Dopamine Resistance ” in Brain Reward Circuitry as a Function of Genetic Addiction Risk Score ( GARSPDX ) Polymorphisms in RDS : Synaptamine Complex Variant ( KB 220 Z ) Induced “ Dopamine Sensitivity ” as a Pro-Recovery Agent

Explorations of brain function in terms of both physiology and behavioral traits have resulted in a plethora of studies linking these activities to neurotransmitter functions having a genetic basis. We address the age-old question of “Nature vs. Nurture” as it relates to the question of happiness and to the larger question relating to human nature as an emerging science. Attempts to identify key “vector influences” that link genes, the brain, and social behaviors to a so-called state of “happiness” are important areas for developing a new science of human nature. It is well established that in both food and drug addicted individuals there is “dopamine resistance” due to an association with the DRD2 gene A1 allele. Based on newer current research a restrictive panel of at least ten reward gene risk polymorphisms called Genetic Addiction Risk Score (PDX)” has been shown to significantly associate with the Alcohol (p<0.004) and Drug (P<0.05) Addiction Severity Index–Media Version. Following age adjustments, the alcohol prediction of severity remained significant (p<0.012). Unlike other genetic tests GARSPDX predicts severity utilizing a mandated clinical outcome. Switching one gene risk allele for another one resulted in non-significance. Similarly, weighting each gene instead of just counting risk alleles also resulted in non-significance. These findings suggest that a “gene cluster or network” loads onto alcohol and drug severity risk. Evidence is emerging whereby the potential of utilizing an aminoacid non-addicting, safe putative D2 agonist may find its place in recovery of Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS).Utilizing qEEG and fMRI as imaging tools our work will show the impact of Synaptamine Complex Variant [KB220Z]TM as an activator of the meso-limbic system and administration significantly reduces or “normalizes” aberrant electrophysiological parameters of the reward circuitry site in abstinent psychostimulant abusers. rsfMRI in abstinent Heroin addicts reveal restoration of a reduced functional connectivity. In addition, it was found that administration of KB220Z in rat studies showed a significant enhancement in rsfMRI compared to placebo. Based on our neuroimaging studies presented herein we cautiously suggest that long-term activation of dopaminergic receptors (i.e., DRD2 receptors) will result in proliferation of D2 receptors leading to enhanced “dopamine sensitivity” and an increased sense of happiness in recovery. Process Addictions and Addiction Transfer David E. Smith University of California at San Francisco, USA Abstract Understanding Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) has become a key principle in addiction treatment programs dealing with dual diagnosis patients whose clinical picture is complicated by the process addictions. The definition of addiction developed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) will be applied to process addictions. The core principles of RDS will be outlined, specific process addictions will be described as they occur and as they’re managed in a clinical setting. The J of Reward Deficiency SyndromeUnderstanding Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) has become a key principle in addiction treatment programs dealing with dual diagnosis patients whose clinical picture is complicated by the process addictions. The definition of addiction developed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) will be applied to process addictions. The core principles of RDS will be outlined, specific process addictions will be described as they occur and as they’re managed in a clinical setting. The J of Reward Deficiency Syndrome