Citation

Salib AN, Ho AL, Sussman ES, Pendharkar AV, Halpern CH. Brain Sci. 2018; 8(6): e8060095.

Affiliation

Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Edwards Bldg./R-227, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. chalpern@stanford.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Switzerland Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI) AG)

DOI

10.3390/brainsci8060095

PMID

29843426

Abstract

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a prevalent condition characterized by chronic alcohol-seeking behaviors and has become a significant economic burden with global ramifications on public health. While numerous treatment options are available for AUD, many are unable to sustain long-term sobriety. The nucleus accumbens (NAcc) upholds an integral role in mediating reward behavior and has been implicated as a potential target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the context of AUD. DBS is empirically thought to disrupt pathological neuronal synchrony, a hallmark of binge behavior. Pre-clinical animal models and pilot human clinical studies utilizing DBS for the treatment of AUD have shown promise for reducing alcohol-related cravings and prolonging abstinence. In this review, we outline the various interventions available for AUD, and the translational potential DBS has to modulate functionality of the NAcc as a treatment for AUD.

Language: en

Keywords

alcoholism; binge drinking; deep brain stimulation; mouse models; neuromodulation; nucleus accumbens