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Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena01:15

Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena

Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not necessarily...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 9, 2026

A Conditioned Place Preference Protocol for Measuring Incubation of Craving in Rats
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Published on: November 6, 2018

Dnmt3a: addiction's molecular forget-me-not?

F Woodward Hopf, Antonello Bonci

    Nature Neuroscience
    |August 27, 2010
    PubMed
    Summary

    DNA methylation influences long-term changes from cocaine exposure and social stress. This epigenetic mechanism impacts behavior and physical traits, offering insights into stress and addiction.

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Epigenetics
    • Behavioral Science

    Background:

    • Chronic stress and substance abuse can lead to lasting behavioral and physical alterations.
    • DNA methylation, an epigenetic mechanism, plays a role in gene expression regulation.
    • Understanding the epigenetic basis of these changes is crucial for developing effective interventions.

    Discussion:

    • This study investigates how DNA methylation contributes to persistent changes induced by cocaine exposure.
    • The research also explores the role of DNA methylation in long-term effects of chronic social defeat stress.
    • Examining these epigenetic modifications provides insight into the molecular underpinnings of stress and addiction.

    Key Insights:

    • DNA methylation is a key mediator of long-term behavioral and morphological changes.

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    Published on: January 5, 2018

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    Last Updated: Jun 9, 2026

    A Conditioned Place Preference Protocol for Measuring Incubation of Craving in Rats
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    Published on: November 6, 2018

    Comprehensive Analysis of Transcription Dynamics from Brain Samples Following Behavioral Experience
    08:14

    Comprehensive Analysis of Transcription Dynamics from Brain Samples Following Behavioral Experience

    Published on: August 26, 2014

    A Prediction Error-driven Retrieval Procedure for Destabilizing and Rewriting Maladaptive Reward Memories in Hazardous Drinkers
    08:05

    A Prediction Error-driven Retrieval Procedure for Destabilizing and Rewriting Maladaptive Reward Memories in Hazardous Drinkers

    Published on: January 5, 2018

  • Both cocaine exposure and social stress induce specific DNA methylation patterns.
  • These epigenetic changes are linked to enduring alterations in the brain and body.

    • Outlook:

    • Further research can elucidate specific genes regulated by DNA methylation in response to these stressors.
    • Targeting DNA methylation pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies for addiction and stress-related disorders.
    • This work opens avenues for understanding the lasting impact of environmental factors on epigenetic regulation.