Researchers at a major British university analyzed how long-term alcohol use reshapes brain structure and function. The study found that chronic drinking can disrupt specific brain networks, reducing the effectiveness of some treatments for alcohol use disorder. The work appears in a respected peer-reviewed journal, Psychological Medicine, where it joins a growing body of evidence on how addiction alters neural circuits and treatment response.
To probe potential interventions, the team tested a form of noninvasive brain stimulation known as CPAS, aiming to heighten the brain’s resistance to cravings and the urge to drink.
CPAS works by delivering tightly spaced magnetic pulses to select regions of the cerebral cortex. The goal is to strengthen synaptic connections and improve the efficiency of neural pathways involved in impulse control and decision making. When these networks function optimally, individuals may better resist temptations and regulate behavior in situations that typically trigger drinking.
In the trial, 55 adults participated, including 20 individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. All received magnetic stimulation over multiple sessions. Among healthy volunteers, CPAS produced a noticeable reduction in urge-related impulses and a faster initiation of inhibitory responses. In contrast, participants with alcohol dependence showed little to no improvement in these measures, suggesting that their brains respond differently to this neuromodulation approach.
The study authors interpreted the findings as evidence that chronic alcohol exposure can drive neuroadaptive changes that alter how the brain responds to neuromodulation techniques like CPAS. These changes may influence neuroplasticity in circuits governing craving, reward, and self-control, potentially dampening the beneficial effects of magnetic stimulation on behavior and impulse regulation.
These results align with broader research indicating that addiction reshapes brain networks and can limit certain promising interventions. The researchers emphasized the importance of tailoring treatments to individual brain states and exploring combination strategies that may enhance efficacy for people with a history of heavy drinking.
In parallel developments, neuroscientists have been exploring new approaches to help those who have experienced trauma recover from alcohol-related disorders. Recent work points to the potential of integrative therapies that address both psychological factors and neural function, offering a more comprehensive path forward for individuals who carry trauma histories and struggle with craving and relapse.