Neurobiological Theories of Addiction: A Comprehensive Review

Course overview

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.