Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry

Substance addiction is a chronically relapsing disorder that has been characterized by a vicious cycle composed of intoxication, craving/anticipation, withdrawal, and response inhibition/bingeing. Here we summarize the findings from neuroimaging studies in addiction according to these behavioral components and suggest the integrated neurobiological model of drug addiction and related brain correlates. The roles of various prefrontal regions, thalamus, memory circuit, anterior cingulated, and insula were also suggested in addition to those of classical mesolimbic dopaminergic system and its responsivity. Limited studies of behavioral addiction demonstrated a similarity with substance addiction on the neurobiological basis. Based on the current understanding of neurobiology of addiction, further researches on interactions of behavioral components and their brain correlates, behavioral addiction, and therapeutic applications will be desired.

Keywords Substance addiction;Neurobiology;Neuroimaging.