Neural Markers of Reward Dysregulation in Alcoholism Relapse Prediction

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Project Overview

Neural Markers of Reward Dysregulation in Alcoholism Relapse Prediction

RELAPSE-PREDICT: FCT Exploratory R&D Grant Project (2024.13959.PEX)

This project aims to identify neurobiological and cognitive-behavioral markers of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and evaluate their utility for predicting relapse after treatment. The project applies a multi-method clinical and translational approach that combines neural, cognitive-behavioral, and physiological measures with a prospective follow-up clinical design. By identifying markers of relapse vulnerability, this project aims to inform more specific targets for prevention and intervention.

Research Aims

Identify neurobiological markers of reward dysregulation in AUD
Characterize cognitive-behavioral markers associated with relapse risk
Evaluate whether multimodal markers predict relapse after treatment
Inform targeted prevention and intervention strategies for AUD

Methods

Neural measures of reward dysregulation and alcohol cue reactivity
Cognitive-behavioral assessment of relapse risk
Physiological markers relevant to relapse risk
Prospective clinical follow-up after treatment

Funding

This work is financed by national funds through FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., under the project 2024.13959.PEX

Total funding: 60,000€

Project DOI:

Research Team

Jorge Martins, PI (ISPA-Instituto Universitário)
Rajita Sinha, Co-PI (Yale University)
Bruce Bartholow (University of Iowa)
Francesco Versace (The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)

TMS in Modulating Brain Reward Circuity

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Project Overview

This project is a proof-of-concept study examining whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can modulate neural responses underlying reward processing in individuals with problematic alcohol use. Specifically, the study investigates whether TMS can reduce the overvaluation of alcohol-related rewards while enhancing neural responses to alternative "natural" rewards, and whether such modulation translates into changes in craving and alcohol consumption behavior.

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by a maladaptive shift in reward processing, whereby alcohol-related cues acquire heightened motivational salience at the expense of non-drug rewards. This imbalance is reflected in neurophysiological markers, including increased brain responses to alcohol cues and diminished responses to natural rewards. Such reward dysregulation is strongly implicated in craving, compulsive use, and relapse.

Emerging evidence suggests that these neural biases are not fixed and may be reversible. Studies using neuroimaging and electrophysiology have shown normalization of reward-related brain responses following sustained abstinence. More recently, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as TMS, have demonstrated the capacity to directly modulate these processes by altering activity in prefrontal–striatal circuits. This raises the possibility that TMS could serve as a translational intervention targeting core neurocognitive mechanisms of addiction.

Research Aims

Evaluate whether TMS can reverse biased neural responses to alcohol versus natural reward stimuli
Examine changes in electrophysiological markers of reward processing (P3 amplitude) following TMS
Assess whether TMS-induced neural modulation is associated with changes in craving
Determine whether these effects extend to behavioral indices of alcohol consumption in laboratory and real-world contexts

Methods

Experimental Paradigm

Passive image-viewing task with simultaneous EEG recording
Stimuli categories: alcohol-related, non-alcoholic beverages, neutral objects, and natural rewards
Behavioral ratings of stimulus valence (pleasant vs. neutral)
Pre- and post-TMS assessment of neural responses (P3 component)

TMS Protocol

Target region: left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)
Excitatory stimulation (10 Hz) paired with natural reward stimuli
Inhibitory stimulation (1 Hz) paired with alcohol-related stimuli
Active vs. sham-controlled quasi-experimental design
Counterbalanced stimulation order across participants

Behavioral and Clinical Measures

Craving assessment using visual analogue scales
Alcohol Taste Task to measure implicit drinking motivation
Daily ecological monitoring of alcohol consumption

Sample and Design

Non-treatment-seeking individuals with problematic alcohol use
Inclusion based on drinking patterns and health criteria
Quasi-experimental, translational design bridging lab-based neuroscience and clinical relevance

Significance

This study targets a central mechanism in addiction—reward dysregulation—using a mechanistically informed neuromodulation approach. By directly testing whether TMS can recalibrate the balance between drug-related and non-drug rewards, the project advances a translational framework linking neural processes to behavior. If successful, the findings will provide preliminary evidence supporting TMS as a scalable and biologically grounded intervention for reducing craving and relapse risk in alcohol use disorder.

Reward Dysregulation | Neuro Adx Lab

Neural Markers of Reward Dysregulation in Alcoholism Relapse Prediction

Project Overview

Research Aims

Methods

Funding

Research Team

TMS in Modulating Brain Reward Circuity

Project Overview

Background

Research Aims

Methods

Experimental Paradigm

TMS Protocol

Behavioral and Clinical Measures

Sample and Design

Significance