Dopamine: The Culprit Behind Alcohol Addiction

Ford, Erin

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125451 Copy

Description

Title

Dopamine: The Culprit Behind Alcohol Addiction

Author(s)

Ford, Erin

Issue Date

2023

Keyword(s)

• dopamine
• alcohol
• addiction

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that dopamine is a major factor in the development of alcohol dependence in the brain. When dopamine receptors were increased in mice, the mice substantially increased their alcohol consumption, according to an early study in the Journal of Neuroscience (Rishi Sharma et. al, 2022). Among many other prominent findings, this study explores how dopamine (one of the prominent "happiness" neurotransmitters) plays a fundamental role in addiction to alcohol-- and possibly other substances. New discoveries like this, could lead to a whole new realm of treatment options for addiction. However, before addressing alcohol addiction rehabilitation itself, it's important to understand the biomechanical effects of alcohol in the brain.

Publisher

University of Illinois Undergraduate Neuroscience Society

Type of Resource

text

Language

eng

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2023 Erin Ford

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