A Single Injection to Reset the Brain’s “Pleasure Pathways” in Chronic Alcoholics
A study suggests that a single injection could reset the brain’s “pleasure pathways” and assist chronic alcoholics in reducing their drinking and avoiding relapses.
Scientists have adapted a type of gene therapy, originally developed for Parkinson’s disease, to treat severe forms of alcoholism. The goal is to restore the brain’s ability to experience pleasure without the need for excessive alcohol consumption.
Early trials conducted on rhesus monkeys have shown promising results. The therapy reduced alcohol consumption by 90% among dependent animals, significantly curbing their intake of alcohol.
The researchers aim to further develop this treatment for humans with severe alcohol problems. These individuals have already demonstrated resistance to traditional therapeutic approaches.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article discusses a potential gene therapy treatment for alcoholism, which is connected to SDG 3 as it aims to improve the health and well-being of individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. Additionally, the article mentions that the treatment could help reduce alcohol consumption, which is relevant to SDG 6 as it addresses the issue of substance abuse and its impact on clean water and sanitation. Lastly, the article touches on the development of new therapeutic approaches, which aligns with SDG 16’s focus on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies with strong institutions.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
- SDG 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials
- SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
The article’s content suggests a connection to SDG 3.5 as the gene therapy treatment aims to address the harmful use of alcohol and reduce alcohol consumption among individuals with severe alcohol problems. It also indirectly relates to SDG 6.3 as the treatment could potentially contribute to reducing the negative impacts of alcoholism on water quality by reducing alcohol consumption. Lastly, the mention of developing new therapeutic approaches aligns with SDG 16.3, which emphasizes promoting the rule of law and equal access to justice.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, the article does not provide specific details about these indicators. To measure progress towards SDG 3.5, indicators such as the number of individuals receiving substance abuse treatment, the reduction in alcohol-related health issues, and the decrease in alcohol consumption rates could be used. For SDG 6.3, indicators could include monitoring changes in water quality and assessing the impact of reduced alcohol consumption on water pollution. SDG 16.3’s progress could be measured through indicators like the development and implementation of new therapeutic approaches and improvements in access to justice for individuals with severe alcohol problems.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | Indicators related to substance abuse treatment, reduction in alcohol-related health issues, and decrease in alcohol consumption rates |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials | Indicators related to monitoring changes in water quality and assessing the impact of reduced alcohol consumption on water pollution |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all | Indicators related to the development and implementation of new therapeutic approaches and improvements in access to justice for individuals with severe alcohol problems |
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Source: thetimes.co.uk
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