7th Edition of Global Conference on
Addiction Medicine, Behavioral Health and Psychiatry
October 19-21, 2026 | Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Neural Circuits in Substance Dependence
Substance dependence alters neural circuits involved in reward, motivation, and self-control. The mesolimbic pathway, involving the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens, becomes hyperactive, reinforcing drug-seeking behaviors. The prefrontal cortex, which regulates impulse control, often shows reduced activity, leading to impaired decision-making. Chronic substance use also affects the stress-response system, mediated by the hypothalamus and amygdala, perpetuating cycles of craving and relapse. Advances in neuroimaging have illuminated these disruptions, paving the way for innovative treatments like deep brain stimulation (DBS) and neurofeedback. Understanding these circuits is key to developing targeted therapies for addiction.
Frederick J Goldstein
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, United States
Nile Stanley
University of North Florida, United States
Ann Marie Leonard Zabel
Curry College and NEALAC Clinic , United States
John Michael Weber
Trauma Healed Life Coach, United States
Denis Larrivee
University of Navarra, Spain
Steve Cohen
Medvesta Hypnosis Healthcare, 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 and NEALAC Clinic , United States
Title : The effect of Balint training on self-efficacy and empathy among medical students and the moderator role of personality traits and choice of specialty
Meni Koslowsky, Ariel University, Israel
Title : Sexualizing anxiety and anxiolytic sex: Misattribution of arousal
Sam Vaknin, Commonwealth Institute of Advanced Professional Studies, United Kingdom
Title : Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde revealed: Tales from the default mode network
Christopher Ashton, TeDDs on Chapel, Centre for Recovery, Canada
Title : Integrating bibliopoetry therapy and digital health technologies for inflammation management: A neuropsychosomatic perspective
Nile Stanley, University of North Florida, United States
Title : Addiction and the failure of meaning-forming
Jenni Guentcheva, GoodNeighbor LLC, United States