Dr. Aristea Ladas, Assistant Professor of the Psychology Department of CITY College, University of York Europe Campus and Professional member of ISSUP, presented her work on "Differences between addicted and recreational users: Is it in the reward system after all?" at the annual conference of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) in Thessaloniki, 24-28 June. The study investigated disparities in the reward system between 213 recreational and addicted polydrug users, to see whether there is something in the reward system that differentiates them. It was found that individuals who are more sensitive to rewards are more susceptible to abusing drugs rather than using them recreationally. These findings have the potential to enhance our understanding of current approaches to drug addiction prevention and rehabilitation. Dr. Ladas' presentation sparked an interesting discussion on addiction factors, between international substance use professionals.
Dr Ladas' presentation starts at 23:40