New insights on neurobiological mechanisms underlying alcohol addiction

► Metaplasticity in mesolimbic dopamine neurons and addiction vulnerability. ► Connectivity of the extended amygdala to the VTA: the stress and reward interface. ► Interaction of CRF and GABAergic systems in alcohol dependence. ► Neurosignaling mediated by CRF-GABA and mGluR-homer protein in binge drinking. ► Alcohol effects on structural and functional plasticity of dendritic spines.