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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
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A Method for Evaluating the Reinforcing Properties of Ethanol in Rats without Water Deprivation, Saccharin Fading or Extended Access Training
Published on: January 29, 2017
Internet sex addiction treated with naltrexone
J Michael Bostwick1, Jeffrey A Bucci
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. bostwick.john@mayo.edu
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|February 5, 2008
Summary
Naltrexone, a medication for alcoholism, works by blocking opiates
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Addiction stems from the brain's reward center, governed by mesolimbic incentive salience circuitry.
- Dopamine is the key neurotransmitter in both natural motivation and addictive behaviors.
- Neurotransmitters like opiates modulate dopamine release, influencing stimulus salience.
Observation:
- Addictive substances and behaviors can override natural survival drives.
- Naltrexone is prescribed for alcoholism by blocking opiates' augmentation of dopamine release.
Findings:
- This article reviews naltrexone's mechanism within the reward center.
- A novel application of naltrexone in treating internet pornography addiction is presented.
Implications:
- Understanding naltrexone's action offers new therapeutic avenues for addiction.
- Targeting the reward pathway may help manage compulsive behaviors.
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