health 49

Researchers had 26 women, approximately 25 years of age, complete four trials , each separated by at least two days. The trials involved consuming a small amount of alcohol (vodka) mixed with water, aspartame, or two different doses of sugar (15 g or 50 g). After drinking, participants' BrACs were sampled over a 3½-hour period. During this time, their cognitive performance, self-reported estimations of BrAC, ratings of intoxication, and willingness to drive a motor vehicle were recorded. Results showed that consuming alcohol with sugar-containing mixers yielded lower peak BrAC than mixers containing an artificial sweetener or no sweetener. Greater reductions were observed with the higher dose of sugar (37% lower with 50 g compared to 8% lower with 15 g of sugar). The authors speculated that adding sugar to alcoholic beverages may significantly decrease the rate of gastric emptying (nutrients passing from the stomach to the upper intestine, the main site of alcohol absorption...

Almost half of active-duty military members in the United States -- 47 percent -- were binge-drinkers in 2008, up from 35 percent a decade earlier. Rates of heavy drinking also rose during that period, according to a 2012 report by the Institute of Medicine. But many in the military avoid seeking help for alcohol abuse, fearing disciplinary action or other repercussions, and few soldiers are referred for evaluation or treatment. "If you're in the military and you seek substance abuse treatment, your commanding officer is notified and it goes on your medical record and your military record. That's a huge barrier," said Denise Walker, director of the Innovative Programs Research Group at the University of Washington School of Social Work. Not surprisingly, there is little research on what type of treatment is most effective for active-duty military members. To shed new insight on that question and remove obstacles to seeking treatment, Walker and a team of resear...