Purpose of the study: To investigate the impact of chronic alcohol consumption on the functioning of the dopaminergic system of the brain and to identify key neurobiological markers of addiction formation.

Methods: The study included 156 patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence (mean age 42.3 ± 8.7 years) and 80 individuals in the control group. Functional MRI, plasma dopamine level assessment, and neuropsychological testing were applied.

Results: A statistically significant decrease of 34.2% (p<0.001) in the density of D2 receptors in the ventral tegmental area was revealed in patients with alcohol dependence compared to the control group. The basal dopamine level was reduced by 28.6% (p<0.01), while a pathological reaction to alcohol-related cues was observed, with an increase of 187% from baseline.

Conclusions: Alcohol dependence is characterized by profound impairments in dopaminergic neurotransmission, which explains the development of compulsive craving and loss of control over alcohol use.

Purpose of the study: To investigate the impact of chronic alcohol consumption on the functioning of the dopaminergic system of the brain and to identify key neurobiological markers of addiction formation. Methods: The study included 156 patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence (mean age 42.3 ± 8.7 years) and 80 individuals in the control group. Functional MRI, plasma dopamine level assessment, and neuropsychological testing were applied. Results: A statistically significant decrease of 34.2% (p<0.001) in the density of D2 receptors in the ventral tegmental area was revealed in patients with alcohol dependence compared to the control group. The basal dopamine level was reduced by 28.6% (p<0.01), while a pathological reaction to alcohol-related cues was observed, with an increase of 187% from baseline. Conclusions: Alcohol dependence is characterized by profound impairments in dopaminergic neurotransmission, which explains the development of compulsive craving and loss of control over alcohol use.

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