Beyond applications of behavioral data, it will be a distinct challenge to devise ways to make use of neuroimaging data in any concrete “clinical” application, so for now its value lies primarily in better understanding neural aspects of AUDs. One possibly fruitful future direction will be to integrate fMRI or similar functional neuroimaging assessments into trials of emerging experimental pharmacological approaches designed to reduce urges to drink. Such research might discover how exactly these medications influence neural substrates associated with impulsive alcohol use in ways that could dramatically improve our understanding of links between impulsivity and AUDs. Additional neurobehavioral research targeting the link between impulsivity and alcohol use is needed, particularly studies that build on findings specific to unique dimensions of impulsivity as they relate to distinct stages in the development of AUDs
