Understanding and Targeting Relief Drinking in Alcohol Use Disorder

Individuals who drink alcohol to cope with negative emotions, such as stress and anxiety, represent an at-risk subgroup of alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, the mechanisms driving their heightened risk of harm are poorly understood. This thesis deepens our understanding of relief drinking through innovative technologies, including gamified cognitive testing and virtual reality immersion. It was found that these individuals struggle to shift from harmful drinking patterns to more adaptive coping strategies, placing them at greater risk of chronic relapse. Overall, this thesis informs the development of more effective treatments to improve clinical outcomes for those with AUD.