All the participants were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5, to determine that they met the criteria for alcohol dependence; the healthy participants did not meet any of the DSM-5 criteria for current axis I disorders. Participants with IQ scores below 80 measured by WAIS-IV (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition) (32), current symptoms of neurological abnormalities, history of psychotic symptoms, current use of any psychotropic medication, and conditions that would preclude MRI scans (i.e., claustrophobia or metal in the body) were excluded from the study.
