Because of differences in participant characteristics and methodological variations across studies, aspects of neurobehavioral and brain disruption and repair remain insufficiently documented. However, by relying on a combination of clinical and scientific approaches, including the continued use of longitudinal studies and multiple neuroimaging technologies, future research will help to refine the compensatory roles of healthy brain systems, the degree to which abstinence and treatment facilitate the reversal of brain atrophy and dysfunction, and the importance of individual differences to outcome. Ultimately, an important goal of neuropsychological and neuroimaging research into profiles of impaired, spared, and recovered functions in alcoholism is to inform successful strategies for prevention and treatment. Commendable advances already have been made.
