The addictive brain: all roads lead to dopamine

J Psychoactive Drugs. 2012 Apr-Jun;44(2):134-43. doi: 10.1080/02791072.2012.685407.

Abstract

This article will touch on theories, scientific research and conjecture about the evolutionary genetics of the brain function and the impact of genetic variants called polymorphisms on drug-seeking behavior. It will cover the neurological basis of pleasure-seeking and addiction, which affects multitudes in a global atmosphere where people are seeking "pleasure states".

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Addictive / genetics
  • Behavior, Addictive / metabolism*
  • Behavior, Addictive / psychology
  • Behavior, Addictive / rehabilitation
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Dopamine / metabolism*
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Pleasure*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2 / genetics
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2 / metabolism
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Signal Transduction* / genetics
  • Substance-Related Disorders / genetics
  • Substance-Related Disorders / metabolism*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / rehabilitation

Substances

  • Receptors, Dopamine D2
  • Dopamine