Dysfunctional approach behavior triggered by alcohol‐unrelated Pavlovian cues predicts long‐term relapse in alcohol dependence

• DOI: 10.1111/adb.12703
• Publication Date: 2018-12-18T14:13:01Z
• Authors: Christian Sommer; Julian Birkenstock; Maria Garbusow; Elisabeth Obst; Daniel J. Schad; Nadine Bernhardt; Quentin M. Huys; Friedrich M. Wurst; Wolfgang Weinmann; Andreas Heinz; Michael N. Smolka; Ulrich S. Zimmermann
• Keywords: Stimulus (psychology); Dysfunctional family

Abstract Pavlovian conditioned cues (CSs) can drive instrumental behavior in alcohol‐dependent patients. However, it remains unclear if the influence of CSs might also promote maladaptive decisions that increase risk relapse. We studied 109 abstinent patients and 93 controls who completed a Pavlovian‐to‐instrumental transfer (PIT) paradigm, assessed patients' subsequent relapse status during 1‐year follow‐up. In our PIT task, participants had to collect “good shells” (instrumental approach) or leave “bad inhibition) presence money‐related drink‐related pictures background. indicated either monetary gain (ie, 1€, 2€), loss ‐1€, −2€) neutral stimulus (0€). Drink‐related background were participants' favorite alcoholic drink water. found on effect) was more pronounced future relapsers compared with abstainers controls. Relapsers particularly failed correctly perform trials where required inhibition while CS gain. Under condition, approached stimulus, independent expected punishment. contrast, we no difference between when presented. The failure inhibiting an aversive favor approaching appetitive non‐alcohol‐related context cue reflect dysfunctional altered learning mechanisms relapsers. A possible relation decision making lead high‐risk situations for is discussed.