Addiction and reward pathways in the brain, artwork

Hand drawn illustration using charcoal, graphite and pen on paper. Lateral or side view of the human brain and skull with a cigarette clasped between the teeth. This image was inspired by the concept of reward pathways which are thought to be stimulated by addictive behaviour such as smoking, inhaling nicotine, and use of other recreational drugs. One such dopamine reward pathway (mesolimbic dopamine pathway) is depicted here in red. Stimulation of reward pathways are often associated with feelings of pleasure and desire, but they may also play a role in some diseases such as schizophrenia and depression. Collaboration together with Dr Chris Bailey at the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, who is researching the neurological mechanisms of addiction.