The significance of the brain in the reward and withdrawal system of addiction
OA Version
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Abstract
Historically, addiction has been viewed as an immoral choice made by individuals. Recent studies have revealed that understanding the development of the addiction cycle is more complex than previously recognized. The cycle of addiction includes three stages: binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect, and preoccupation/anticipation. Each stage is governed by different regions of the brain. The basal ganglia control the binge/intoxication stage, while the extended amygdala is the primary region for the withdrawal/negative affect stage. The preoccupation/anticipation stage is regulated by the prefrontal cortex. These stages significantly influence the brain's positive and negative reinforcement reward system. Substance use leads to neurological adaptations that increase the difficulty for individuals to function physically and psychologically without the drug. To centralize the research on substance use disorder, this paper aims to highlight the significance of each brain region involved in the addiction cycle to develop a well-rounded treatment plan for patients with substance use disorder.
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2025