The article provides an in-depth exploration of various neurobiological models that explain the mechanisms underlying addiction. Authored by Carmen Ferrer-Pérez, Sandra Montagud-Romero, and María Carmen Blanco-Gandía, the review traces the evolution of addiction theories, starting from early models like the Opponent-Process Theory to more recent approaches such as the Neuroinflammation Theory. The article emphasizes that these theories are not mutually exclusive but often build upon each other to provide a holistic understanding of addiction. It discusses how different brain systems, including the dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems, contribute to addiction by altering reward processing, motivation, and stress responses. The review highlights the complexity of addiction, arguing that an interdisciplinary approach that considers both biological and environmental factors is crucial for developing effective treatments.
This course is based on the reading-based online article, Neurobiological Theories of Addiction: A Comprehensive Review created by Carmen Ferrer-Pérez, PhD et al. in 2024.
Publication Date:
1st Edition 1/23/2024
Course Material Authors
Course Material Authors authored the material only, and were not involved in creating this CE course. They are identified here for your own evaluation of the relevancy of the material this course is based on.
Carmen Ferrer-Pérez, PhD
Dr. Ferrer-Pérez is an assistant professor in the Department of Developmental Psychology at the University of Valencia. Her work focuses on neurobiology and she has been published in multiple peer reviewed journals.
Sandra Montagud-Romero
Dr. Montagud-Romero is an assistant professor in the Department of Developmental Psychology at the University of Valencia. Her work focuses on Psychobiology of Drug Dependence and she has been published in multiple peer reviewed journals.
Allison Brown holds a BS degree in Criminal Justice with a Psychology focus and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who currently works at a Long-Term Insurance company bringing clinical experience to claim processes. Additionally, she developed and continues to lead the Continuing Education Program for Social Workers and Nurses and often leads complex process improvement projects Prior to this, her primary focus was in mental health and worked in both the outpatient and inpatient settings providing support to adults with mental illness.
Recommended For:
Addiction professionals, counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers. This course is appropriate for all levels of knowledge.
Course Objectives:
After taking this course, you should be able to:
Understand the Evolution of Neurobiological Theories of Addiction
Analyze the Role of Specific Brain Systems in Addiction
Evaluate the Implications of Neurobiological Theories for Treatment
Disclosure to Learners
Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships
CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited
Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity –
including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial
relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).
The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity's planners, faculty, and
the reviewer:
Planners and Reviewers
The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.
Material Authors
Any relevant financial disclosures for course material authors can be found in the article.
Course Creator
Allison Brown, LCSW 149014591 – No relevant financial relationships.
Commercial support
There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.
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