7th Edition of Global Conference on
Addiction Medicine, Behavioral Health and Psychiatry
October 19-21, 2026 | Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Hypersensitivity in Substance Dependence
Hypersensitivity in substance dependence refers to an exaggerated response of the brain's reward system to substance-related cues, often resulting in cravings and relapse. This phenomenon is linked to neuroadaptations caused by prolonged substance use, where normal stimuli become less rewarding while substance-related stimuli become overly significant. Common signs include heightened emotional reactions, physical sensitivity, and amplified cravings when exposed to triggers. Addressing hypersensitivity involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and manage triggers, pharmacotherapy to stabilize neural pathways, and mindfulness practices to regulate emotional responses. Understanding hypersensitivity is crucial for creating targeted relapse prevention strategies, as it highlights the importance of addressing both environmental and neurological components of addiction.
Nile Stanley
University of North Florida, United States
Ann Marie Leonard Zabel
Curry College, United States
Edie Raether
NeuroShifts and Wings for Wishes Academy, United States
Sindu Padmanabhan
Bharathiar University, India
Kayla Albers
Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, United States
Jorja Jamison
Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, United States
Andrew Drasen
A Vision of Hope Media, United StatesSubmit your abstract Today
Title : The Storm Within: Neuropsychological Insights into Dysregulation and Substance Use in the Adolescent Brain.
Ann Marie Leonard Zabel, Curry College, United States
Title : Sexualizing anxiety and anxiolytic sex: Misattribution of arousal
Sam Vaknin, CIAPS, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Title : Workplace and occupational mental health: Supporting well-being at work
Sindu Padmanabhan, Bharathiar University, India
Title : Resilience in counseling: Processing grief for the addictions counselor
Kayla Albers, Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, United States
Title : Resilience in counseling: Processing grief for the addictions counselor
Jorja Jamison, Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, United States
Title : Identity restoration as a missing variable in relapse prevention
Andrew Drasen, A Vision of Hope Media, United States