In separate analyses within the total AUD group, categorical (9 binge vs. 11 continuous drinking, 8 current nicotine dependence vs. 12 non-dependence, and 11 stimulant dependence vs. 9 non-dependence) and continuous (lifetime alcohol consumption, length of alcohol dependence, length of sobriety) variables characterizing alcoholism were evaluated for their relations to regional metabolite levels. Regarding dichotomous variables in the AUD subgroups, binge drinking and history of stimulant dependence but not nicotine dependence were significant factors. Specifically, relative to non-binge drinking alcoholics, binge drinkers had higher thalamus levels of Cho (t=2.539, p=0.022) and tCr (t=2.427, p=0.026). Relative to non-stimulant dependent history, alcoholics with past stimulant dependence had lower frontal Cho levels (t=2.195, p=0.043) and lower thalamus Cho (t=2.988, p=0.008) and Glu (t=2.189, p=0.0455) levels.
