Instrumental and Pavlovian Mechanisms in Alcohol Use Disorder

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleInvitedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Nuria Doñamayor - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • Claudia Ebrahimi - , Chair of Addiction Research, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • Maria Garbusow - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • Frederike Wedemeyer - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • Andreas Heinz - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • Florian Schlagenhauf - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)

Abstract

Purpose of Review Current theories of alcohol use disorders (AUD) highlight the importance of Pavlovian and instrumental learning processes mainly based on preclinical animal studies. Here, we summarize available evidence for alterations of those processes in human participants with AUD with a focus on habitual versus goal-directed instrumental learning, Pavlovian conditioning, and Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer (PIT) paradigms. Recent Findings The balance between habitual and goal-directed control in AUD participants has been studied using outcome devaluation or sequential decision-making procedures, which have found some evidence of reduced goal-directed/model-based control, but little evidence for stronger habitual responding. The employed Pavlovian learning and PIT paradigms have shown considerable differences regarding experimental procedures, e.g., alcohol-related or conventional reinforcers or stimuli. Summary While studies of basic learning processes in human participants with AUD support a role of Pavlovian and instru- mental learning mechanisms in the development and maintenance of drug addiction, current studies are characterized by large variability regarding methodology, sample characteristics, and results, and translation from animal paradigms to human research remains challenging. Longitudinal approaches with reliable and ecologically valid paradigms of Pavlovian and instrumental processes, including alcohol-related cues and outcomes, are warranted and should be combined with state-of-the-art imaging techniques, computational approaches, and ecological momentary assessment methods.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)156-180
Number of pages25
JournalCurrent Addiction Reports
Volume8
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85092742338
Mendeley da8f0eaa-9516-3055-b699-60c3a0462916

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Alcohol use disorder, Goal-directed control, Habits, Humans, Pavlovian conditioning, Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer