Work

Neurobehavioral differences in value-based decision making between people with cocaine use disorder and controls.

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: = 34 total). Both groups were sensitive to reinforcement probabilities, but pwCocUD made significantly fewer choices for the high probability reward option. Reinforcement learning modeling revealed that pwCocUD had lower β parameter estimates, indicating reduced consistency in using relative option values to make choices. Significant correlations between the application of value (i.e., β parameter) and value-modulated activity during choice deliberation were identified in brain regions previously linked to reinforcement learning and exploiting versus exploring choice options in both groups. A significant group difference in the strength of this relationship was found in medial frontal control regions, including the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, which has been associated with the explore-exploit trade-off, suggesting that the differential engagement of these areas contributed to group differences in choice behavior. This research contributes to our understanding of suboptimal decisions made by pwCocUD in uncertain, low-reward contexts and support targeting networks involved in value-based decision making for neuromodulation intervention development. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Source: Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology

DOI: 10.1037/pha0000840