Quitting alcohol may prime the brain for relapse
Researchers studying mice have identified a specific brain region, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), that shows increased activity during alcohol abstinence. This activity is linked to a higher risk of relapse and compulsive drinking behavior even when the alcohol is made unappealing.
Why it matters
Understanding the neurological mechanisms behind 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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