Die Studie identifiziert einen direkten Zusammenhang im Gehirn, der Stress mit suchtbedingten Verhaltensweisen verknüpft. Sie zeigt, wie Alkohol das natürliche Stressreaktionssystem stört und es dem Gehirn erschwert, sich anzupassen oder gute Entscheidungen zu treffen

>The researchers found a pathway that connects the brain’s stress centers to the region responsible for habits and decision‑making. The stress centers include two small regions deep in the brain called the central amygdala (CeA) and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), which are areas that react when we feel overwhelmed, anxious or threatened.

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>These stress centers send messages using a chemical called CRF (corticotropin‑releasing factor). CRF is the brain’s main stress signal, released to help the body and brain respond during challenging situations

>The second major finding of the study shows how alcohol disrupts this helpful stress‑response system.
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>When alcohol was applied to the brain cells — during early withdrawal — it weakened the ability of CRF to activate the cholinergic interneurons. Alcohol on its own also slowed the activity of these cells.
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>In plain terms: Alcohol blocks the brain’s natural ability to adapt during stress.

>The discovery of this direct pathway gives scientists a clearer picture of how emotional stress can influence decision‑making and habit formation in the brain. It helps explain several well‑known but previously mysterious features of addiction:
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>- Stress is a powerful trigger for relapse: If alcohol has weakened the brain’s natural stress response, stressful moments may push a person right back into old habits.
>- Addiction involves rigid, compulsive behaviors: If the brain’s “flexibility” system is disrupted, it becomes harder to break out of harmful routines.
>- Withdrawal can make stress feel worse: The study found that even early withdrawal blunted CRF’s effects, meaning the brain might be especially vulnerable during this period.

[Alcohol attenuates CRF-induced excitatory effects from the extended amygdala to dorsostriatal cholinergic interneurons | eLife](https://elifesciences.org/articles/107145)

So I should quit booze?