Addiction is a pathological form of very strong memory that hijacks the brain reward pathway, making drug use the sole goal of existence. The basis of this disease lies in synaptic plasticity – the ability of the brain to adapt to the surrounding Stimuli by modifying the strength and number of synapses. This project focuses on synaptic plasticity of alcohol addiction, specifically adaptations occurring in alcohol relapse. Within two brain structures – basolateral amygdala and nucleus accumbens – that are principal to execution of motivated behavior, we aim on locating neurons that respond to alcohol-associated cues. Furthermore, by influencing the activity of alcohol cue-specific neurons with genetically engineered tools, we aim to block their contribution to the brain circuitry that controls relapse. The project will therefore provide fundamental knowledge on the basis of addiction, which is necessary in order to attempt to find a strategy for therapeutic treatment.