Neurogenetic and Epigenetic Correlates of Adolescent Predisposition to and Risk for Addictive Behaviors as a Function of Prefrontal Cortex Dysregulation

Abstract

As addiction professionals, we are becoming increasingly concerned about preteenagers and young adults' involvement with substance abuse as a way of relieving stress and anger. The turbulent underdeveloped central nervous system, especially in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), provides impetus to not only continue important neuroimaging studies in both human and animal models, but also to encourage preventive measures and cautions embraced by governmental and social media outlets. It is well known that before people reach their 20s, PFC development is undergoing significant changes and, as such, hijacks appropriate decision making in this population. We are further proposing that early genetic testing for addiction risk alleles will offer important information that could potentially be utilized by their parents and caregivers prior to use of psychoactive drugs by these youth. Understandably, family history, parenting styles, and attachment may be modified by various reward genes, including the known bonding substances oxytocin/vasopressin, which effect dopaminergic function. Well-characterized neuroimaging studies continue to reflect region-specific differential responses to drugs and food (including other nonsubstance-addictive behaviors) via either ''surfeit'' or ''deficit.'' With this in mind, we hereby propose a ''reward deficiency solution system'' that combines early genetic risk diagnosis, medical monitoring, and nutrigenomic dopamine agonist modalities to combat this significant global dilemma that is preventing our youth from leading normal productive lives, which will in turn make them happier.

Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC): abuso de Internet, videojuegos, teléfonos móviles, mensajería instantánea y redes sociales mediante el MULTICAGE-TIC

“…Un buen número de trabajos neurocientíficos ha encontrado que, como en el caso de la adicción a sustancias, los déficits en el funcionamiento de la corteza prefrontal son elementos centrales de las adicciones comportamentales que explican la pérdida de control superior sobre la conducta problema (Blum et al, 2015;Brand, Young y Laier, 2014; de Ruiter, Oosterlaan, Veltman, van den Brink y Goudriaan, 2012) y que pueden encontrarse similitudes importantes entre ambas modalidades en estructuras cerebrales como la sustancia blanca (Yip et al, 2016).…”

Enhanced functional connectivity and volume between cognitive and reward centers of naïve rodent brain produced by pro-dopaminergic agent KB220Z

“…Untreated impairments in the homeostatic balance of the dopamine signaling can facilitate aberrant substance–related disorders and process addictions [97] elucidated in prior publications as RDS [98, 99]. As has been suggested previously, activation rather than blocking mesolimbic dopaminergic reward circuitry in the long-term treatment of RDS as proposed here is the preferred modality [100]. Although, the acute treatment should consist of preferential blocking of postsynaptic NAc dopamine receptors (D 1 -D 5 ), the long-term mesolimbic activation of the dopaminergic system should involve the release and activation of dopamine at the NAc site.…”

Reward Deficiency Syndrome Solution Focused Brief Therapy to Begin Integrating the Sciences of Addiction & Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS)

“…For addressing continuity of treatment and stage focus needs, Reward Deficiency Syndrome and Reward Deficiency System Solutions can be provided in psycho-education and Solutions Focused Brief Therapy, in a flexible integrative eclectic format, including technique from Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Reality Theory/Choice Therapy (RT/CT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help strengthen client commitment and recovery resolve. RDS-SFBT is appropriate for all phases along the new life-long treatment continuum for individuals and their family members [26].…”