In conclusion, on the basis of the findings of the present study in a clinical population of male alcoholics following detoxification, it is suggested that the N2 in an equal probability Go/NoGo task may reflect conflict monitoring and effortful processing, and/or inhibition, at least in part. The results further indicate that alcoholics manifest deficient cognitive processing mechanisms, as evidenced by reduced N2 amplitude in general, and this reduction is more pronounced during effortful suppression of a motor response, in particular. The weaker NoGo N2 in surface potentials coupled with less activation of medial frontal cortex, mainly in the ACC and left superior frontal cortex (BA 10) as suggested by sLORETA findings in alcoholics, is suggestive of reduced functioning of these areas that participate in cognitive control. The deficits in these functions may lead to the resultant deficits in inhibition that may be reflected in impulsive behaviors.
