Liking, wanting, and the incentive-sensitization theory of addiction.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review and theoretical framework paper presenting conceptual and mechanistic models without new primary human data in the abstract.
PubMed 27977239 · doi:10.1037/amp0000059
What was done
This paper presents a narrative review and theoretical evaluation of the incentive-sensitization theory of addiction 25 years after its initial proposal, examining the distinct neurobiological systems underlying reward "wanting" versus "liking" and their application to substance and behavioral addictions.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative experimental data or statistical metrics. Conceptually, it describes "wanting" (incentive salience) as mediated by robust, mesolimbic dopamine-dependent neural systems, whereas "liking" (hedonic pleasure from reward consumption) is governed by smaller, fragile, dopamine-independent circuits. Under the incentive-sensitization theory, addiction arises from long-lasting neural sensitization in dopamine-related motivational pathways that selectively amplifies cue-triggered "wanting" without requiring an increase in "liking."
Why it matters
This framework clarifies the paradox of addiction where individuals compulsively crave and seek rewards despite experiencing diminishing or absent pleasure upon consuming them.
Limits
The abstract contains no empirical trial data, quantitative effect estimates, sample sizes, or specific study populations. It relies on high-level mechanistic assertions and narrative synthesis rather than systematic review methodology.
Cited by
- supports Impairment of dopamine circuitry produces profound loss of motivation or apathy, whereas hyperactivation of this circuitry by addictive drugs leads to states of hypermotivation.