"Addiction is a behavioral phenomenon that depends critically upon experience with the drug, and the modulation of drug-related behavior by conditioning. Therefore, to understand the underlying neural basis for alcohol and drug addiction, we need to investigate neuronal function in real-time within animal models of addictive behavior."

Patricia H. Janak, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Neurology
Member, Graduate Program in Neuroscience
Member, Program in Biological Sciences
Member, Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction
University of California, San Francisco
Phone:  510-985-3880
Fax: 510-985-3101
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

In my laboratory, we use extracellular ensemble neurophysiological recording to measure the activity of neurons in awake behaving rodents during the operant self-administration of alcohol, other drugs of abuse, and natural rewards. These studies examine the contribution of neural activity patterns within the brain reward circuitry to alcohol- and drug-seeking behavior. We also use behavioral pharmacological techniques to understand the contribution of specific neurochemical and neuroanatomical systems to the effects of alcohol on behavior. We are especially interested in the mechanisms that underlie the ability of conditioned cues and contexts to drive reward-seeking behavior.