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Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
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Updated: May 25, 2026

Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder

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Published on: June 23, 2023

[Alcohol and substance dependence].

Hideto Tsuchida¹, Isao Nishimura, Kenji Fukui

¹Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.

Brain and Nerve = Shinkei Kenkyu No Shinpo

|February 7, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study explores the neurobiology of drug dependence, using psychotomimetic drugs as a model for schizophrenia. Understanding addiction mechanisms offers insights into psychiatric disorders.

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Area of Science:

Neurobiology
Psychiatric Genetics
Molecular Biology

Context:

Drug dependence is a significant global social and health issue.
Schizophrenia pathogenesis remains largely unknown, but drug-induced psychoses offer insights.
The brain's reward system and epigenetic factors are crucial in substance dependence.

Purpose:

To elucidate the neurobiological underpinnings of alcohol and drug dependence.
To explore the utility of psychotomimetic drugs (e.g., methamphetamine, phencyclidine) as models for schizophrenia.
To discuss the role of epigenetics in substance dependence.

Summary:

The paper details the neurobiological basis of drug dependence, highlighting the reward system and addiction stages.
Methamphetamine (MAP) and phencyclidine (PCP) psychoses serve as models for schizophrenia, including positive and negative symptoms.
Amotivational syndrome in cannabis and solvent dependence mirrors negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Impact:

Advances in understanding drug dependence mechanisms can illuminate the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.
Molecular and epigenetic approaches to addiction may reveal novel therapeutic targets for mental health conditions.
This research provides a foundation for future studies on the complex interplay between substance use and brain function.