Neurobiology of addiction

Question 1

Reward pathway

Answer 1

prefrontal cortex
nucleus accumbens
VTA

Question 2

dopaminergic activity in the mesolithic pathway

Answer 2

motivating signal
incentivises behaviour
is involved in normal pleasurable experiences

Question 3

tolerance to reward

Answer 3

due to repeated dopamine release dopamine receptors are shut down

threshold for rewards during abstinence is thus increased

these changes persist despite prolonged abstinence from substance abuse

Question 4

orbito frontal cortex

Answer 4

key creator of motivation to act

increased activation in addicts

Question 5

striatum

hippocampus

Answer 5

habit learning

declarative learning

Question 6

acute stress triggers what

Answer 6

release of dopamine in the neural reward pathway

rapid increase can motivate drug seeking in dependent individuals

Question 7

chronic stress

Answer 7

leads to dampening of dopaminergic activity

reduces sensitive to normal rewards