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Hypothalamic-pituitary function during alcohol exposure and withdrawal and cocaine exposure
J N Wilkins1, D A Gorelick, K Nademanee
1Substance Abuse Service, West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Medical Center, Brentwood Division, California 90073.
Recent Developments in Alcoholism : an Official Publication of the American Medical Society on Alcoholism, the Research Society on Alcoholism, and the National Council on Alcoholism
|January 1, 1992
Summary
This study reveals hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction during alcohol and cocaine use and withdrawal. This dysfunction may predict relapse risk during long-term abstinence.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Substance use disorders, including alcohol and cocaine, are associated with significant neuroendocrine alterations.
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a key stress response system implicated in addiction.
- Understanding these neuroendocrine effects is crucial for developing effective relapse prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the neuroendocrine effects of acute alcohol and cocaine exposure and withdrawal.
- To investigate the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in substance use and relapse.
- To explore the potential of HPA axis dysfunction as a clinical marker for relapse susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Two preliminary controlled inpatient studies were conducted.
- HPA axis function was assessed during acute exposure and withdrawal from alcohol and cocaine.
- Thyroid and prolactin regulation measures were compared to related literature.
Main Results:
- Documented HPA axis dysfunction during acute alcohol and cocaine exposure.
- Observed HPA axis dysfunction during alcohol withdrawal.
- Identified potential for HPA axis dysfunction to predict relapse risk.
Conclusions:
- Acute alcohol and cocaine exposure and withdrawal significantly impact HPA axis function.
- HPA axis dysfunction is a potential biomarker for predicting relapse in individuals with alcohol and cocaine use disorders.
- A proposed index of HPA axis dysfunction may offer a clinical tool for assessing relapse susceptibility during protracted abstinence.