Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, including details on pregnancy, birth defects, causes, symptoms, treatment.

The alcoholism generator.

Miller MW, Spear LP

Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, State University of New York, Syracuse, New York 13210, USA. millermw@upstate.edu

Alcohol exposure largely affects 3 populations: fetuses, adolescents, and adults. These 3 developmental stages are inextricably intertwined such that elevated alcohol exposure at any time increases the probability of exposure at the others. This circular interdependency is called the alcoholism generator. Furthermore, exposure to large amounts of alcohol at these 3 times can cause cognitive dysfunction, largely through mechanisms of alcohol-induced perturbations in neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. Breaking this cycle is key to reducing problem alcohol drinking and the associated sequelae.

Published 25 August 2006 in Alcohol Clin Exp Res, 30(9): 1466-9.
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