Idaho State University professor Fred Risinger is studying mice in hopes of unlocking some of the genetic secrets underlying alcohol craving.

The Associated Press reported Aug. 13 that Risinger's goal is to develop drugs that prevent cravings. "The majority of drugs I work with are so new they don't even have a name," said Risinger, chair of the school's Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. "I'm looking for an agent that eliminates craving while allowing people to maintain their daily functions."

Risinger said that human and mouse brains share some attributes, at least where addiction is concerned. "Every animal has the same motivational needs that humans do," he said. "Even though we know something is bad for us we have these primitive parts of the brain that tell us to do it anyway, and its very difficult to resist."

"There's pretty much a consensus that no matter what you are addicted to, that same primitive area of the brain is responsible," Risinger added, but noted, "Exactly how that brain area works is not a matter of consensus."