Alcohol and Alcoholism Advance Access originally published online on February 16, 2007
Alcohol and Alcoholism 2007 42(5):417-422; doi:10.1093/alcalc/agl117
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Brain substrates of craving to alcohol cues in subjects with alcohol use disorder
1 Department of Psychology, Brain Research Institute, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
2 Army Substance Abuse Program, US Army, South Korea
3 School of Social Work, University of Texas Austin, TX, USA
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed at: Jin-Hun Sohn, Department of Psychology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 305-764, South Korea, Tel: +82 42 821 6369; Fax: +82 42 821 8875; E-mail: jhsohn{at}cnu.ac.kr
Received 24 November 2006; accepted 6 December 2006
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Abstract |
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Aims: This study's purpose was to identify the neural substrates and mechanisms responsible for craving among subjects with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods: Alcohol abusers with AUD (n = 9) and demographically similar non-abusers (n = 9) participated in this study. After given 5 cc of alcohol, subjects were exposed to different types of stimuli [i.e. alcohol, non-alcoholic beverage, and visual control pictures and one rest (cross-hair)]. Craving levels were rated through self-report on a Likert scale immediately after the presentation of visual cues. Results: Brain activations in the fusiform gyri, temporal gyri, parahipocampal gyrus, uncus, frontal gyri, and precuneus were correlated with the level of craving among subjects with AUD in response to alcohol cues. Conclusions: In conclusion, specific brain regions were identified that are associated with craving among subjects with AUD.