REVIEW OF NEUROTRANSMITTERS AND THEIR ROLE IN ALCOHOLISM-TREATMENT

Studies on the genetic basis of addiction indicate that the tendency t o develop alcoholism is inherited. In addition, alcoholism appears to be associated with a specific neurochemical disorder. Research has foc used on the mesolimbic system, which is associated with the ability to feel pleasure (i.e. hypothalamic control centres are related to daily survival activities, and the medial forebrain bundle is involved in t he positive reinforcement of addictive drugs). Current findings suppor t the hypothesis that a neurochemical deficiency causes alcohol-depend ent individuals to drink. Thus, pharmacotherapy may play an important part in treating those who are not helped by psychosocial therapy alon e. Future therapies may include agents that block, enhance, or normali ze neurotransmitter function as well as genetically engineered agents that could target a specific cause of alcoholism.