7th Edition of Global Conference on
Addiction Medicine, Behavioral Health and Psychiatry
October 19-21, 2026 | Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Neuropharmacology of Relapse in Substance Dependence
Relapse is a common and complex challenge in substance dependence, driven by alterations in the brain's reward and stress systems. Chronic substance use dysregulates neurotransmitters like dopamine, glutamate, and GABA, leading to cravings and reduced impulse control. Neuroplastic changes in the prefrontal cortex impair decision-making, while the amygdala's heightened sensitivity increases emotional triggers. Stress and environmental cues often act as catalysts for relapse. Pharmacological interventions such as naltrexone, buprenorphine, and anti-craving agents target these mechanisms to prevent relapse. Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings enables the development of personalized treatment plans, combining medication with behavioral therapies to address the root causes and promote long-term abstinence.
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
Sindu Padmanabhan
Bharathiar University, India
Kayla Albers
Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, United States
Jorja Jamison
Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, 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 : Sexualizing anxiety and anxiolytic sex: Misattribution of arousal
Sam Vaknin, CIAPS, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Title : Workplace and occupational mental health: Supporting well-being at work
Sindu Padmanabhan, Bharathiar University, India
Title : Resilience in counseling: Processing grief for the addictions counselor
Kayla Albers, Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, United States
Title : Resilience in counseling: Processing grief for the addictions counselor
Jorja Jamison, Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, United States
Title : Identity restoration as a missing variable in relapse prevention
Andrew Drasen, A Vision of Hope Media, United States