Afferent Neurocardiac Signals, Cue Reactivity, and Cognitive Control

Afferent Neurocardiac Signals, Cue Reactivity, and Cognitive Control

Conscious attempts to regulate alcohol use are often undermined by automatic attention and arousal processes activated by alcohol cues, as well as by diminished ability to inhibit in-the-moment behaviors. The current study will examine whether a brief behavioral intervention of slow breathing paced at a resonance frequency of the cardiovascular system can interrupt automatic alcohol cue reactivity and enhance cognitive control in binge drinkers. Results from the proposed study may provide new prevention and intervention targets to interrupt unhealthy drinking behaviors.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Must report at least 2 binge drinking episodes in the past month
• Have normal or corrected-to-normal vision

Exclusion Criteria:

• History or presence of serious psychiatric disorders, neurological disorders, or head injury resulting in a loss of consciousness
• Presence of any serious medical condition
• Report of more than a few occasions (3-4) of illicit drug use, except for cannabis, in the preceding year