The discovery of a key role of the frontal cortex in addiction provides new approaches to therapy. Adolescent age and genetics are clear risk factors for neurodegeneration that could inform strategies to reduce drinking in high-risk populations and thereby prevent the progressive neurodegeneration and impulsive-addictive changes. Further, existing therapies for addiction involve frontal cortical activation. Naltrexone, a pharmacotherapy for alcoholism, increases OFC activity. Abstinence from alcohol induces brain regrowth and return of some cognitive abilities. Addiction therapies focused on enhancing abstinent brain activity and growth could become new approaches to treating addiction. In any case, there is substantial evidence that addiction is related to loss of frontal lobe function and increased impulsivity.
