In the 1960s, discovery of pleasure system (defined as reward system) in the brain that may underlie drug reward and addiction encouraged many scientists to investigate the mechanisms by which drug abuse affects central nervous system function. In this regard, investigators developed several drugs targeting the brain reward system for drug dependence therapy. However, no positive results obtain...

, Postgraduate students in psychiatry and social work who wish to review the field quickly and grasp the concepts. Mention of particular contributions is a matter of personal preference and interest, but I for one am delighted that, at a time when there are so many self-appointed and often vocal specialists in this field, these papers carry the stamp of knowledge and authority. ' particularly v...

This review will discuss the latest knowledge of how the endocannabinoid system might be involved in treating addiction to the most common illicit drugs. Experimental models are providing increasing evidence for the pharmacological management of endocannabinoid signaling not only to block the direct reinforcing effects of cannabis, opioids, nicotine and ethanol, but also for preventing relapse ...

The negative social attributes associated with drug use and abuse/dependence may arise as a result of shared genetic or environmental factors rather than through causal pathways. To evaluate this possibility, structured interviews were conducted for 3969 male and female twins from the Mid-Atlantic Twin Registry and evaluations of their socioeconomic status (SES), social interactions, and use of...

BACKGROUND Although there is a high degree of comorbidity between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and drug use disorders, little is known about causal relationships between PTSD, exposure to traumatic events, and drug use disorders. METHODS In a longitudinal study in southeast Michigan, 1007 adults aged 21 to 30 years were initially assessed in 1989 and were followed up 3 and 5 years lat...

Background: The rate of drug dependence and abuse is a growing problem in the Iran, number of opioid – dependent people is estimated at a total of 2000.000-4000.000 individuals. The aim of this study was a Comparison of Methadone and Buprenorphine in the Treatment of Opiate Addiction referring to a treatment clinic of Baharan psychiatric hospital in Zahedan city. Methods: In a cross sect...

Crack/cocaine use is an increasing problem in the UK. This study is the first to ascertain the magnitude of the crack/cocaine problem in a rural county of the UK and to determine users' needs for treatment services. A questionnaire on drug dependence and risk behaviour was completed by 306 users of drug treatment services, and focus groups were conducted with 45 self-selected crack/cocaine user...

BACKGROUND Current and comprehensive information on the epidemiology of DSM-IV 12-month and lifetime drug use disorders in the United States has not been available. OBJECTIVES To present detailed information on drug abuse and dependence prevalence, correlates, and comorbidity with other Axis I and II disorders. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Face-to-face interviews using the Alcohol Use ...

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is the name applied to any of a range of research methodologies that aim to assess participants in near real time as they go about their regular day-to-day activities. Such methods have particular utility for studying drug use and drug dependence. Using the area of nicotine dependence as a case study, this review highlights how EMA can be used to build upon...