Imaging of Alcohol and Reward Seeking Behavior
Investigating Brain Reward Centers and Alcohol Use
Brief description of study.
This is a research study about the brain's reward centers and what they might tell us about the brain's reward system and the risk for developing alcoholism.
Detailed description of study
The purpose of this study is to determine how particular human brain reward regions and striatal dopamine are involved in alcohol seeking behaviors, separate from and uncontaminated by alcohol intoxication. This study will therefore help us to understand the physiological mechanisms of the motivated behaviors that drive maladaptive behavior in alcohol use disorders.
Eligibility of study
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Conditions: Healthy
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Age: 21 years - 30 years
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Gender: All
Inclusion Criteria
Subject who drinks alcohol
Able to understand questionnaires/procedures in English
This study investigates the brain's reward centers and their connection to the risk of developing alcoholism. The purpose of this study is to explore how specific brain regions related to rewards and a chemical called dopamine are involved in behaviors that lead to alcohol use, without the influence of being intoxicated. Understanding these brain functions may explain why some people develop harmful drinking habits.
Participants in the study will undergo various procedures to assess their brain activity and responses related to reward and alcohol-seeking behaviors. These procedures are designed to be safe and help researchers understand the physiological processes behind alcohol use disorders.
- Who can participate: Participants must be individuals who consume alcohol and can understand questionnaires and procedures in English.
- Study details: Participants will engage in activities to assess brain function related to alcohol-seeking behaviors. They will be compensated for their participation.