The brain stress system in the neurobiology of the “dark side” of addiction and its relation to neurodegeneration: brain stress system

Ho Yin Lai, Maria Uscinska, Nicolo’ Gagliano

Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceedingChapter in an edited book (as author)Academic researchpeer-review

Abstract

Addiction is a chronically relapsing disorder characterized by a compulsion to seek and take a substance of abuse, the development of dependence, and a negative emotional state when intake is stopped. Compelling evidence argues that dysregulation of the brain stress system is a key constituent of the addiction process. Through mechanisms of negative reinforcement, the stress system is posited to induce negative emotional state referred to as the ‘dark side of addiction’ as it becomes the powerful motivation for drug-seeking associated with compulsive use. Therein, the neuropharmacological actions of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is posited to play a key role in the anxiety/stress-like effects of acute withdrawal, anxiety/stress-like effects of abstinence, and relapse to drug taking. In this view, the present chapter sheds a critical light on latest research developments implicating this largely neglected component of substance abuse to give insight into the neuropathology of the ‘dark side’ of addiction. Moreover, the chapter provides insight into individual vulnerability to addiction and proposes a novel treatment candidate for the disorder.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNeurodegenerative Diseases - Molecular Mechanisms and Current Therapeutic Approaches
Subtitle of host publicationNeurodegenerative Diseases
PublisherIntech Open
Chapter2
Pages1-12
Number of pages12
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2020

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The brain stress system in the neurobiology of the “dark side” of addiction and its relation to neurodegeneration: brain stress system'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this