Addiction

Addiction is characterized by compulsive, out-of-control behavior exemplified by drug use despite adverse consequences. The complex trait of addiction is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Given the complex interplay of genes and environment, much work has concentrated on dissociating the two. Human studies of twins and families can detect traits with common genetic and/or environmental influence. Genetic animal models are used to determine the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction-related behaviors. Mechanisms of drug-induced neuroplasticity, which includes changes in various molecular and cellular processes, have been implicated in the transition to the addicted state. These mechanisms may offer therapeutic targets for drug development. The prevention of relapse in individuals attempting to abstain from drug-seeking and -taking is a large challenge for the medical science community, but the molecular and genetic research tools exist and are rapidly being improved, which will undoubtedly facilitate progress in the treatment of addiction.