Addiction and Its Neurophysiology

By Cléo Elbilia

The Dopamine System & The Reward Pathway

Dopamine System

Reacts to relevant stimulations to something that is pleasurable, important or worth paying attention too

Too Much Dopamine

DOPAMINE

Emotions, Motivation,

Balance, PLEASURE

=

Just To Make Sure…

This is how it gets to the blood!

Reward Pathway

Action, Reaction

How It Works

Dopamine System + Reward Pathway

Activated-Reward to the attention that is given.

-The dopamine catches attention, saying that it’s important.

-The first few times-> salient feeling (amazing!)

-Attention getter..

-After many repetitive times, the stimulations aren't as relevant.

-User uses more in order to get that feeling back.