Choosing the Optimal Brain Target for Neuromodulation Therapies as Alcohol Addiction Progresses—Insights From Pre-Clinical Studies

Henriette Edemann-Callesen, Segev Barak, Ravit Hadar*, Christine Winter

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of the Review: Development of addiction involves a transition from reward-driven to habitual behavior, mediated by neuroplastic changes. Based on preclinical findings, this article article reviews the current knowledge on the use of neuromodulation therapies to target alcohol addiction and essentially reduce relapse. Recent Findings: To date, only a limited number of preclinical studies have investigated the use of neuromodulation in alcohol addiction, with the focus being on targeting the brain reward system. However, as addiction develops, additional circuits are recruited. Therefore, a differential setup may be required when seeking to alter the chronic alcohol-dependent brain, as opposed to treating earlier phases of alcohol addiction. Summary: To promote enduring relapse prevention, the choice of brain target should match the stage of the disorder. Further studies are needed to investigate which brain areas should be targeted by neuromodulating strategies, in order to sufficiently alter the behavior and pathophysiology as alcohol addiction progresses.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)237-244
Number of pages8
JournalCurrent Addiction Reports
Volume7
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2020

Funding

FundersFunder number
Deutsche ForschungsgemeinschaftWI 2140/5-1, WI 2140/2-1
Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung01EE1406A, 01EE1403A

    Keywords

    • Alcohol addiction
    • Brain reward system
    • Neuromodulation
    • Neuronal circuits
    • Neuroplastic changes

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