Enlarged perspective of drug seeking motivational effects of dopamine deficiency and/or deregulation, in the brain’s reward cascade system provide new understanding of the underlying addiction syndrome called Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS). Reward Deficiency Syndrome Solutions™(RDSS) have been used to successfully treat a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment resistant patient. As an alternative to repetitive Substance Use Disorder treatment, the new Reward Deficiency Syndrome paradigm was introduced to the subject, through RDS Solution Focused Brief Therapy (RDS-SFBT), facilitating increased awareness and self-efficacy, for autonomy in symptom management.
A reward deficiency syndrome treatment plan (Gilley, 2018d) was developed, based upon findings from Genetic Addiction Risk Severity (GARS) (Blum & Chen, 2011) analysis. Pre-existing neurogenic challenge, due to polymorphic genetic variances effecting dopaminergic and serotonergic systems were discovered. Epigenetic response, resulting from the brains over correction of self-induced dopamine surge, resulted in further dopaminergic insult. Intervention for correction of neurological challenge was meet with an enthusiasm for self-empowerment, motivating the client to become increasingly engaged in her own recovery.
RDS Solution Focused Brief Therapy (RDS-SFBT) (Gilley, 2019) and the RDS Severity of Symptom scale (RDS-SOS) were introduced to assist in the psychoeducation of the RDS paradigm, to teach skill for achieving dopamine homeostasis, and to gage intensity of relapse symptomology. We observed the subject over a period of months, documenting her challenge and improvement, as she learned to achieve and maintaine dopamine homeostasis, through various wellness practices. The Elle Foundation Case Study 101 documents the positive effects of Reward Deficiency Syndrome science and its solutions, to facilitate transition from active addiction, and/or neurological instability, to abstinence, maintenance, self-efficacy, self-actualization and thriving (Gilley, 2017).
Keywords: Addiction, Neurogenetics, Genetic Addiction Risk Severity (GARS), Substance Use Disorder, Reward Deficiency Syndrome, RDS treatment plan model, RDS Solution Focused Brief Therapy (RDS-SFBT), Reward Deficiency Syndrome Severity of Symptom scale (RDS-SOS).