Brain anomalies may explain impulsive decision-making among alcoholics

By Staff Writer

A new study reveals that individuals who are dependent on alcohol may have functional anomalies in their brains which impacts cognitive and emotional control.

The report, which will appear in the July issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, is based on functional magnetic resonance imaging on 150 patients - 103 males and 47 females - with a range of alcohol use disorders. They were asked to complete a delay discounting task, which involved choosing between a small monetary reward immediately or a larger reward two weeks later.

Researchers found that individuals with severe alcohol dependence who delayed the reward engaged the insula and supplementary motor area of their brain - which is involved in emotional processing and response conflict - to a greater degree than individuals with less severe drinking problems.

These findings indicate that alcoholics may be more impulsive because their brain is aversive to delay gratification. Clinicians or counselors who work with addicts should develop treatment plans that deal with choosing future benefits over immediate rewards, according to the study's authors.

Problem teens who consume alcohol can benefit from tough love. Parents may consider explaining how instant gratification can lead to serious problems down the road.