Unfolding the real-time neural mechanisms in addiction: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) as a resourceful tool for research and clinical practice

Neural underpinnings of addiction have been widely investigated using traditional neuroimaging techniques and paradigms. However, certain mechanisms are still underexplored, and existing studies often do not adopt an ecological assessment. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) emerges as a potential elective tool to assess real-time neural activity with high ecological validity, as well as a good spatial and temporal resolution. So far, fNIRS has been rarely used as an instrument to study the neural underpinnings of substance and behavioral dependence. Starting from the available scientific literature, we aim to present the various applications of fNIRS in the research field of addiction, leading to unprecedented advancements in research and clinical practice.