Subjects underwent fMRI on 2 different days, with an average of 27.4 days (SD = 29.22) between imaging sessions. Each of these sessions involved either alcohol or lactated Ringer’s (placebo), in counter-balanced order across subjects. Infusion pump rates were controlled by a computer, with the infusion rate profile customized for each individual to achieve the same time course of BrAC for all subjects: A linear ascension to 50 mg% in 10 min, followed by constant exposure at 50 mg% throughout image acquisition. The placebo session infusion used the same pump-rate profile that was computed to target the BrAC of 50 mg% in the individual’s alcohol session, but infused only the Ringer’s lactate vehicle. Prior to and after every imaging session, breath alcohol was measured with an Draeger Alco-Sensor® IV breath alcohol meter (Intoximeters, Inc., St. Louis, MO).
