Modulating Reward Processing with tDCS to Reduce Alcohol Consumption in Heavy Drinkers

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 01:00:00 +0100

Project Overview

This project examines whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modulate neural mechanisms of reward processing in heavy drinkers. It will test whether stimulation can attenuate the heightened motivational value attributed to alcohol-related cues while enhancing neural responsiveness to alternative, natural rewards. The study will also investigate whether these neurophysiological changes are associated with changes in alcohol consumption behaviour.

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterised by dysregulated reward processing, in which alcohol-related cues acquire excessive motivational salience relative to non-drug rewards. This imbalance is reflected in neurophysiological measures, including enhanced neural reactivity to alcohol cues and reduced responses to natural rewards. Such alterations are closely linked to craving, compulsive alcohol use, and relapse. Importantly, reward-related neural biases may be modifiable. Neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies have reported more normative patterns of reward-related brain activity following sustained abstinence. More recently, non-invasive brain stimulation approaches, including tDCS, have shown potential to influence reward-related processes through modulation of prefrontal–striatal activity. By targeting the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying alcohol-related reward dysregulation, tDCS may provide a promising translational approach for reducing problematic drinking. However, the extent to which tDCS modifies electrophysiological markers of alcohol and natural-reward processing, and whether such changes translate into behavioural outcomes, remains to be established.

Research Aims

Determine whether tDCS can reduce biased neural responses to alcohol-related cues relative to natural reward stimuli
Examine pre- to post-intervention changes in electrophysiological markers of reward processing, specifically P3 and late positive potential (LPP) amplitudes
Assess whether tDCS-related changes in neural reward processing are associated with changes in executive functioning
Establish whether these effects extend to behavioural measures of alcohol consumption in both laboratory and real-world contexts

Methods

Experimental Paradigm

Participants will complete a passive image-viewing task during EEG recording, together with tasks assessing executive functioning. The experimental stimuli will include alcohol-related images, non-alcoholic beverages, neutral objects, and natural rewards. The tDCS intervention will be combined with cognitive training and image viewing. Neural responses, executive-function performance, and behavioural measures of alcohol consumption will be assessed before and after the intervention. The primary electrophysiological outcomes will be P3 and LPP responses to alcohol-related and alternative reward stimuli.

tDCS Protocol

Target region: left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)
Stimulation type: excitatory tDCS at 1.6 mA
Design: active, sham-controlled experimental design

Behavioural and Clinical Measures

Alcohol consumption motivation will be assessed using an Alcohol Taste Task. Self-report measures will assess craving, self-control, impulsivity, executive functioning, reward sensitivity, motivation to reduce drinking, psychological distress, and alcohol reinforcement.

Sample and Study Design

The study will recruit non-treatment-seeking heavy drinkers who are motivated to reduce or stop drinking. Eligibility will be determined by alcohol-consumption patterns and relevant health criteria. The project uses an experimental, translational design that integrates laboratory-based neuroscience measures with clinically meaningful behavioural outcomes.

Significance

This study addresses a central neurocognitive feature of addiction: dysregulated reward processing. It will test whether non-invasive neuromodulation can alter the relative valuation of alcohol-related cues and alternative rewards, and whether these neural changes are associated with reduced alcohol consumption. Demonstrating that tDCS can modify electrophysiological markers of reward processing and influence alcohol-related behaviour would provide important evidence for its potential as a targeted intervention for problematic alcohol use. The findings may help refine mechanistically informed approaches to reducing heavy drinking and preventing relapse.

Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) to Promote Neuroplasticity and Reduce Alcohol Use in Problematic Drinkers

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 01:00:00 +0100

Project Overview

This project investigates whether Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) can promote functional neuroplasticity in neural systems involved in reward processing and craving among individuals with problematic alcohol use. Combining electroencephalography (EEG), joystick-based approach–avoidance training, and daily ecological momentary assessment (EMA), the study will examine whether a multi-session CBM intervention can reduce automatic approach tendencies towards alcohol, modulate underlying neural responses related to reward processing, and translate into reductions in daily craving and alcohol consumption.

