The COVID-19 pandemic had profound effects on healthcare systems, particularly for vulnerable populations such as individuals with severe Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). A new study from the TRR265 research consortium  examined the trajectories of 45 patients undergoing intensive outpatient treatment with disulfiram (Antabuse) . Longitudinal data analysis (2019–2022) revealed a significant decline in treatment retention during lockdowns, with an increase in therapy discontinuations. Following the pandemic, patient numbers showed a slow recovery but did not fully return to pre-pandemic levels. The findings highlight the vulnerability of AUD patients in times of crisis  and emphasize the need for alternative treatment approaches. In particular, telemedical interventions  could help maintain treatment continuity when access to healthcare is restricted. Notably, patients who remained in the program despite pandemic-related barriers did not show an increased rate of abstinence violations, suggesting that disulfiram treatment remains effective even under challenging conditions. These insights provide important guidance for improving addiction treatment in crisis situations. The authors stress the need for future studies to explore the long-term effects of pandemic-related restrictions  on AUD and the efficacy of different treatment strategies. 🔗 Read the full study : https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-90081-5

Alcohol is deeply rooted in our society - be it at celebrations, as a stimulant or simply for relaxation. But how dangerous is our use of the number one drug really? In a captivating documentary, Dr Eckart von Hirschhausen reveals the far-reaching consequences of alcohol consumption on our bodies, our relationships and society as a whole. The underestimated danger Science agrees: every sip of alcohol is potentially carcinogenic. In fact, alcohol causes seven different types of cancer and can favour serious neurological diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Nevertheless, it remains socially accepted and is often trivialised. When does alcohol consumption become an addiction? Intoxication is fun - but when does the pleasure turn into a dangerous addiction? The documentary impressively shows how our brain repeatedly lets us fall into the alcohol trap. Exciting scientific experiments are used to illustrate how alcohol influences our thoughts and actions - often without us consciously realising it. The effects on family and friendships It is not only the consumer himself who suffers from alcohol addiction - the social environment is also massively affected. Families break up, friendships are put to the test and emotional stress increases. The documentary impressively illuminates the impact that alcohol consumption can have on personal life. Scientific expertise In addition, the scientists of the TRR265, Prof Rainer Spanagel and Prof Falk Kiefer, were interviewed on this topic. They provide valuable scientific insights into the dangers of alcohol consumption and the mechanisms of addiction. Now available in the media centre The documentary was broadcast on ARD on 27 January and is now available in the media library. Find out more about the real risks of alcohol and why a more conscious approach is so important. You can find the full documentary here: Hirschhausen and the power of alcohol - watch here (in german).

A report by the German broadcaster rbb focuses on the trend towards so-called DripBars. These are facilities that offer intravenous infusions with high doses of vitamins, electrolytes and other nutrients. These treatments are said to boost energy levels, strengthen the immune system and, in particular, accelerate recovery after alcohol consumption. One exciting aspect of the report is Ann-Kathrin Stock's assessment of the so-called hangover infusion. While many people believe that this intravenous treatment is an effective method of alleviating the symptoms of a hangover, Stock expresses doubts about its actual effectiveness. In her opinion, these infusions are not harmful, but on the basis of current studies they offer no demonstrable advantage over conventional methods of fluid and electrolyte intake. Her conclusion is accordingly pragmatic: a simple cube of broth has (almost) the same effect.

After intense holidays, the question often arises: Can exercise help to banish the hangover? Research findings and expert opinions offer exciting insights into this. A hangover occurs when alcohol and its breakdown products put a strain on the body, cause dehydration and inflammatory processes and disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. According to psychologist Ann-Kathrin Stock, research associate at the Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital and member of the Alcohol Hangover Research Group, the brain counteracts alcohol consumption and can overcompensate - the result is the typical hangover feeling, which can be accompanied by a depressive mood. Sport could help in the short term by releasing happiness hormones such as dopamine, explains Claus Reinsberger, Head of the Institute of Sports Medicine at Paderborn University. However, the liver breaks down most of the alcohol, while sweating only removes a small proportion ( source: ZEIT ONLINE ). Therefore, the actual benefit of exercise during a hangover remains limited and experts advise moderate activity. Dry January’ offers a different solution. According to the podcast Wissen Weekly, temporarily abstaining from alcohol can relieve the liver and promote general well-being ( source: Wissen Weekly Podcast ). Even if alcohol is consumed again afterwards, such conscious breaks can have positive effects. Conclusion: A conscious approach to alcohol and moderate exercise help the body to stay fit and balanced in the long term.

