Addictive disorders are a group of mental disorders that involve compulsive drug use despite the harmful consequences. Addiction is a complex disorder that involves both genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies have shown that many addictive disorders have underlying molecular mechanisms. Understanding the specific genes, neurotransmitters, and brain regions involved in addictive disorders is critical for the development of effective treatments.This Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge research on the molecular mechanisms of addictive disorders from a variety of disciplines, including genetics, neurobiology, and pharmacology. We invite Original Research articles, Reviews, and Perspectives that cover the following topics:The genetic basis of addictive disorders: recent advances in identifying genetic risk factors for addictive disordersThe role of neurotransmitters in addictive disorders: the role of dopamine, glutamate, and other neurotransmitters in the pathophysiology of addictive disordersCellular signaling pathways in addictive disorders: the role of intracellular signaling pathways, such as the cyclic AMP signaling pathway, in the development and progression of addictive disordersBrain imaging studies of addictive disorders: recent advances in identifying brain regions involved in addictive disordersEmerging therapies for addictive disorders: novel therapeutic targets and approaches for the treatment of addictive disordersWe particularly encourage submissions that explore new avenues for the development of targeted therapies for addictive disorders, and that highlight the translational potential of research on the molecular mechanisms of the disorder.With this Research Topic, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on the molecular mechanisms of addictive disorders, and to highlight new directions for future research. Addictive disorders include a wide range of disorders, such as alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, and stimulant use disorder. We are interested in articles that address the molecular mechanisms of any type of addictive disorder, and that provide new insights into the development and progression of these disorders.
Addictive disorders are a group of mental disorders that involve compulsive drug use despite the harmful consequences. Addiction is a complex disorder that involves both genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies have shown that many addictive disorders have underlying molecular mechanisms. Understanding the specific genes, neurotransmitters, and brain regions involved in addictive disorders is critical for the development of effective treatments.This Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge research on the molecular mechanisms of addictive disorders from a variety of disciplines, including genetics, neurobiology, and pharmacology. We invite Original Research articles, Reviews, and Perspectives that cover the following topics:The genetic basis of addictive disorders: recent advances in identifying genetic risk factors for addictive disordersThe role of neurotransmitters in addictive disorders: the role of dopamine, glutamate, and other neurotransmitters in the pathophysiology of addictive disordersCellular signaling pathways in addictive disorders: the role of intracellular signaling pathways, such as the cyclic AMP signaling pathway, in the development and progression of addictive disordersBrain imaging studies of addictive disorders: recent advances in identifying brain regions involved in addictive disordersEmerging therapies for addictive disorders: novel therapeutic targets and approaches for the treatment of addictive disordersWe particularly encourage submissions that explore new avenues for the development of targeted therapies for addictive disorders, and that highlight the translational potential of research on the molecular mechanisms of the disorder.With this Research Topic, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on the molecular mechanisms of addictive disorders, and to highlight new directions for future research. Addictive disorders include a wide range of disorders, such as alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, and stimulant use disorder. We are interested in articles that address the molecular mechanisms of any type of addictive disorder, and that provide new insights into the development and progression of these disorders.