Top Substance Abuse Research of 2010

Drinking as few as 3 to 4 drinks a week can increase the risk of not only developing breast cancer, but also the recurrence of cancer in those who have previously been diagnosed with the disease.

People who drink too much, smoke, are inactive and have a poor diet substantially increase their risk of early death. These four bad habits can take an average of 12 years off your life, researchers found.

Male binge drinkers or heavy drinkers run a much greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer that men who don't drink at all. Depending on how much you drink, the risk could be six times greater.

Researchers have found another reason for pregnant women to stop drinking. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of acute myeloid leukemia by 56 percent.

College students who live in coed dormintories are much more likely to binge drink regularly, not as much as students living in fraternity or sorority houses, but more than those living alone or in gender-specific dorms.

A study of almost 5,000 adolescents discovered that the style of parenting teens are exposed to makes a big difference in whether they will engage in heavy drinking with they are still underage.

Women 60 years or older who drink more than the guidelines for moderate alcohol consumption run the risk of memory loss and other cognitive deficiencies. The risk is even greater for heavy drinkers over 60.

Of all ethnic groups, Hispanic teens of middle school age are more likely to engage in substance abuse - drinking, smoking or using marijuana - according to researchers.Of all ethnic groups, Hispanic teens of middle school age are more likely to engage in substance abuse - drinking, smoking or using marijuana - according to researchers.

Older adults are more likely to be heavy drinkers if they are socially active, have friends who approve of drinking and have financial resources. On the other hand, heavy drinkers are more likely to hang out with others who drink.