Neuroimaging research supports the existence of multiple large-scale connected networks with distinct functional and behavioral domains (Laird et al., 2011, Fair et al., 2007) including complex cognitive systems involved in multi-level functions including decision-making, inhibition, and response control. Of particular interest, poor cognitive control has been suggested to be involved in the addiction cycle, particularly with respect to maintaining abstinence. These dysfunctions in control are thought to be further negatively impaired with chronic alcohol use (see reviews including (Moselhy et al., 2001, Lyvers, 2000)). While these ‘executive functions’ have historically been associated with the ‘frontal lobe’ (Baddeley et al., 1997, Miyake et al., 2000), a network, or systems, approach posits that the coordinated interaction of multiple brain regions is a critical component of executive function. Using a functional approach, bilateral executive control networks have been identified that include regions in the parietal lobe, DLPFC, the MFG and contralateral cerebellar areas (Shirer et al., 2012), which we queried for this study.
