Intervention Program and Neural Mechanisms for Intertemporal Choice in Addicts

Abstract

Addiction can be divided into substance addiction and behavioral addiction. Although different type of addictions has its own specific characteristics on intertemporal choice, all of addictions show steep delay discounting. The neural basis of addicts' intertemporal choice deficits focuses on the valuation network(ventromedial prefrontal cortex, striatum and posterior cingulate cortex), the cognitive control network(prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex) and the imagery /prospection network(hippocampus and amygdala). We can use mental trainings to improve addicts' intertemporal choice deficits. With regard to intervention, Working Memory Training、Prospection / Imagery Training and Advisor-Teller Money Manager therapy are the effective ways which have been proved to reduce addicts' delay discounting. Future studies should pay attention to the cognitive mechanism of addicts' intertemporal choice deficits, the interaction between neural networks(valuation network, cognitive control network and imagery/prospection network), the basis of behavioral genetics and developing effective methods to reduce addicts' delay discounting.