Quitting alcohol changes the brain and can increase the risk of compulsive drinking – new research in mice

Alcohol abstinence alters brain activity in ways that may drive someone with alcohol use disorder to relapse.

By: Danny G. Winder, UMass Chan Medical School and Marie Doyle, UMass Chan Medical School, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: August 14, 2026

Words: 840

Last Updated: 3 days, 10 hours ago

By Danny G. Winder, UMass Chan Medical School and Marie Doyle, UMass Chan Medical School

For some, abstaining from alcohol can subsequently increase compulsive drinking. Our research team found that, in abstaining mice, this urge to drink is preceded by changes in the activity of a particular brain region, pointing to potential new screening opportunities to identify and help those most vulnerable to relapse.

Although alcohol abstinence is associated with improved …

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