The Role of Alcohol and the Mechanisms Involved in the Reward Pathway Affecting the Brain: A Comprehensive Review

Sabitha Vadakedath^1, and Venkataramana Kandi¹

¹Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Telangana, India

Cite this paper:
Sabitha Vadakedath and Venkataramana Kandi. The Role of Alcohol and the Mechanisms Involved in the Reward Pathway Affecting the Brain: A Comprehensive Review. American Journal of Medical Sciences and Medicine. 2022; 10(1):34-39. doi: 10.12691/ajmsm-10-1-5

Abstract

Alcohol addiction is an important social problem prevalent throughout the world. People addicted to alcohol find it very difficult to avoid it, and subsequently, they are prone to health-related complications as a result of excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a psychoactive substance, and its addiction affects the brain. Among people addicted to alcohol, a brain mechanism, known as the reward pathway, is activated. This reward pathway of the brain is further responsible for increased alcohol carving, and subsequently its addiction, and resultant consequences. Although alcohol addiction is seen mostly among men, women are equally predisposed to alcoholism. In the present review, we emphasize the role of the reward pathway of the brain in alcohol addiction, gender disparities, and approaches to managing alcohol-dependent people.

Keywords:
alcohol addiction reward pathway brain gender disparities

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