Background

Problematic alcohol use and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are partly maintained by automatic cognitive and motivational biases. Alcohol-related cues can preferentially capture attention and trigger approach tendencies, often at the expense of responses to natural rewards. These processes are associated with dysregulation in prefrontal–striatal circuits and with altered electrophysiological markers of cue reactivity, reward processing, and executive control. Cognitive Bias Modification delivered through an Approach–Avoidance Task (AAT) is a promising, non-invasive intervention designed to retrain these automatic motivational tendencies. During training, alcohol-related stimuli are repeatedly paired with avoidance movements, whereas natural reward cues are paired with approach movements. Although CBM has shown potential to reduce alcohol-related approach bias, its neurophysiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study will test whether joystick-based CBM produces measurable changes in EEG/ERP markers of reward processing and cognitive control, and whether these changes are associated with improvements in craving and alcohol use in daily life. Establishing these links would support a scalable, mechanistically informed behavioral intervention for problematic alcohol use and relapse prevention.

Research Aims

Evaluate whether multi-session CBM reduces automatic approach bias towards alcohol-related cues
Examine functional neuroplasticity through pre- to post-intervention changes in EEG/ERP markers of reward processing
Assess whether CBM-related neural changes are associated with reductions in daily craving and alcohol use, measured through smartphone-based EMA
Determine the feasibility and acceptability of combining laboratory EEG assessments, multi-session joystick-based training, and longitudinal daily app-based monitoring

Methods

Experimental Paradigm and Laboratory EEG

Participants will complete laboratory assessments before and after the intervention, including EEG recording during passive and active computer-based tasks. These tasks will assess neural responses to alcohol-related cues relative to alternative or natural reward stimuli. Participants will also complete standardized clinical and psychological measures of alcohol-use severity, craving, and behavioral tendencies.

CBM Intervention Protocol

Participants will complete five targeted CBM sessions using a joystick-based AAT. The training will implicitly pair alcohol-related cues with avoidance movements, requiring participants to push the joystick away, and pair natural reward cues with approach movements, requiring participants to pull the joystick towards themselves. Sessions are scheduled flexibly to support adherence.

Ecological and Behavioral Measures

Participants will complete daily EMA assessments via a smartphone application for 15 consecutive days. These assessments will capture momentary craving, alcohol use, contextual triggers, and relevant environmental or emotional factors in participants' everyday lives.

Sample and Design

The study will use a longitudinal design involving non-treatment-seeking adults aged 18 to 50 years with frequent or problematic alcohol consumption patterns.

Significance

This project addresses a central neurocognitive mechanism in addiction: the interaction between automatic alcohol-approach bias and dysregulated reward processing. By directly testing CBM as a potential driver of functional neuroplasticity, the study will clarify whether changes in automatic behaviour are accompanied by measurable changes in brain function and alcohol use behavior. The integration of high-temporal-resolution EEG measures with real-world EMA data will bridge laboratory neuroscience and daily-life behavior. If successful, the findings will provide neurophysiological evidence for CBM as an accessible, non-pharmacological approach to reducing craving and supporting relapse prevention in individuals with problematic alcohol use.

Reward Processing | NeuroAdx Lab

Modulating Reward Processing with tDCS to Reduce Alcohol Consumption in Heavy Drinkers

Project Overview

Background

Research Aims

Methods

Experimental Paradigm

tDCS Protocol

Behavioural and Clinical Measures

Sample and Study Design

Significance

Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) to Promote Neuroplasticity and Reduce Alcohol Use in Problematic Drinkers

Project Overview

Background

Research Aims

Methods

Experimental Paradigm and Laboratory EEG

CBM Intervention Protocol

Ecological and Behavioral Measures

Sample and Design

Significance