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Researchers in the US believe they have made significant discoveries in identifying why people become addicted to alcohol.

Scientists from the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Centre undertook a study comparing brain activity of non-addicts and sober alcoholics when making financial decisions.

The results showed that the latter group displayed significantly more "impulsive" neural behaviour.

Findings from the trials revealed that a specific gene mutation boosted brain activity in these regions when impulsive choices were made by people.

As a result, scientists claim that raising dopamine levels may be an effective treatment for addiction.

Lead researcher Dr Charlotte Boettiger said: "Our data suggest there may be a cognitive difference in people with addictions."

"Their brains may not fully process the long-term consequences of their choices. They may compute information less efficiently," she added.

The latest government figures show that an estimated 30 per cent of men and 15 per cent of women drink more than the recommended safe levels.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, December 27th, 2007 at 3:04 pm and is filed under Alcohol and Drug Addiction.