Table : TABLE 9.8 • Neurological Factors That Contribute to Depressant Use Disorders
  • Increased activity of the GABAnergic system leads to increased inhibition of anxiety-related brain structures.
  • Depressants indirectly activate the dopamine reward system.
  • Depressants generally cause the nervous system to be less responsive.
  • Some substances directly activate the dopamine reward system, including the nucleus accumbens and the ventral tegmental area.*
  • Associations between drug-related stimuli and drug use can activate the limbic system (and the dopamine reward system).*
    • *This factor is not unique to depressant use disorder.