Alcohol Alert: Imaging and Alcoholism- A Window on the Brain

The processes that initiate and maintain alcoholism are regulated by interactions among nerve cells (i.e., neurons) in the brain. These mechanisms interact with emotional, cognitive, and social factors to determine an individual's response to alcohol consumption. Imaging techniques allow scientists to study the link between brain and behavior with minimal risk to the patient. Using imaging, scientists can watch the brain in action as a person performs intellectual tasks, reacts to the environment, or experiences emotions. Data obtained before, during, and after a person has consumed alcohol can be compared and analyzed. Imaging offers the promise of integrating biomedical, psychosocial, and behavioral aspects of alcoholism, leading to improved prevention and treatment. This Alcohol Alert illustrates some current and potential applications of imaging to alcoholism research.

http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa47.htm

Publication Year: 2000

Publisher

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
5635 Fishers Lane, MSC 9304
Bethesda, md 20892
Phone: 301-443-3885
Website: http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/