7th Edition of Global Conference on
Addiction Medicine, Behavioral Health and Psychiatry
October 19-21, 2026 | Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Reward System Dysfunction
The brain's reward system plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of addictive behaviors. In individuals with addiction, the reward system may become dysregulated, leading to a heightened response to substances and a diminished ability to feel pleasure from non-addictive activities. Dysfunction in key areas, such as the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area, can alter the release and processing of dopamine, reinforcing addictive behaviors. This dysregulation can create a vicious cycle where the individual continually seeks the substance or behavior to achieve the pleasurable feeling, even in the face of negative consequences. Treatment often involves therapies aimed at restoring balance within the reward system, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and mindfulness practices.
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
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 : PIVOT: Predictive intervention for vaping using resonance modeling of oscillatory, psychological, and trigger dynamics
Aadya, Issaquah High School, United States
Title : Beyond the myths: Bipolar disorder, recovery, and the power of compassionate care
Pakesta Washington, Washington Elite Nursing Consultants, United States
Title : Addiction and the failure of meaning-forming
Jenni Guentcheva, GTI, United States