Neurobiology of Addiction

Abstract

Addiction is a disorder characterized by poorly controlled substance use despite negative health and social consequences. Additionally, the only behavioral addiction recognized in the main text of the DSM-5, gambling disorder, presents similarly to many substance addictions with respect to the underlying neurobiology and poorly controlled gambling despite negative consequences (e.g., financial, familial problems). This review first provides an overview of the diagnostic criteria for addictive disorders—both substance and nonsubstance—and subsequently reviews the extant literature examining epidemiology, including global prevalence and co-occurring disorders, as well as differences in addicted and nonaddicted groups with respect to genotype, brain function, and neurochemical systems. Last, the prognosis, quality of life, and current treatment strategies for addictions are discussed. The review also includes tables and figures to supplement the text, summarizes important points, and provides visual representations of tasks used to study cognitive aspects of addictions and addiction pathophysiology. This review contains 5 figures, 6 tables, and 81 references. Key words: brain function, cognitive function, epidemiology, functional magnetic resonance imaging, genetics, neurochemistry, positron emission tomography, treatment