Stimulants are a category of substances that include amphetamines, methamphetamine, ecstasy, cocaine and crack. Besides, some prescription medications (e.g., Ritalin and Adderall) also contain stimulants. Due to its severe social and public health implications, abuse of stimulants has been recognized as a global problem. Stimulant abuse has both psychological and physical effects. A stimulant-related addictive disorder is becoming a significant socioeconomic burden for the affected people and the entire community. Besides, increasing evidence has indicated that stimulants also induce multiple organ dysfunction, especially the center nervous system. Nevertheless, our understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms of addictive disorders remains elusive, and the consequences of this extensive damage have yet to be elucidated. In addition, there has been disappointingly little progress in introducing novel and effective treatments and improving existing ones to address unmet needs for both behavioral therapies and pharmacotherapies for addictive disorders.
The goal of this research topic is to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of stimulant abuse-induced addictive disorder and toxic effects. This body of research includes neural pathways, neurotransmitter systems, molecular mechanisms, immune mediators, etc. It is of biological and clinical importance to better study the genetic and molecular basis, as well as the drug-drug interactions underlying addiction-related behaviors for the identification of pathological mechanisms, targets and biomarkers identification, and formulation of therapeutic strategies for clinical use. Implementation of effective strategies for the management and treatment of drug abuse and associated disorders is necessary to decrease their high socioeconomic costs and their negative impacts upon lost healthy life years. We envision that this research topic could further illuminate the mechanisms of stimulant abuse-related addictive disorder and toxicity, and pave the way for future therapies.
This Research Topic will discuss the latest advances in our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying both illicit and prescription drugs related to addictive disorder and toxicity. We aim to generate a translational perspective of these issues through research and review articles ranging in scope from animal models to human studies. The topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Cell-based and preclinical animal models of stimulant toxicity
• Genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying addiction-related behaviors
• Behavioral or pharmaceutical interventions for addiction
• Herbal medicine for the treatment of stimulant toxicity
• Drug-drug interactions and their implication in clinical management
The current Research Topic “Stimulant Use and Addictive Disorder” welcomes manuscripts that are focused on investigating both illicit and prescription drugs related to addictive disorder or toxicity. Authors are encouraged to submit original articles, review articles, and short communications associated with this special issue.
Stimulants are a category of substances that include amphetamines, methamphetamine, ecstasy, cocaine and crack. Besides, some prescription medications (e.g., Ritalin and Adderall) also contain stimulants. Due to its severe social and public health implications, abuse of stimulants has been recognized as a global problem. Stimulant abuse has both psychological and physical effects. A stimulant-related addictive disorder is becoming a significant socioeconomic burden for the affected people and the entire community. Besides, increasing evidence has indicated that stimulants also induce multiple organ dysfunction, especially the center nervous system. Nevertheless, our understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms of addictive disorders remains elusive, and the consequences of this extensive damage have yet to be elucidated. In addition, there has been disappointingly little progress in introducing novel and effective treatments and improving existing ones to address unmet needs for both behavioral therapies and pharmacotherapies for addictive disorders.
The goal of this research topic is to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of stimulant abuse-induced addictive disorder and toxic effects. This body of research includes neural pathways, neurotransmitter systems, molecular mechanisms, immune mediators, etc. It is of biological and clinical importance to better study the genetic and molecular basis, as well as the drug-drug interactions underlying addiction-related behaviors for the identification of pathological mechanisms, targets and biomarkers identification, and formulation of therapeutic strategies for clinical use. Implementation of effective strategies for the management and treatment of drug abuse and associated disorders is necessary to decrease their high socioeconomic costs and their negative impacts upon lost healthy life years. We envision that this research topic could further illuminate the mechanisms of stimulant abuse-related addictive disorder and toxicity, and pave the way for future therapies.
This Research Topic will discuss the latest advances in our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying both illicit and prescription drugs related to addictive disorder and toxicity. We aim to generate a translational perspective of these issues through research and review articles ranging in scope from animal models to human studies. The topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Cell-based and preclinical animal models of stimulant toxicity
• Genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying addiction-related behaviors
• Behavioral or pharmaceutical interventions for addiction
• Herbal medicine for the treatment of stimulant toxicity
• Drug-drug interactions and their implication in clinical management
The current Research Topic “Stimulant Use and Addictive Disorder” welcomes manuscripts that are focused on investigating both illicit and prescription drugs related to addictive disorder or toxicity. Authors are encouraged to submit original articles, review articles, and short communications associated with this special issue.