7th Edition of Global Conference on
Addiction Medicine, Behavioral Health and Psychiatry
October 19-21, 2026 | Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Neural Pathways in Addiction
Addiction alters neural pathways in the brain, particularly those involved in reward, motivation, and decision-making. Repeated exposure to addictive substances or behaviors changes the structure and function of these pathways, making them more sensitive to cues associated with the addictive behavior. The brain regions most impacted by addiction include the mesolimbic dopamine system, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala. These changes result in impaired judgment, compulsive behavior, and an inability to control cravings. Over time, the individual may feel driven to continue using the substance or engaging in the behavior despite negative consequences. Neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to adapt, plays a key role in recovery, as therapeutic interventions can help rewire these pathways toward healthier behaviors and coping mechanisms.
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