Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2025

Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods
Published on: August 4, 2022
Promising immunomodulators for management of substance and alcohol use disorders
Amanda M Acuña1, Connor Park2, Jonna M Leyrer-Jackson2
1Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience and Comparative Psychology Area, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA.
Introduction:
The neuroimmune system has emerged as a novel target for the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs), with immunomodulation producing encouraging therapeutic benefits in both preclinical and clinical settings.
Areas Covered:
In this review, we describe the mechanism of action and immune response to methamphetamine, opioids, cocaine, and alcohol. We then discuss off-label use of immunomodulators as adjunctive therapeutics in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, demonstrating their potential efficacy in affective and behavioral disorders. We then discuss in detail the mechanism of action and recent findings regarding the use of ibudilast, minocycline, probenecid, dexmedetomidine, pioglitazone, and cannabidiol to treat (SUDs). These immunomodulators are currently being investigated in clinical trials described herein, specifically for their potential to decrease substance use, withdrawal severity, central and peripheral inflammation, comorbid neuropsychiatric disorder symptomology, as well as their ability to improve cognitive outcomes.
Expert Opinion:
We argue that although mixed, findings from recent preclinical and clinical studies underscore the potential benefit of immunomodulation in the treatment of the behavioral, cognitive, and inflammatory processes that underlie compulsive substance use.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD

