Immunology of Substance Use Disorders

2018 ◽  
pp. 165-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haitham Salem ◽  
Scott D. Lane ◽  
Antonio L. Teixeira
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Drug Seeking ◽  
Reinforcing Effects ◽  
Immune Changes ◽  
The Brain

As in other psychiatric disorders, the role of the immune system is gathering increasing attention as an important mechanism in substance use disorders. Addiction is a complex condition in which a person engages in drug-seeking and drug-taking behaviors to accentuate the reward processes in the brain and avoid negative withdrawal states. Due in part to the activation of stress responses during drug withdrawal, high levels of peripheral pro-inflammatory cytokines are observed in this phase, and these immune changes might contribute to the behavioral negative reinforcing effects of the drug. This and other observations suggest that the immune system might play a role in the development of substance use disorders, also representing a potential target for biomarker and therapeutic strategy development (e.g., vaccines).

scholarly journals Neuroimmune Mechanisms as Novel Treatment Targets for Substance Use Disorders and Associated Comorbidities

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark D. Namba ◽  
Jonna M. Leyrer-Jackson ◽  
Erin K. Nagy ◽  
M. Foster Olive ◽  
Janet L. Neisewander
Keyword(s):  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Synaptic Plasticity ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Immune Signaling ◽  
Treatment Targets ◽  
Novel Treatment ◽  
The Brain

Recent studies examining the neurobiology of substance abuse have revealed a significant role of neuroimmune signaling as a mechanism through which drugs of abuse induce aberrant changes in synaptic plasticity and contribute to substance abuse-related behaviors. Immune signaling within the brain and the periphery critically regulates homeostasis of the nervous system. Perturbations in immune signaling can induce neuroinflammation or immunosuppression, which dysregulate nervous system function including neural processes associated with substance use disorders (SUDs). In this review, we discuss the literature that demonstrates a role of neuroimmune signaling in regulating learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity, emphasizing specific cytokine signaling within the central nervous system. We then highlight recent preclinical studies, within the last 5 years when possible, that have identified immune mechanisms within the brain and the periphery associated with addiction-related behaviors. Findings thus far underscore the need for future investigations into the clinical potential of immunopharmacology as a novel approach toward treating SUDs. Considering the high prevalence rate of comorbidities among those with SUDs, we also discuss neuroimmune mechanisms of common comorbidities associated with SUDs and highlight potentially novel treatment targets for these comorbid conditions. We argue that immunopharmacology represents a novel frontier in the development of new pharmacotherapies that promote long-term abstinence from drug use and minimize the detrimental impact of SUD comorbidities on patient health and treatment outcomes.

The Role of Different Aspects of Impulsivity as Independent Risk Factors for Substance Use Disorders in Patients with ADHD: A Review

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slobodin Ortal ◽  
van de Glind Geurt ◽  
Franck Johan ◽  
Berger Itai ◽  
Yachin Nir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Independent Risk Factors

Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders in Late Adolescence: The Role of Risk and Perceived Social Support

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph H. Beitchman ◽  
Edward M. Adlaf ◽  
Leslie Atkinson ◽  
Lori Douglas ◽  
Joseph H. Beitchman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Late Adolescence

Substance Use Disorders and Intentional Injury

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Janet Kuramoto-Crawford ◽  
Holly C. Wilcox
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorders ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Intentional Injuries ◽  
Drug Use Disorders ◽  
The Relationship

Intentional injuries affect millions of lives worldwide. The authors provide an overview of the epidemiological and preventive evidence on the relationship between substance use disorders (SUD) and intentional injuries. Emphasis is placed on suicide and intimate partner violence, as each area has received substantial research attention in relation to SUD. There is robust epidemiological evidence on the relationship between SUD, notably with alcohol use disorders, and most intentional injuries. Research has focused on the identification of factors that distinguish individuals with alcohol use disorders who are at particularly high risk for intentional injuries. Characterization of those with other drug use disorders who are at risk for engaging in intentional injuries and the role of SUD in intentional injuries has been less extensively investigated. The authors conclude with a discussion of public health approaches to the prevention of intentional injuries among individuals with SUD.

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