EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ABSTINENCE ON CRAVING, STRESS, AND NEUROBIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING IN MODERATE TO HEAVY ALCOHOL CONSUMERS

The importance of prevention in alcoholism is underscored by relapse rates as high as 70%. Although further development of addiction treatment remains a high priority, equally important is advancement in prevention. In this regard, attention is warranted on the neural and behavioral markers of vulnerability to transitioning from controlled drinking to AUD. Indeed, the majority of research to date has focused on alcohol dependen¬cy. Much less work has focused on a lifestyle including regular alcohol use without a history of AUD. The goal of this dissertation was to provide a step forward in the field of prevention research by studying individuals who exhibit moderate to heavy alcohol consumption (averaging 2.3 servings, 6 days per week). The specific aims were to evaluate the impact of imposed alcohol abstinence and normal drinking routines on stress and craving and to examine whether craving and brain connectivity are moderated by patterns of cardiac vagal tone.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Mayhugh, Rhiannon Elaine

• alcohol

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/90768

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/90768