The Dopamine Factor In Addiction

Released on: February 05, 2010, 4:53 am
Author: Mountainside Drug Rehab
Industry: Healthcare

CONNECTICUT - A recent study out of London suggests that individuals with high levels of dopamine may be more susceptible to drug addiction and may be prone to engaging in high risk behaviors and activities.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for the natural reward system and provides pleasure and motivation within the brain. The recent study finds that the more dopamine within the brain, the less sensitive an individual is to it. This finding could result in better drug addiction treatment, better ADHD treatment as well as treatment for a host of dopamine-related afflictions. The study suggests that regulating the dopamine within an individuals' system may be more effective than blocking the dopamine receptors altogether.

“This is a very promising finding”, remarks an expert at Mountainside Addiction Treatment Center who have long been advocates of physiological and neural research. “A brain scan could be performed on a person in a higher risk group, such as those who have histories of family pre-dispositions to various addictions. There has been ongoing debate relating to neurobiological theories centered around the mesolimbic pathway, which these findings seems to support. The brightest part of this study is the potential for early intervention—that is crucial in any step of the addiction cycle. The earlier the intervention, the greater the chance for success. Obviously, truly anyone can recover with an effective rehabilitation program and the desire to change, however, statistics show the longer the addiction, the longer the recovery process.”

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is a comprehensive and innovative provider of treatment for individuals suffering from drug addiction and alcoholism. In addition to its inpatient services the organization also takes part in advocacy, outcome studies and outreach efforts. 

Mountainside's licensed and certified counselors, social workers and clinical treatment team and staff are dedicated to providing an unsurpassed treatment experience to its clients. With diverse areas of expertise, the treatment team works collaboratively with each client and their family to ensure that an individualized treatment plan is designed that will treat not just the symptoms, but the whole individual. With professionalism and compassion, each client is guided through every stage of recovery and encouraged to participate in a wide variety of evidence-based and cutting edge innovative treatment options.

If you or someone you love is in need of treatment or if you have questions please contact us at: 800-762-5433