The brain works like a diligent student during sleep: it repeats what it has learnt, links it to existing knowledge and transforms it into stable memory content. These processes are crucial for learning and could potentially also promote mental health - especially in diseases associated with sleep and memory problems. This is where the ‘MemoryTracker’ project, funded by the European Research Council (ERC) with two million euros, comes in, which is being carried out under the direction of Dr Gordon Feld at the Central Institute of Mental Health (ZI) in Mannheim. Using state-of-the-art technologies such as high-field MRI and magnetoencephalography, the team is investigating how the brain processes and changes complex content during sleep. A key innovation of the project is the use of realistic learning materials: instead of simple lists of words, the test subjects learn networks of emotionally meaningful images. This allows memory processing to be recorded more accurately, while mathematical models and AI map the content as ‘fingerprints’. In addition to studies on healthy participants, research is also being conducted into how these processes are disrupted in depressed people in order to develop new treatment approaches. The aim is to specifically influence emotional memory processes in order to promote mental health in the long term. You can find more details on the ZI-Mannheim website.

TRR265 scientist Ann-Kathrin Stock is interviewed for a Deutschlandfunk programme on the topic of ‘Medicine or myth’ about alcohol hangovers. In the podcast, the experts explain how excessive alcohol consumption leads to a hangover and explore the question of whether sour drinks can actually help to relieve headaches, nausea and dizziness, or whether it is just a well-intentioned myth. They shed light on the scientific background, explain how the body reacts after excessive alcohol consumption and what really (doesn't) help against a hangover. If you want to know whether sour is the right solution or whether there are better alternatives, you shouldn't miss the latest episode of ‘Medicine or Myth’! HERE THE LINK

In a recent commentary published in  The Lancet Psychiatry , Bernd Lenz and Birgit Derntl, researchers from the German Center for Mental Health (BL and BD) and the CRC/TRR 265 (BL), underscore the critical need for sex-sensitive and gender-sensitive approaches in the treatment of mental disorders. Despite advancements in research and the endorsement of the Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) guidelines, the integration of these considerations into clinical practice remains limited. The authors call for a shift in how mental health care is conceptualized and delivered, advocating for the establishment and implantation of tailored strategies that recognize the unique vulnerabilities and resilience factors associated with different sexes and genders. This initiative aims to enhance patient outcomes and ensure that mental health services are inclusive and effective for all individuals. For more insights, please see the article https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(24)00330-4 .

On October 27, 2024, the "Tag der Sportpsychologie: Schach" (“Day of Sports Psychology: Chess”) will take place in Viernheim. The event will highlight   psychological aspects of success in chess. Sabine Vollstädt-Klein and Gordon Feld (TRR project C01) are actively contributing . As part of the TRR project C01, which the two researchers are leading together with Karen Ersche, chess is being used as an add-on-intervention during smoking cessation treatment. Sabine Vollstädt-Klein will give a lecture on a broader topic. Under the direction of Gordon Feld, the heart rate of a grandmaster and an opponent will be transmitted live to the screen during a simul tournament. There are still places available and registrations can still be accepted (as of October 22, 2024). More information: https://www.verband-sportpsychologie.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Tag-der-Sportpsychologie-Schach-2024-Einladung-Web.pdf

In a recent expert review published in “Translational Psychiatry”, Giannone and colleagues delve into the intricate relationship between habitual and goal-directed behaviors in the context of alcohol use disorder (AUD). The study highlights the significant public health challenge posed by excessive alcohol consumption and its detrimental effects on life expectancy. Through a meta-analysis of rodent studies, the authors explore how chronic alcohol exposure alters neurobiological processes, leading to habitual responses that can overshadow goal-directed actions. They emphasize the importance of precise terminology in addiction research, distinguishing between habitual behaviors and compulsivity. This comprehensive analysis not only sheds light on the mechanisms underlying AUD but also calls for further research to develop effective interventions for those struggling with alcohol addiction. Link to article

