Implicit Learning in Addiction

Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) affect more than 11 million people in Europe (~3.4% of the population). Basic research in the field is conducted in animal models, using conditioning tasks, and then translated to humans.

However, this translation is limited by multiple factors, and one reason is that animal research uses objective behavioral and physiological measures, which is very different from human research based on conscious subjective reports (i.e., craving).

A solution to this disconnect is to study human conditioned responses implicitly, without participants’ conscious cognitive control. In my previous research, I have developed novel procedures to measure implicit Pavlovian conditioning.

Through 3 experiments I will use these techniques to study implicit reward and aversive sensitivity across the alcohol use spectrum.

The first objective is to study the implicit processes characterizing hazardous drinkers and students diagnosed with AUD (WP1). The second objective is to better understand the neural and behavioral correlates of implicit learning (WP2).

As part of this multidisciplinary project, I will develop my skills as a scientist; I will learn new experimental techniques (i.e., EEG) and obtain experience in longitudinal research. I will also gain leadership and management skills as an independent researcher. Prof. Wiers, the supervisor of this project, is a leading expert in addiction and implicit processing.

Under his mentorship, I will increase my knowledge about addiction research and create academic relationships with his network of collaborators.

The findings and publications generated through this project can significantly impact the addiction field, increasing theoretical understanding of AUD and providing us with novel clinical and diagnostic tools with large societal and clinical impact.

I will use this project as foundation to gain the skills and experiences necessary to in the future lead my own laboratory on cognitive psychology and addiction.