting to binge-drinking at least once a week.

source: Press Association

More Treatment & Detox Articles

Helping Someone With Alcohol or Drug Problem

If someone confides in you that he or she has a problem with alcohol or other drugs, some ways of dealing with this situation clearly work better than others. You should try to be: Understanding – listen to reasons why he or she uses/ abuses alcohol or other drugs; Firm – explain why you feel….

Benefits of Inpatient Drug Treatment Centers

If you are wondering which type of drug treatment is going to be most beneficial at helping you overcome addiction, consider these benefits of inpatient drug treatment centers: Inpatient drug treatment centers provide around-the-clock medical supervision and support for the individual while in treatment. Unlike outpatient care that leads that addict to go home at….

Our problem with drink

The lowering of the drinking age has led to an explosion in teenage drink-driving convictions, new figures show. Sunday Star-Times’ analysis of drink-driving convictions over the past decade show teenage New Zealanders, women and those aged 40-plus are our worst drink-drivers. But the teen figures are the most alarming in 2006, excess breath-alcohol convictions for….

Daily aspirin use may cut risk of common breast cancer

Taking aspirin daily may reduce a woman’s risk of developing a common type of breast cancer, say American researchers. The team, led by Gretchen Gierach, found that intake of aspirin was linked to a small reduction in oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers. The discovery is important as around 75 per cent of cancers are oestrogen….

Young 'ignore alcohol campaigns'

Health campaigns warning of the dangers of alcohol are being ignored by many young people who see binge drinking as acceptable, researchers say. A study by Birmingham and Bath universities suggests the government must stop “demonising” young people in its attempts to promote safe drinking. Researchers interviewed 89 people in England aged 18-25 over three….