The nucleus accumbens is a major input structure of the basal ganglia and integrates
information from cortical and limbic structures to mediate goal-directed behaviors. Chronic …

Both the cerebellum and the basal ganglia are known for their roles in motor control and
motivated behavior. These two systems have been classically considered as independent …

Dopamine (DA) regulates emotional and motivational behavior through the mesolimbic
dopaminergic pathway. Changes in DA mesolimbic neurotransmission have been found to …

It has long been hypothesized that conditioning mechanisms play major roles in addiction.
Specifically, the associations between rewarding properties of drugs of abuse and the drug …

The reinforcing and rewarding properties of cocaine are attributed to its ability to increase
dopaminergic transmission in nucleus accumbens (NAc). This action reinforces drug taking …

Addictive drugs have in common that they target the mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA)
system. This system originates in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and projects mainly to the …

Evidence supports at least two methods for learning about reward and punishment and
making predictions for guiding actions. One method, called model-free, progressively …

In the past decade, research has accumulated suggesting that excessive Internet use can
lead to the development of a behavioral addiction. Internet addiction has been considered …

Research on the neural substrates of drug reward, withdrawal and relapse has yet to be
translated into significant advances in the treatment of addiction. One potential reason is that …

Long-term depression (LTD) in the CNS has been the subject of intense investigation as a
process that may be involved in learning and memory and in various pathological …