In this meta-analysis, we included contrasts that map both, reductions and increases in WM volume/density or WM integrity. In addition, we were able to integrate results from studies that used non-directional methods such as joint ICA [45]. This is possible because the ALE method itself tests directionally independent since it is not based on effect sizes [28], which is particularly useful in the context of clinical samples, where the effects may vary over the course of the disorder (e.g. as a function of the duration of abstinence or changes in the proportion of gray to white matter) [23, 26]. A close inspection of the contributing foci revealed that the ALE convergence clusters identified in our meta-analysis are largely based on studies that report a reduction of WM volume, density, or integrity in AUD patients.
