HYBRID EVENT: You can participate in person at Orlando, Florida, USA or Virtually from your home or work.
6th Edition of Global Conference on
Addiction Medicine, Behavioral Health and Psychiatry
October 20-22, 2025 | Orlando, Florida, USA
Neuroanatomy of Substance Dependence
Neuroanatomy of Substance Dependence
Substance dependence is deeply rooted in the brain's neuroanatomy, particularly involving the reward system, which includes the nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, and ventral tegmental area. These structures regulate pleasure, motivation, and impulse control. Drugs like cocaine, opioids, and alcohol hijack this system by artificially increasing dopamine levels, reinforcing addictive behaviors. Over time, chronic use leads to structural and functional changes, such as reduced gray matter in the prefrontal cortex, impairing decision-making and self-regulation. Neuroplasticity plays a dual role in dependence and recovery, with targeted therapies focusing on rewiring these neural circuits to restore normal functioning.
Committee Members
Nile Stanley
University of North Florida, United States
Ann Marie Leonard Zabel
Curry College, United States
Denis Larrivee
University of Navarra, Spain GAB 2025 Speakers
Scharbach Hugues
Paris University, France
Alphonsus Obayuwana
Triple-H Project LLC, United States
Michelle Charbonnier
MoNetwork, United States
Monica Zuniga Fajuri
Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center, United StatesSubmit your abstract Today
Title : Tailoring biblio-poetry therapies using AI and biofeedback for addiction treatment
Nile Stanley, University of North Florida, United States
Title : Clinical pharmacology of marijuana: Update 2024
Frederick J Goldstein, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, United States
Title : Gangstalking is real, should be studied
Sam Vaknin, Southern Federal University, United Kingdom
Title : Decoding aggression, violence, and substance use in adolescents with conduct disorders: Neurochemical pathways and interventions
Ann Marie Leonard Zabel, Curry College, United States
Title : Sensoria driven genetic decoupling and impaired areal integration in diseases of agency
Denis Larrivee, University of Navarra, Spain
Title : Positive outcome of adherence to the reward deficiency syndrome solution system treatment plan: A longitudinal study
Elizabeth Dale Gilley, The Elle Foundation, United States