Neural and Mobile Assessment OF Behavior Change Among Problem Drinkers

Although problem drinkers (PD) are a less severe, highly prevalent sub-type of alcohol use
disorder (AUD) who are more likely to undergo reductions in alcohol use, compared to more
severe AUD, the underlying mechanisms that maintain PD, as well as the mechanisms that
underlie both spontaneous and treatment- related behavior change in this population, are not
well understood. This proposal takes a lab to life approach by combining functional
neuroimaging (fMRI), ecological momentary assessment (EMA), and brief interventions (BI) in
non-treatment seeking PD to test whether heightened incentive salience (reactivity) to
alcohol cues and impaired ability to regulate cue-induce craving are the mechanisms that
characterize PD, and play a role in behavior change vs. persistence of behavior. Identifying
these mechanisms is critical for testing and understanding treatments and uncovering who is
most likely to respond to interventions.

Inclusion Criteria (Problem Drinkers):

- Age 21-55

- English language fluency

- Strongly right-handed

- Have an average weekly consumption of greater than 14 standard drinks for women, and
greater than 24 standard drinks for men.

- Current DSM-V mild or moderate alcohol use disorder (AUD) diagnosis

Inclusion Criteria (Healthy Controls):

- Age 21-55

- English language fluency

- Strongly right-handed

- Have an average weekly consumption of less than 7 standard drinks for women and less
than 14 standard drinks for men and no heavy drinking days (>4/5 standard drinks for a
woman/man)

- No lifetime diagnosis of AUD

Exclusion Criteria:

- Past or current severe AUD as defined by DSM- V

- Currently seeking treatment or attempting to stop drinking

- Past or current alcohol withdrawal symptoms

- Current DSM-V diagnosis of substance use disorder (other than nicotine or caffeine).

- Recent use (past month, more than weekly) of recreational drugs.

- Current or recent (past 5 years) Major Depressive Disorder, Psychotic Disorder,
Bipolar

- Substantial risk of suicide or violence

- MRI contraindications (e.g., metallic implants, pacemaker, weight > 350 lbs, waist >
55")

- Hearing impaired/hearing aids, unable to read newspaper at arm's length with
corrective

- Objective cognitive impairment

- Current or recent (evidence of disease x 5 years) non-skin neoplastic disease or
melanoma. - Active hepatic disease (not a history of hepatitis) or primary renal
disease requiring dialysis, primary untreated endocrine diseases, e.g., Cushing's
disease or primary hypothalamic failure or insulin dependent diabetes (Type I or II).
Well-treated hypothyroidism will not be excluded.

- HIV infection

- Pregnant, lactating (participation allowed 3 months after ceasing lactation), or
currently intending to become pregnant

- Medications that target CNS (e.g., neuroleptics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants,
benzodiazepines) within the last month.

- Any history of ECT

- Brain disorder such as stroke, tumor, infection, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis,
degenerative diseases, head injury (LOC > 5 minutes), mental retardation

- Diagnosed learning disability, dyslexia, or ADHD

- For women: Current pregnancy or intention to be pregnant in the near future