Alcohol, PTSD and the Brain

Why do some of us drink responsibly while others struggle to regulate their alcohol consumption?  Why do those who have experienced traumatic events often choose to self-medicate with alcohol?

Dr. Onarae Rice, Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Furman University, says the answer might be found in the brain.  He will talk about that and more when he speaks at the High Noon lecture series Wednesday, Nov. 2 at the Upcountry History Museum-Furman.

His talk, “I Need a Drink!,” begins at noon.  It is free and open to the public.

Dr. Rice says there are many motivating factors that govern our desire to drink alcohol.  He will discuss alcohol’s neurobiological impact on the brain and its relationship to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) sufferers.  He will present some encouraging findings from his research laboratory that may lead to new treatments for those who abuse alcohol, especially PTSD sufferers.

The Upcountry History Museum-Furman is located at 540 Buncombe Street in downtown Greenville’s Heritage Green area.

For more information, contact Furman’s Communications office at 864-294-3107 or vince.moore@furman.edu.