Neurobiological research describes one of mechanisms overlap in the Cortico-Striatal-Limbic Circuit (CSLC), which can be disrupted due to chronic stress and alcohol abuse that primarily modulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, from which cortisol is an end-product.

To investigate the effects of chronic stimulant abuse on the CSLC. This was examined by relating cortisol levels with grey matter volume in brain structures associated with addiction and stress.

We hypothesized that stimulant-dependent individuals show increased cortisol levels and abnormalities in the CSLC. We further hypothesized relationships between altered grey matter volume and increased cortisol levels in the patients.

Twenty-two alcohol-dependent individuals, men only and 21 healthy volunteers (matched for age and gender) underwent an assessment session. Cortisol, DHEA and DHEA-S was assessed in blood plasma. Mood, impulsivity and compulsivity were measured by clinical instruments.

Alcohol-dependent individuals showed higher levels of cortisol in blood plasma, and decreased levels of progesterone and its metabolites DHEA and DHEA-S, which were associated with distinct expression in impulsivity and compulsivity in alcoholic patients. Indices of these steroids were changed compared with healthy persons. Plasma cortisol was positively correlated with the duration of alcohol use. The relationships observed between cortisol, progesterone and its metabolites: DHEA and DHEA-S may be explained by abnormal functioning of HPA axis.

Optimizing of disrupted homeostasis during chronic ethanol consumption being provided with specific mechanism by manipulation of endogenous neurosteroids activity may prove a beneficial pharmacotherapeutic strategy in the intervention of alcohol abuse.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.