Exploring neural mechanisms of reward using behavioral, pharmacological, neurochemical & immunological methodologies

Three general research areas are being explored:

1. The influence of environmental cues on cocaine-induced neurochemical and behavioral effects
   
   
2. Functional relationships between medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens dopamine terminal regions in the brain
   
   
3. Neural changes resulting from chronic ethanol administration

These studies have revealed that both brief and lengthy drug use result in profound neural and behavioral changes. The results of these studies can assist in designing individualized treatment options for patients with varying drug use experience.