a general decrease in reward system function (within-system opponent processes), are coupled with enhancement of cortioctropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the extended amygdala as well as blunting of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis (between-system opponent processes). Finally, compulsive dependent consumption involves poor inhibitory control and poor executive functioning, which are mediated by prefrontal cortical regions of the brain. For example, regions of the prefrontal cortex are selectively damaged by chronic intermittent alcohol and result in poor decision making that can engage and perpetuate the addiction cycle. This preoccupation/anticipation stage is associated with a narrowing of behaviors exclusively to those involved with alcohol seeking and consumption. Taken together, neuroadaptations in the brain reward, stress, habit formation and executive functioning centers coalescence to drive compulsive alcohol intake.
