days prior to MRI scans. Clinical information regarding substance use, psychiatric disorder, and family history were assessed using a modified version of the semi-structured assessment of genetics of alcoholism (SSAGA) [55]. The majority of subjects were right-handed, with only a few who were either left-handed (5 in AUD and 2 in CTL group) or bi-dexterous (2 in AUD and 1 in CTL group). Clinical and psychometric data were collected at the SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, while the fMRI data were acquired at the Nathan Kline Institute (NKI) for Psychiatric Research. Standard MRI safety protocols and exclusion criteria (implants, tattoos, cosmetics, claustrophobia, etc.) were followed to ensure subjects’ safety and data quality. Individuals with hearing/visual impairment, a history of head injury, or moderate and severe cognitive deficits (<21) on mini-mental state examination (MMSE) [56] were also excluded from the study. All participants provided informed consent and the Institutional Review Boards of both centers approved the research protocols (IRB approval ID: SUNY–266893; NKI–212263).
