A part of the brain called the “habenula” has been shown to be crucial for the maintenance of addiction in animals, but we know very little about how this brain region is involved in addiction in humans. This is mostly because, up till now, it has been difficult to study the habenula using neuroimaging techniques. This project will use new imaging techniques that allow measurement of habenula function and structure to provide basic empirical information about the habenula with respect to substance use severity and lifetime exposure. It will also assess the role of genes in this relationship. Results of this project will help advance development of cessation therapies informed by the brain mechanisms underlying addiction.
