Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
09:29
Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods
Published on: August 4, 2022
Geospatial technology and the "exposome": new perspectives on addiction
Gerald J Stahler1, Jeremy Mennis, David A Baron
1Department of Geography and Urban Studies, 309 Gladfelter Hall, Temple University (025-26), 1115W. Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA. jstahler@temple.edu
American Journal of Public Health
|June 15, 2013
Summary
New research explores the environmental context, or "exposome," of addiction using geospatial and mobile technologies. This approach could improve understanding of drug use initiation, relapse, and develop innovative tech-based interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Addiction is a major public health issue in the United States.
- Current addiction research primarily focuses on neurobiology.
- Understanding gene-environment interactions is crucial for addiction research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the environmental context (exposome) of addiction.
- To discuss how new technologies can advance addiction research.
- To highlight potential for improved interventions.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing advances in geospatial technologies.
- Leveraging new mobile and sensor computing platforms.
- Fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.
Main Results:
- Enabled research into the environmental "exposome" of addiction.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary focus on environment-behavior interactions.
- Identified potential for technology-driven interventions.
Conclusions:
- Technological advances offer new avenues for addiction research.
- Understanding the exposome can improve insights into drug use and relapse.
- Innovative technology-based interventions can enhance addiction treatment and care.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Drug 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...
01:17Drug Dependence
Medications are typically administered to achieve therapeutic effects. Some drugs can modify an individual's mood and perception, frequently resulting in various enjoyable experiences. However, this can result in drug dependency, a condition marked by continuous drug use despite potential negative consequences. Drug dependency primarily falls into two categories: psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the pleasurable feelings induced by the drug...
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
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.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
01:29Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...
01:03Drug Control Governance: Regulatory Bodies and Their Impact
Drug control governance involves the oversight and regulation of pharmaceuticals to ensure their safety and efficacy while preventing illegal drug use and trafficking. Regulatory bodies, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union's European Medicines Agency (EMA), play a central role in this process. These agencies evaluate the safety and efficacy of drugs before they can be marketed. They fund clinical trials and assess the benefits and risks associated with a...
01:26Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action
Neurochemical transmission, the conduction of electrical impulses between neurons mediated by neurotransmitters, plays a vital role in various physiological processes. Autonomic drugs exert their effects by modulating neurotransmission within the autonomic nervous system. For instance, drugs such as hemicholinium block the precursor uptake necessary for synthesizing acetylcholine, an essential autonomic neurotransmitter. Following synthesis, neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles. Metyrosine...