One-hundred-and-fourteen adults (66 females; 30.3 ± 11 years of age) participated in this study. This was a new cohort; none of the individuals participated in our earlier studies (Bednarski et al., 2012; Yan and Li, 2009). All participants signed a written consent after they were given a detailed explanation of the study in accordance with a protocol approved by the Yale Human Investigation Committee. All participants were without major medical, neurological, or psychiatric conditions, denied use of illicit substances, and tested negative in urine toxicology screen on the day of fMRI. All completed questionnaires to assess alcohol use, including duration (years) of regular use and detailed alcohol use behavior over the past year. Participants were also evaluated with the AUDIT (Babor et al., 2001). Individuals’ AUDIT score was calculated from the sum of 10 self-report questions regarding the level of alcohol use, alcohol-related problems, and concern expressed by others for one’s drinking behavior. Each question receives a score ranging from 0 to 4, with higher scores indicating a greater risk for having or developing an alcohol use disorder. None of
