Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025

A Procedure to Study Stress-Induced Relapse of Heroin Seeking after Punishment-Imposed Abstinence
Published on: March 23, 2022
Stress Allostasis in Substance Use Disorders: Promise, Progress, and Emerging Priorities in Clinical Research
Gaylen E Fronk1, Sarah J Sant'Ana1, Jesse T Kaye2,3
1Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA; email: gfronk@wisc.edu, skittleson@wisc.edu, jjcurtin@wisc.edu.
Abstract:
Clinicians and researchers alike have long believed that stressors play a pivotal etiologic role in risk, maintenance, and/or relapse of alcohol and other substance use disorders (SUDs). Numerous seminal and contemporary theories on SUD etiology posit that stressors may motivate drug use and that individuals who use drugs chronically may display altered responses to stressors. We use foundational basic stress biology research as a lens through which to evaluate critically the available evidence to support these key stress-SUD theses in humans. Additionally, we examine the field's success to date in targeting stressors and stress allostasis in treatments for SUDs. We conclude with our recommendations for how best to advance our understanding of the relationship between stressors and drug use, and we discuss clinical implications for treatment development.
Related Concept Videos
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Drug Dependence
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine

