Substance use disorders (SUDs) represent a significant public health challenge, affecting millions globally and imposing substantial economic and well-being burdens. These disorders are characterized by their complex nature, influenced by a myriad of biopsychosocial factors, including genetics, behavior, emotion, cognition, physiology, and environment. Despite considerable advancements in understanding the neurophysiological and neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying SUDs, the effectiveness of current treatments remains limited for many patients. This suggests that the neurobiological foundations of SUDs are not yet fully elucidated. Furthermore, the neurobiological basis of vulnerability or protective factors associated with SUDs is still not comprehensively understood. Addressing these gaps is crucial for developing more effective preventative and therapeutic strategies, highlighting the need for continued research in this area.
This research topic aims to advance the understanding of the neurobiological substrates underlying SUDs. We seek to identify potential neural targets for innovative therapies, focusing on receptors, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and the activity of specific neuronal and non-neuronal cell subtypes, as well as neural pathways. Additionally, we aim to enhance the current knowledge of the neurobiological basis of risk or protective factors for SUDs, fostering discussions on how exposure to these factors may lead to neuroadaptations associated with vulnerability or prevention. Our goal also includes exploring future non-pharmacological treatments or preventative interventions.
To gather further insights into the neurobiological mechanisms of SUDs, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Neurobiological mechanisms associated with the onset and development of SUDs
- Relapse to drug-seeking or taking behaviors
- Neuroadaptations induced by exposure to potential risk factors, such as early-life stress and socioeconomic conditions
- Neuroadaptations associated with putative protective factors, including environmental and cognitive enrichment, social support, and physical exercise
- Identification of novel neural targets for therapeutic interventions
- Exploration of non-pharmacological treatments and preventative strategies for SUDs.
Substance use disorders (SUDs) represent a significant public health challenge, affecting millions globally and imposing substantial economic and well-being burdens. These disorders are characterized by their complex nature, influenced by a myriad of biopsychosocial factors, including genetics, behavior, emotion, cognition, physiology, and environment. Despite considerable advancements in understanding the neurophysiological and neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying SUDs, the effectiveness of current treatments remains limited for many patients. This suggests that the neurobiological foundations of SUDs are not yet fully elucidated. Furthermore, the neurobiological basis of vulnerability or protective factors associated with SUDs is still not comprehensively understood. Addressing these gaps is crucial for developing more effective preventative and therapeutic strategies, highlighting the need for continued research in this area.
This research topic aims to advance the understanding of the neurobiological substrates underlying SUDs. We seek to identify potential neural targets for innovative therapies, focusing on receptors, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and the activity of specific neuronal and non-neuronal cell subtypes, as well as neural pathways. Additionally, we aim to enhance the current knowledge of the neurobiological basis of risk or protective factors for SUDs, fostering discussions on how exposure to these factors may lead to neuroadaptations associated with vulnerability or prevention. Our goal also includes exploring future non-pharmacological treatments or preventative interventions.
To gather further insights into the neurobiological mechanisms of SUDs, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Neurobiological mechanisms associated with the onset and development of SUDs
- Relapse to drug-seeking or taking behaviors
- Neuroadaptations induced by exposure to potential risk factors, such as early-life stress and socioeconomic conditions
- Neuroadaptations associated with putative protective factors, including environmental and cognitive enrichment, social support, and physical exercise
- Identification of novel neural targets for therapeutic interventions
- Exploration of non-pharmacological treatments and preventative strategies for SUDs.