Application of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging to Addiction Research

This chapter focuses on application of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) methodologies and their relevance to drug addiction research. It introduces the significant features and characteristics of currently available MRS techniques and summarizes empirical findings. It outlines limitations of current MRS approaches and highlights potential future research directions to provide an enhanced understanding of brain mechanisms that underlie addiction. Functional and structural alterations observed in neuroimaging studies support conclusion that chronic exposure to alcohol results in neurotoxic effects on brain. The chapter reviews a number of MRS studies for neurometabolite quantification and localization in each patient group dependent on different classes of substance. Ongoing and future studies to expand the use of MRS findings as a potential surrogate biomarker have unique clinical benefits. This edition first published 2013