Substance use disorders (SUDs) present a formidable challenge to public health globally, with recent statistics from the U.S. indicating over 40 million individuals aged 12 and older affected, predominantly by alcohol use disorders. Despite the availability of treatments, there remains a significant gap between those who acknowledge the need for such interventions and those who actively pursue them. This underscores an urgent need for deeper insights into the neuroanatomy of drug consumption, maintenance of drug intake, and relapse mechanisms involving brain structures, neurons, glial cells, receptors, and transporters.

This Research Topic aims to enhance the foundational understanding of the neuroanatomical basis of SUDs through the examination of brain plasticity throughout drug use, abuse, and subsequent relapse scenarios. The capacity to advance this knowledge is now bolstered by emergent or refined methodologies like optogenetics, chemogenetics, transcriptomics, proteomics, viral tracing, microscopy, electrophysiology, and novel neurotransmitter observation techniques. Such tools promise extensive new insights into the neural dynamics underpinning addiction.
In pursuit of comprehensive advancements in this field, we solicit submissions spanning a broad spectrum, from cellular to systemic studies, particularly those integrating cellular models within broader system contexts. Contributions may include, but are not limited to:

• Studies employing cutting-edge imaging and molecular biology techniques to delineate addiction pathways.
• Research on the plasticity of neural circuits in response to drug exposure and withdrawal.
• Innovative methodologies for tracing neurotransmitter dynamics in addiction.
• Systemic reviews and primary research articles focusing on prevalent disorders like alcohol and opioid use disorders.

By concentrating on these areas, this Research Topic seeks to build a robust understanding of the neuroanatomical correlates and mechanisms of SUDs, fostering a new wave of therapeutic strategies and interventions tailored to curb the persistence and recurrence of these disorders

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Frontiers in Neuroanatomy

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