A preclinical study led by a neuroscientist shows that dysregulated kappa-opioid receptors (KORs) in the brain's medial prefrontal cortex region (part of the frontal lobe) contribute to working memory deficits in severe alcohol dependence. The researchers discovered that an antagonist compound used to block KORs alleviated these working memory deficits and may help restore 'normal' executive function needed to make better decisions about alcohol consumption.