Resting-State Functional Connectivity and Alcohol Use Disorder: A Case-Control Study

What is it about?

This study examined brain connectivity differences between adults with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and recreational drinkers. Using brain scans (resting-state fMRI) from 140 adults, we found that people with AUD had stronger connections in brain regions linked to motivation and emotion. These differences were associated with higher alcohol value and more mental health challenges, but not impulsivity. Our findings suggest that AUD involves unique brain patterns that heighten alcohol’s appeal and reinforce drinking as a way to cope with negative emotions.

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