Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
09:16
A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
17.6K
Psychostimulant addiction treatment
Karran A Phillips1, David H Epstein1, Kenzie L Preston1
1National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Neuropharmacology
|April 15, 2014
Summary
Treatment for psychostimulant addiction remains a significant challenge, with behavioral interventions being the primary approach. This review explores current behavioral strategies and emerging pharmacological treatments for stimulant use disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Opioid addiction has effective medication-assisted treatments, unlike psychostimulant addiction.
- Psychostimulant use disorders are prevalent, causing significant short- and long-term harm.
- Current treatment for stimulant use disorders primarily relies on behavioral interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current behavioral interventions for psychostimulant addiction.
- To explore promising pharmacological interventions for stimulant use disorders.
- To address the unmet challenge in treating psychostimulant addiction.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on behavioral treatments for stimulant use disorders.
- Discussion of pharmacological agents currently under investigation.
- Analysis of the current treatment landscape for psychostimulant addiction.
Main Results:
- Behavioral interventions remain the cornerstone of psychostimulant addiction treatment.
- No agonist maintenance therapy has achieved regulatory approval or widespread acceptance for stimulants.
- Several pharmacological candidates show promise but require further research.
Conclusions:
- Effective pharmacological treatments for psychostimulant addiction are still lacking.
- Continued research into novel pharmacological interventions is crucial.
- A combination of behavioral and pharmacological approaches may offer future treatment avenues.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
1.6K
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...
1.6K
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
1.5K
CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its...
1.5K
01:29Stimulants
1.4K
Stimulants are substances that enhance neural activity and elevate dopamine levels in the brain, leading to their highly addictive nature. These drugs include cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, caffeine, and nicotine, each with distinct mechanisms of action and varied health implications.
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
1.4K
01:17Drug Dependence
1.9K
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...
1.9K
01:28Drug Therapy
449
The advent of drug therapy has profoundly shaped modern mental health care, providing targeted treatments for a range of psychological disorders. Psychotherapeutic drugs, classified into antianxiety, antidepressant, and antipsychotic medications, address symptoms across anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. While these medications have transformed patient outcomes, they require careful management due to their potential side effects and limitations.
Antianxiety Medications
Antianxiety Medications
449
01:22CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents
1.1K
Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelic drugs, are a class of substances known for their ability to alter perception, cognition, and emotions. Despite their profound effects on the mind, these drugs are non-addictive, setting them apart from many other abused substances. The mechanism of action of these drugs lies in their impact on the 5-HT2A receptor in the brain. Upon activation, this receptor couples to Gq-type G proteins, triggering a cascade that releases intracellular calcium. This...
1.1K