Self-regulation of the dopaminergic reward system via real time fMRI neurofeedback: a novel treatment approach for cocaine addiction

Introduction: Cocaine addiction is a severe chronical disorder influencing neuroplasticity in the dopaminergic reward circuits. These maladaptive neuronal changes contribute to compulsive drug use and reduced sensitivity to previously rewarding life situations. However to date, no effective pharmaceutical or non-pharmaceutical treatment for cocaine addiction has been identified. Recent research in the field of real time fMRI revealed a novel method to self-regulate the dopaminergic reward system, i.e. neural activity in ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra (VTA/SN), with positive mental imagery and enhanc…