and challenge-state assessments were included in the current study and results specifically highlight 2 aspects of HPA axis dysfunction, namely, higher morning baseline corticotropin and neutral, relaxing-state corticotropin levels and lack of provoked HPA response to stress, the latter being consistent with previous work. The current study also expands on previous work to show that resting- or relaxed-state HPA axis function provides greater sensitivity and predictive power in terms of future alcohol relapse risk over the lack of reactivity in the provoked HPA axis responses. Therefore, consistent with preclinical research and expanding on previous clinical research, the current findings suggest high adrenal sensitivity as a potential marker of alcohol relapse risk and support the notion that normalizing of HPA axis function as a treatment target in alcoholism could have benefit in decreasing relapse risk.
