Study: Researchers find link between dopamine and environmental cues affect individuals fighting addiction

By Staff Writer

A study from the University of Michigan and the University of Washington revealed that differences in people's styles of response to environmental cues might influence dopamine reward patterns in the brain.

Researchers said that this study could possibly show the link between dopamine and impulse control problems associated with addiction and other psychiatric conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorder. Furthermore, they added that a deeper understanding of the differences between individuals might help to design preventative care for the ailment.

The study measured the dopamine responses in the rats' brains in those who represented an individual who suffers from drug addiction. Researchers found that the drug-prone rats were more excitable than the control group when the lever for food was presented.

Officials said that they hope to find why some people are strongly motivated by environmental cues than others. They added that more studies are needed to find the increased risk for compulsive behavior among addicts and those who relapse.

Therapeutic boarding school is one way for individuals who suffer from opiate addiction to seek substance abuse help. These learning institutions can provide individualized therapy that can help people overcome obstacles and make healthier lifestyle choices.