HYBRID EVENT: You can participate in person at Boston, Massachusetts, USA or Virtually from your home or work.
7th Edition of Global Conference on
Addiction Medicine, Behavioral Health and Psychiatry
October 19-21, 2026 | Boston, Massachusetts, 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
Edie Raether
NeuroShifts and Wings for Wishes Academy, United States GAB 2026 Speakers
Owonaro Peter
Bayelsa State Drug Avuse Addiction Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee (BADAPARC), Nigeria
Sindu Padmanabhan
Bharathiar University, India
Andrew Drasen
A Vision of Hope Media, United States
Tero Moliis
Versantium, United StatesSubmit your abstract Today
Title : Integrating bibliopoetry therapy and digital health technologies for inflammation management: A neuropsychosomatic perspective
Nile Stanley, University of North Florida, United States
Title : Evaluation of prevalence and pattern of tobacco use in yenagoa city in bayelsa state south of nigeria
Owonaro Peter, Bayelsa State Drug Avuse Addiction Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee (BADAPARC), Nigeria
Title : Engaging learners through gamification, creativity, and human-centered design
Tero Moliis, Versantium, United States
Title : Neuropharmacological and regulatory drivers of tianeptine misuse in the united states: A growing public health concern
Darcy Tocci, NSU College of Pharmacy, United States
Title : Awakening sovereignty within: Healing trauma, releasing codependency, and returning to self-trust
Whitney Walker, Mental Health Therapist/ Podcast Host, United States
Title : You can save a life: Real conversations, real solutions for suicide prevention
frank King, The Mental Health Comedian, LLC, United States