Neurobiology of Addiction/Substance Use Disorder

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The advances achieved in neurobiological research over the past several decades have transformed our understanding of addiction as a chronic disease of the brain and elucidated many of the key disruptions in neural pathways and neurotransmitter signaling that underlie the etiology, mechanisms, and clinical characteristics of addictive disorders. Facilitators will guide participants through the foundational neurobiological findings and concepts that have driven the new standards of care for the disease model of substance use disorder treatment and given shape to the changing recovery landscape, review the most recent research linking genetic mutations and epigenetic changes involved in the disease of the substance use disorder and the implications for future treatment and prevention strategies.

The learner will gain an understanding of the relationship between the neurobiological and neurochemical disruptions that occur in substance use disorder and contextualize this knowledge as it pertains to characteristic behaviors common to substance use disorders, the subsequent clinical implications, and treatment strategies. Also, participants will gain a broaden understanding of substance use disorder as a chronic disease of the brain and increase awareness of the evidenced-based treatment guidelines and recommendations supporting the use of both medication and behavioral treatments in an individualized and patient-centered model of treatment.

Objectives

• Identify how specific risk and protective factors contribute to the development and prevention of substance use disorders.
• Summarize the primary neurobiological disruptions occurring in the three identified stages of the disease cycle of substance use disorders.
• Discuss the neurobiological impact and adverse effects of specific addictive substances (drug classes).
• Recognize common reinforcing properties of addictive substances, their impact in relationship to emotional responses, compulsivity, and executive functioning and their clinical implications in the treatment of substance use disorders.

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