Individual differences in behavioral flexibility predict future volitional ethanol consumption in mice

Chronic Ethanol Exposure Produces Persistent Impairment in Cognitive Flexibility and Decision Signals in the Striatum

“…The ability to make flexible decisions is substantially altered by chronic ethanol (EtOH) use and dependence across species, impairing goal-directed behavior while enhancing habitual or stimulus-oriented behavior [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] . Low cognitive flexibility may contribute to future escalation of substance use [8][9][10] , including EtOH intake in both rodents and primates [11][12][13][14] , and in heightening the risk of relapse to alcohol use in humans 15,16 .…”

“…Notably, neural signals in the DMS related to the decision outcome were enhanced, while those related to choice and choice-outcome conjunction were reduced, in EtOH-treated rats compared to the controls. These findings highlight the profound impact of chronic EtOH exposure on adaptive decision-making, pinpointing specific changes in striatal representations of actions and outcomes as underlying mechanisms for cognitive deficits.Cheng et al Page 3 10 , including EtOH intake in both rodents and primates [11][12][13][14] and in heightening the risk of relapse to alcohol use in humans 15,16 .Cognitive flexibility, evaluated through reversal learning tasks 17,18 , involves learning beneficial choice and adapting to new action-outcome contingencies. Although the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying chronic EtOH-induced reversal deficits are not yet fully understood, studies in humans have shown persistent disruption of reversal learning during protracted withdrawal from EtOH drinking [19][20][21][22] .…”

“…Cheng et al Page 3 10 , including EtOH intake in both rodents and primates [11][12][13][14] and in heightening the risk of relapse to alcohol use in humans 15,16 .…”

“…These findings highlight the profound impact of chronic EtOH exposure on adaptive decision-making, pinpointing specific changes in striatal representations of actions and outcomes as underlying mechanisms for cognitive deficits. 10 , including EtOH intake in both rodents and primates [11][12][13][14] and in heightening the risk of relapse to alcohol use in humans 15,16 .…”