Addiction history moderates the effect of prefrontal 10-Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation on habitual action selection

Abstract

Treating the executive dysfunction associated with addiction is hampered by redundancies in pharmacological regulation of different behavioral control circuits. Thus, nonpharmacological interventions hold promise for addiction treatment. Here, we show that, among people with an addiction history, 10-Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (10Hz-tACS) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex can reduce habitual actions. The fact that 10Hz-tACS can regulate behavioral flexibility suggests its possible utility in reducing harmful habitual actions.