In the second installment of “On The Rocks: A Look At Wisconsin’s Alcohol Culture,” we talk to a doctor about how alcohol affects the human body and what treatment options are available. Then we discuss the John Doe investigation appeal heard Tuesday and learn about how World War I made its mark on global literature.
Featured in this Show
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Research Finds Adolescent Drinking Leads To Increased Risk Of Alcoholism Later
For children growing up in Wisconsin, watching parents or other adults drink to excess isn’t uncommon. This could lead to early alcohol consumption among some adolescents — a worrying trend given that evidence suggests that alcohol use early on in life predisposes an adult to alcoholism down the road.
Dr. Richard Brown, a professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, said that the bodies and brains of children and adolescents process alcohol differently than the bodies of adults.
Ultimately, Brown said, it’s not clear exactly how much alcohol needs to be consumed or how often in order to put a child at risk for alcoholism later in life.
While there’s no precise cut-off, Brown said it’s nevertheless something for families with genetic links to alcoholism to be aware of.
Researchers know which part of the brain is affected by early alcohol consumption. However, Brown said they don’t know exactly how early drinking makes someone more susceptible to alcoholism.
He said that his message for families with the genetic tendency toward alcoholism is clear: “We want to keep our kids away from alcohol for as long as we can.”
Editor’s Note: This story is the second part of a week-long series, “On the Rocks: A Look At Wisconsin’s Alcohol Culture” on the WPR program, “Central Time.”
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On The Rocks: A Look At Wisconsin's Alcohol Culture: How Alcohol Affects The Body
In the second installment of our weeklong series on alcohol use in Wisconsin, a doctor looks at how alcohol affects the body. He also explains new research showing a link between early childhood drinking and increased likelihood of alcoholism. And he discusses treatments for alcoholism.
For more information about the series, click here.
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Oral Arguments Heard In John Doe Investigation Appeal
Oral arguments in the John Doe investigation appeal began Tuesday afternoon at the 7th Circuit Court in Chicago.
The investigation was looking into whether or not Governor Scott Walker’s campaign illegally coordinated with third party groups in Wisconsin, like Club for Growth. That was halted by U.S. District Judge Rudolph Randa in May, as he decided that there was not sufficient guilt to continue the investigation. The 7th Circuit Court is deciding whether the investigation should continue.
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How World War I Forever Changed Literature
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I, which changed the world in expected and unexpected ways. An English professor talks about how literature was forever changed by the Great War.
Episode Credits
- Rob Ferrett Host
- Veronica Rueckert Host
- Dr. Richard Brown Guest
- Howard Schweber Guest
- Jen Shelton Guest
- Amanda Magnus Producer
- Galen Druke Producer
- Chris Malina Producer
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