Neural mechanisms underlying approach and avoidance tendencies in alcohol use among males: An electrophysiological investigation

Abstract

A growing body of research highlights the prominent role of automatic alcohol approach tendencies in the development and maintenance of harmful drinking behavior. While some alcohol users show an approach towards alcohol-related stimuli, others exhibit avoidance patterns. Yet, the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying these opposing tendencies remain poorly understood. The current study addressed this gap by employing an Alcohol Approach-Avoidance Task (A-AAT) combined with electroencephalography on thirty-nine alcohol-using and twenty non-alcoholic participants to investigate neurocognitive responses underlying alcohol approach and avoidance tendencies. Alcohol group participants were categorized into approach (n = 20) and avoidance (n = 19) subgroups based on their behavioral scores in the A-AAT. Results revealed significant attenuation in P3 and FN400 event-related potentials (ERPs) in the alcohol-approach participants at frontal and parietal sites, respectively, in response to alcohol cues compared to both the alcohol-avoidance and non-alcohol participants. These attenuated responses indicate compromised controlled cue processing and impaired stimulus-response conflict resolution in individuals with stronger approach tendencies. Particularly, right prefrontal activity exhibited prominent differences between the approach and avoidance groups, highlighting its potential role in regulating automatic alcohol-related responses. Interestingly, the avoidance group showed neural profiles similar to non-alcoholic individuals, suggesting intact cognitive control mechanisms. The identified ERP markers provide clinical utility for assessing alcohol approach tendencies and monitoring progress during intervention. Findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions aimed at reducing harmful alcohol consumption by altering alcohol approach tendencies.