Breakthrough: Research delves into link between drug use, decision-making

Description: An area of the brain known as the orbitofrontal cortex, already thought to be key in decision-making, is now considered responsible for spur-of-the-moment choices but not for those based on habits, according to recently published research. When a decision requires a hasty weighing of values, consequences and rewards, it is processed in the orbitofrontal cortex. But that area of the brain does not play a role when such a choice has already been made and stored as a habit in the brain.

By Scott Dance, The Baltimore Sun

December 7, 2012