The Reward Pathway

• Most addicting drugs bind to receptors on the neurons of the Ventral Regmental Area (VTA).
• The axons of the VTA connect with the nucleus accumbens (NA), the pleasure center.
• Drug or alcohol use results in a release of dopamine into the NA resulting in euphoria.
• The NA has neurons that extend to the frontal lobes and the amygdala.

Some interesting facts that I now consider when working with my younger patients.

• The frontal lobe does not fully develop until the age of 25, therefore relapse rates increase in this age populations.
• Addicting drugs over ride the pleasure center creating tremendous release of dopamine in the NA.
• Normal survival behaviors occur in the NA such as sex, eating and drinking to sustain life.
• When drugs or alcohol are introduced into the NA, they become more important to essential living than sex, eating or drinking.
• The amount of dopamine in one's brain is genetically mediated.
• This results in a greater amount of dopamine released when an addict uses alcohol or opiates compared to the non-addict who uses alcohol or opiates.
• It is important to realize that gambling, porn addiction overlaps with substance addiction. Over 50% of those with one addiction have a second addiction.