We are happy to announce the publication on the TRR265 project by the entire ReCoDe Addiction Research Consortium in Addiction Biology. In this article, we summarize the goals of the consortium and explore the trajectories of losing and regaining control over drug consumption, offering valuable insights into the behavioral, cognitive, molecular, and neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. Through a holistic approach that combines innovative mobile health tools and cutting-edge research methodologies, we identified triggers and modifying factors that influence individuals' journeys from voluntary drug use to compulsive behavior. By integrating multi-omics data from biomaterials of our ReCoDe cohort, our researchers generated pathway- and gene-derived polygenic scores, providing a deeper understanding of the genetic and environmental factors contributing to addiction. Our consortium highlights the importance of an integrative multi-omics approach in addiction research, emphasizing the need to explore the intricate interplay between genetic makeup, environmental influences, and drug exposure. Our findings pave the way for the development of mechanism-based interventions tailored to individuals struggling with substance use disorders. This publication marks a significant milestone in the ReCoDe Consortium's mission to advance addiction research and develop innovative strategies for regaining control over drug intake. Stay informed about the latest developments from the ReCoDe Consortium as we continue to make strides in unraveling the complexities of addiction biology. Linke to the original article in Addiction Biology: https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.13419

The US foundation Wellcome LEAP is funding a research project at the CIMH in which addictive disorders are treated with weak electrical currents on the scalp, among other things. It is estimated that 108 million people worldwide are addicted to alcohol, and almost 40 million have an addiction to illegal drugs. In 2019, 168,000 people worldwide died from alcohol abuse and it was a risk factor for a further 2.44 million deaths. Illicit drugs led to over 128,000 deaths in the same year. This underlines the urgent need for innovative approaches to addiction prevention and treatment. To help develop and introduce new technologies and methods, the US foundation Wellcome LEAP is supporting innovative research projects with a total of 50 million US dollars. A research project at the Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH) under the direction of Prof. Dr. Sabine Vollstädt-Klein, head of the Neuroimaging of Addictive Behavior working group at the CIMH, and Dr. Sarah Gerhardt, research associate and Psychological Psychotherapist at the Clinic for Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine at the CIMH, is the only project in Germany to be funded by the foundation. Modulating neuronal activity in the brain In the project, patients with various addictive disorders are examined and additionally treated with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during their inpatient stay. This involves attaching electrodes to the scalp, which then emit weak electrical currents. The procedure has few side effects and aims to modulate neuronal activity in the brain. “In patients with addictive disorders, we hope that this modulation of the brain can better inhibit impulsive behavior, which beneficially contributes to abstinence. We are therefore investigating whether tDCS has a positive effect on this impulse inhibition and the success of the therapy and are also measuring brain wave patterns in order to understand how these effects come about,” explains Sabine Vollstädt-Klein. The procedure is already approved for depression, for example. One advantage is that tDCS is comparatively easy to use and can therefore also be used by patients independently at home. Wellcome LEAP is part of the foundation Wellcome Trust. Established in 2020 by the Wellcome Trust as a US non-profit charitable organization with initial funding of USD 300 million, the LEAP funding programs target complex human health challenges with the aim of promoting breakthrough science and technology solutions.

The American Research Society on Alcoholism is awarding this year's AREC Prize to Prof Rainer Spanagel for his outstanding contributions to ethical standards in preclinical and animal research. In the announcement by the Commettee it is said that Dr. Spanagel has been a trailblazer in preclinical addiction research, conducting over 10 meta-analyses to advance the field. Furthermore, his leadership in reducing animal use in research is exemplary; from creating an organ bank for genetically engineered mice to implementing in silico methods that minimize the need for animal testing. Most recently, Dr. Spanagel has launched the STRINGENCY framework, promoting best practice guidelines to enhance the reliability and impact of preclinical alcohol research. We celebrate Dr. Spanagel's remarkable achievements and anticipate the broader adoption of these higher ethical standards in animal research.