Other studies explored cerebral structural correlates that may relate to the current findings. Volumetric differences in the ACC prospectively predict alcohol-related problems in adolescence (Cheetham et al., 2014; Squeglia et al., 2014). Binge drinkers showed significantly low cortical thickness in the ACC than in light drinkers, suggesting that patterns of intermittent heavy alcohol consumption are associated with cortical thinning (Mashhoon et al., 2014). Lower gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA) and N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) in the ACC was also reported in adult binge drinkers (Silveri et al., 2014). Together, these studies speak to the importance of the ACC as a core region for cognitive control and dysfunction of the ACC as an etiological process underlying alcohol misuse.
