Neuroscience of Addiction: From Survival Circuits to Hijacked Habits

Dr. Sanil Rege breaks down the neuroscience of addiction, explaining how substances exploit the brain’s evolved reward system, leading to the development of compulsive behaviours. He discusses how addiction progresses through neurobiological stages, from initial pleasure to a more ingrained, habitual cycle of substance-seeking.

Key concepts covered include:

• Ventral to dorsal shift: How addiction moves from goal-directed behaviour to automated, compulsive actions.
• Incentive sensitisation: The brain’s increased sensitivity to substance-related cues, making them more rewarding.
• Glutamate and dopamine interaction: How these neurotransmitters drive the compulsive seeking of substances, even when pleasure decreases.
• Reward deficit: The brain’s diminishing response to natural rewards, reinforcing the addiction cycle.

Dr. Rege emphasises that addiction isn’t just about pleasure—it involves the rewiring of the brain’s circuits and the consolidation of habitual behaviours, making it difficult to break free. This video provides critical insights into these neurobiological changes, making it a must-watch for clinicians and anyone curious about the science of addiction.

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