accumbens increases extracellular DA in the nucleus accumbens (Gianoulakis, 2009). DAergic neurotransmission in the ventral striatum is also modulated via opioid peptide inputs in the hypothalamus. These interactions between opioid peptides and DA in the mesocorticolimbic circuit are thought to contribute to the rewarding effects of alcohol and the persistence of alcohol craving and consumption (for review see Oswald and Wand, 2004).
