Quitting alcohol may prime the brain for relapse
Researchers studying mice found that forced abstinence from alcohol can trigger brain activity in the BNST region, potentially increasing the risk of relapse. The study suggests that physical changes during withdrawal may drive compulsive drinking behaviors even when the alcohol is made unappealing.
Why it matters
Understanding the neurological mechanisms of alcohol relapse could lead to better screening tools and treatments for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.
For some, abstaining from alcohol can subsequently increase compulsive drinking . Our research team found that, in abstaining mice, this urge to drink is preceded by changes in the activity of a particular brain region , pointing to potential new screening opportunities to identify and help those most vulnerable to relapse.
Although alcohol abstinence is associated with improved health outcomes , addiction researchers have theorized that brain changes that occur during abstinence may increase a person's risk of relapse .
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