Reduced left executive control network functional connectivity is associated with alcohol use disorders

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Addiction Research
• Brain Imaging

Background:

• Chronic alcohol abuse is linked to altered functional connectivity in key brain networks.
• Changes in executive control networks (ECNs) may impair an individual's ability to regulate alcohol consumption.
• Problematic alcohol use may stem from reduced network connectivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in network connectivity strength between individuals with problematic alcohol use and controls.
• To determine if reduced network connectivity mediates the relationship between drinking duration and alcohol-related problems.

Main Methods:

• Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to analyze 14 intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs).
• Connectivity strength was compared between 255 individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and 87 matched controls.
• Structural equation modeling examined the mediating role of functional connectivity in the link between drinking history and alcohol problems.

Main Results:

• Individuals with AUD exhibited significantly lower connectivity in the left executive control (LECN), basal ganglia, and visual networks compared to controls.
• Reduced LECN connectivity strength correlated with increased difficulty controlling drinking and greater alcohol use disorder severity.
• Reduced ECN connectivity mediated the association between years of drinking and the severity of alcohol problems.

Conclusions:

• Chronic alcohol consumption negatively impacts brain connectivity, especially within the LECN.
• Altered functional connectivity associated with chronic alcohol abuse may play a role in the development of alcohol dependence and relapse.
• Findings highlight the neural underpinnings of impaired alcohol control in individuals with problematic alcohol use.