Drug and alcohol dependence
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A central determinant of addictive disorders in people is increased risk of relapse to drug use even after prolonged periods of abstinence. Recent advances in animal models of relapse indicate that drug-seeking behavior can be triggered by priming injections of the drugs themselves, by drug-associated environmental stimuli, and by footshock stress. The neural mechanisms underlying this relapse can be viewed in general terms as drug-like or proponent processes. ⋯ Modulation of this system has been related directly to relapse to drug-seeking behavior. Given the long-lasting nature of increased risk of relapse, it is likely that the relevant neuroadaptations are mediated via drug-induced changes in gene expression. A detailed understanding of the neural and molecular basis of relapse will facilitate efforts to develop truly effective treatments and preventive measures.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Oct 1994
ReviewBehavior in cocaine-exposed infants and children: association versus causality.
The effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on infant and child development and behavior are uncertain. This ambiguity has been enhanced by the early nature of human research and suboptimal study designs. Methodological difficulty in this research, particularly in the consideration of confounding effects, has made it difficult to ascribe causal relationships. Future research must consider more precise measures of confounding.
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Drug Alcohol Depend · Dec 1987
ReviewPharmacological characteristics of agonist-antagonist analgesics.
A brief history and pharmacological characteristics of agonist-antagonist analgesics are presented. The importance of this class of compounds on the development of opioid-receptor concepts is described.