Probing the Influence of Neural Stress Responses on Problematic Alcohol Use With Real-time fMRI Neurofeedback (C04)

What this Trial Is About

This research focuses on understanding how specific brain networks influence the link between stress reactions and problematic alcohol use. Researchers aim to clarify the complex relationship between stress, alcohol cravings, and consumption by studying participants with problematic drinking habits. The study uses advanced brain imaging, cognitive tasks, and questionnaires to explore how stress impacts neural activity and drinking behavior. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receives real-time brain activity feedback from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) to help regulate stress responses, while the other receives prerecorded feedback from another participant as a control. Both groups undergo a stress test called ScanSTRESS during functional MRI scanning, followed by neurofeedback sessions where they try to modulate their brain activity. Saliva samples are collected to measure cortisol levels, and participants complete electronic diaries about mood, stress, and alcohol use over six weeks. During the study, participants complete questionnaires, perform mental tasks inside the MRI scanner, and attempt brain self-regulation with feedback. Researchers measure stress-related brain activation, cortisol levels, and self-reported alcohol craving at multiple points during the sessions. The six-week follow-up uses daily electronic assessments to track alcohol use, cravings, and stress, helping to understand how brain self-regulation relates to real-life drinking behaviors. Overall, the study combines brain imaging, biological tests, and behavioral data to investigate neural stress responses and alcohol use.

Using Neurofeedback to Understand the Relationship Between Stress and Alcohol Consumption