Exploring why some people may prefer alcohol over other rewards

Medical Xpress

March 2, 2026

People with alcohol use disorders tend to prioritize alcohol over alternative rewards, and the neural underpinnings of this are unclear. In a study appearing in JNeurosci, researchers led by Nathan Marchant, from Amsterdam Medical University Center, used rats to explore the role of a brain region involved in planning and making decisions in pursuing alcohol or socializing with peers.