Neural Correlates of Compulsive Alcohol Seeking in Heavy Drinkers

Biological Psychiatry : Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging
Erica N GrodinReza Momenan

Abstract

Compulsive alcohol use, the tendency to continue alcohol seeking and taking despite negative consequences, is a hallmark of alcohol use disorder. Preclinical rodent studies have suggested a role for the medial prefrontal cortex, anterior insula, and nucleus accumbens in compulsive alcohol seeking. It is presently unknown whether these findings translate to humans. We used a novel functional magnetic resonance imaging paradigm and tested the hypothesis that heavy drinkers would compulsively seek alcohol despite the risk of an aversive consequence, and that this behavior would be associated with the activity of frontostriatal circuitry. Non-treatment-seeking heavy and light drinkers (n = 21 per group) completed a functional magnetic resonance imaging paradigm in which they could earn alcohol or food points at various threat levels (i.e., various probabilities of incurring an aversive consequence). Brain function was evaluated when individuals had the opportunity to earn reward points at the risk of an aversive consequence, an electric shock on the wrist. Compared with light drinkers, heavy drinkers attempted to earn more aversion-paired alcohol points. Frontostriatal circuitry, including the medial prefrontal cortex, anterior ins...Continue Reading

Associated Clinical Trials

Citations

Sep 10, 2019·Addiction·Christina J Perry, Andrew J Lawrence
Sep 27, 2019·Alcohol and Alcoholism : International Journal of the Medical Council on Alcoholism·Erica N GrodinLara A Ray
Aug 23, 2019·Addiction Biology·Hu Chen, Amy W Lasek
Nov 23, 2019·Science·Kimberly Nixon, Regina A Mangieri
May 30, 2019·Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·Elisabetta BurchiEric Hollander
Dec 10, 2019·Drug and Alcohol Dependence·Lara A RayKate Wassum
Jan 25, 2021·Journal of Neurochemistry·Erin J Campbell, Andrew J Lawrence
May 1, 2021·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Anna K RadkeFrederic W Hopf
Aug 20, 2021·Science Advances·Esi DomiMarkus Heilig

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Basal Ganglia

Basal Ganglia are a group of subcortical nuclei in the brain associated with control of voluntary motor movements, procedural and habit learning, emotion, and cognition. Here is the latest research.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder involves a pattern of alcohol consumption that includes compulsive use and a loss of control over intake of alcohol. The impact on physical health, socioeconomic factors, and psychiatric health is profound. Find the latest research on alcohol use disorder here.

Aphasia

Aphasia affects the ability to process language, including formulation and comprehension of language and speech, as well as the ability to read or write. Here is the latest research on aphasia.