This session provides a focused overview of the neurobiological foundations of addiction, including how substance use alters brain function and contributes to the development of substance use disorders, aligned with the ACAAM National Addiction Medicine Didactic Curriculum and ABPM content areas.
What This Covers• Key theories of addiction, including the dopamine hypothesis, incentive sensitization, and allostasis• Core neurobiological concepts such as reward circuitry• The distinction between “liking,” “wanting,” and learning in addiction-related behavior• The effects of substance use on brain function and the development of substance use disorders• Challenges in translating neurobiological insights into clinical treatment and practice
How This Resource Is UsedThis session is designed for on-demand learning and targeted content review. It can be used to reinforce specific knowledge areas or as part of structured board preparation.
Daniel J. Roche, PhD
Dr. Roche is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a researcher at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center. His work focuses on the neurobiology of addiction, including human laboratory models, behavioral pharmacology, and the development of novel treatments for substance use disorders. He studies the mechanisms underlying substance use to translate neuroscience findings into clinical applications and improve treatment approaches for individuals with addiction.
To support a meaningful learning experience and recognize your participation:
Access PeriodAccess to this recording is available through June 30, 2027, in alignment with ACAAM’s annual academic cycle.
Recording Release CycleACAAM releases updated recorded sessions each July based on the prior academic year’s didactic series. These recordings are available for a limited time and are retired on June 30 of the following year as new content is released.