In conclusion, this study provides initial evidence of alcohol cue-elicited habituation effects in fronto-temporal regions, despite continued alcohol craving, following a priming dose of alcohol in an alcohol dependent sample. Further, preliminary evidence is provided for potential region-specific moderating roles of alcoholism severity and OPRM1 genotype on priming-related changes in cue-reactivity. These results add to our understanding of the function of alcohol priming doses in the course of alcohol dependence by suggesting neural mechanisms and moderators (i.e., alcoholism severity, craving, OPRM1 genotype) underlying the escalation from moderate (e.g., 1–2 standard drinks) to heavy, potential binge drinking, alcohol consumption.
