A new study has revealed a distinction between 'social drinkers' and 'problem drinkers' that may be able to help cure alcohol addiction.
Researchers from the University of California's Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Centre found for the first time that consuming alcohol releases feel-good chemicals in two specific areas of the brain; the nucleus accumbens, which is linked to addictive behaviors, and the orbitofrontal cortex, which is involved in decision making.
Results showed heavy drinkers get a stronger 'high' from the same amount of alcohol than non-drinkers.
The effect of alcohol on the brain is comparable to endorphin-release caused by exercise and laughter and the stress and pain-relieving qualities of opiates such as morphine.
In the study groups of heavy drinkers and non-drinkers were given a special cocktail of alcohol used for research purposes, along with orange juice, before undergoing brain-mapping.
The lead author of the study, University of California neuroscientist Jennifer Mitchell, said that her aim was to find better ways to treat alcoholism.
"There's an interesting relationship between endorphin release and problem drinking," she said.
"By understanding where the endorphin release occurs, and which receptors it binds to, we can make a better drug."
The study suggest 'reverse engineering' the endorphin effect on the brain could lead to better treatment.
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