Neurochemical and Neurocircuitry Perspectives on the Science of Addiction

Abstract

Addiction is a complex disorder affecting millions worldwide, presenting significant public health and research challenges. This review examines the biochemical and neuroscientific mechanisms underlying addiction, emphasizing the roles of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, glutamate, GABA, serotonin, and endocannabinoids in reward processing and compulsive drug-seeking behavior.

The biochemical effects of addictive substances, including alcohol, opioids, stimulants, nicotine, and cannabis, are explored, highlighting their neurotoxic impact and cognitive impairments. The review also discusses genetic and epigenetic influences, illustrating gene-environment interactions that contribute to addiction susceptibility. Treatment approaches, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, are examined. Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and N-acetylcysteine target neurotransmitter systems, while therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offer alternative interventions. Emerging treatments, including gene therapy and AI-driven predictive models, suggest a promising future in addiction treatment.

This review underscores the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to addiction research and treatment. Understanding addiction’s neurobiological foundations can lead to innovative therapeutic strategies, ultimately improving outcomes for those affected by substance use disorders.