Which parts of the brain are most affected by addiction?
Click on the numbers below for more information.
Basal Ganglia
Extended Amygdala
Prefrontal Cortex
Extended Amygdala
Click on the interactives below to learn more about the extended amygdala's functions and disruptions caused by addiction.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
What does the extended amygdala do?
How is the extended amydgala affected by addiction?
The extended amygdala plays a central role in the processing of stressful feelings like fear, pain, anxiety and irritability — as well as the negative emotional state of withdrawal.
Because the extended amygdala’s in charge of the emotions that characterize withdrawal, it becomes more sensitive with increased substance use and will cause the person to seek out said substance.
Basal Ganglia
Click on the interactives below to learn more about the basal ganglia's functions and disruptions caused by addiction.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
What does the basal ganglia do?
How is the basal ganglia affected by addiction?
Addictive substances over-activate the basal ganglia and produce a euphoric high. After consistent exposure, it adapts to the presence of a substance and makes it difficult to derive pleasure from anything other than said substance.
The basal ganglia is a crucial component of the network of brain cells and nerves involved in motor control. It helps the body with voluntary movements – choosing which actions to allow and which to inhibit.
Prefrontal Cortex
Click on the interactives below to learn more about the prefrontal cortex's functions and disruptions caused by addiction.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
What does the prefrontal cortex do?
How is the prefrontal cortex affected by addiction?
Substance addiction can cause disruptions in the prefrontal cortex that include but are not limited to: impulsivity and compulsivity, inability to regulate emotions, heightened motivation to acquire substances but decreased motivation for much else, and more.
Also known as the "personality center," the prefrontal cortex accounts for cognitive behaviors like decision making, personality expression and maintaining social appropriateness.
Which parts of the brain are most affected by addiction?
Veronica Garza
Created on May 7, 2025
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Transcript
Which parts of the brain are most affected by addiction?
Click on the numbers below for more information.
Basal Ganglia
Extended Amygdala
Prefrontal Cortex
Extended Amygdala
Click on the interactives below to learn more about the extended amygdala's functions and disruptions caused by addiction.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
What does the extended amygdala do?
How is the extended amydgala affected by addiction?
The extended amygdala plays a central role in the processing of stressful feelings like fear, pain, anxiety and irritability — as well as the negative emotional state of withdrawal.
Because the extended amygdala’s in charge of the emotions that characterize withdrawal, it becomes more sensitive with increased substance use and will cause the person to seek out said substance.
Basal Ganglia
Click on the interactives below to learn more about the basal ganglia's functions and disruptions caused by addiction.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
What does the basal ganglia do?
How is the basal ganglia affected by addiction?
Addictive substances over-activate the basal ganglia and produce a euphoric high. After consistent exposure, it adapts to the presence of a substance and makes it difficult to derive pleasure from anything other than said substance.
The basal ganglia is a crucial component of the network of brain cells and nerves involved in motor control. It helps the body with voluntary movements – choosing which actions to allow and which to inhibit.
Prefrontal Cortex
Click on the interactives below to learn more about the prefrontal cortex's functions and disruptions caused by addiction.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
What does the prefrontal cortex do?
How is the prefrontal cortex affected by addiction?
Substance addiction can cause disruptions in the prefrontal cortex that include but are not limited to: impulsivity and compulsivity, inability to regulate emotions, heightened motivation to acquire substances but decreased motivation for much else, and more.
Also known as the "personality center," the prefrontal cortex accounts for cognitive behaviors like decision making, personality expression and maintaining social appropriateness.