It is important to note that although abnormalities have been found in widespread brain regions of alcoholics, researchers who have investigated networks of neural structures subserving the specific profiles of neuropsychological domains observed to be impaired (as discussed below) have emphasized the contributions of two distinct but overlapping systems: the frontocerebellar system (Figure 2) and the mesocorticolimbic circuitry (Figure 3) (Sullivan et al., 2003; Fuster, 2008; Harris et al., 2008; Makris et al., 2008; Goldstein and Volkow, 2011). Importantly, both of these extensive systems control functions that could prevent alcoholics from being able to employ good judgment and avoid the negative behaviors and actions associated with addiction.
