HYBRID EVENT: Join us in person in Boston, Massachusetts, USA or attend virtually from anywhere.
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
Frederick J Goldstein
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, United States
Nile Stanley
University of North Florida, United States
Ann Marie Leonard Zabel
Curry College, United States GAB 2026 Speakers
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, United States
Title : Integrating bibliopoetry therapy and digital health technologies for inflammation management: A neuropsychosomatic perspective
Nile Stanley, University of North Florida, United States
Title : Trauma: Till death do us part
John Michael Weber, Trauma Healed Life Coach, United States
Title : Power, the underlying psychosocial factor in sexual trauma
Maryam Hazeghazam, Jesse Brown VA MC, United States
Title : Beyond abstinence: Understanding the shape of compulsive substance use, recovery and relapse
Antonio M Ocana, Epiphany360.io, Spain
Title : Medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder: Successes, failures, and the precision psychiatry model in opioid use disorder care
Obianuju M Akujuobi, Rochester Regional Health, United States