Sweet Preference, Sugar Addiction and the Familial History of Alcohol Dependence: Shared Neural Pathways and Genes‪.‬

This article will analyze the complex association between carbohydrate craving, or "sugar addiction," and familial history of alcohol dependence. One initial question, from a clinical perspective, is whether sugar addiction is synonymous with carbohydrate craving. Ingestion of carbohydrates, including simple sugars, leads to increased central production of serotonin, the calming and mood elevating neurotransmitter. Clearly in some individuals sugar-rich foods and meals act as powerful comfort foods. Recent research has identified an association between parental or family history of alcohol dependence and sugar addiction in some of their biological children. There are specific areas of the brain that are activated when some individuals consume sugar-rich foods or meals. An in depth examination of these important issues is warranted.