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Relapse to drug and alcohol use: a matter of sensitization

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

A.N.M. Schoffelmeer ,
L.J.M.J. Vanderschuren ,
A.H. Mulder ,
E.H. Jacobs  and
T.J. De Vries
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Summary

Repeated exposure of rats to cocaine, amphetamine, opiates, nicotine and alcohol causes a very long-lasting (months) increase in the behavioral effects of these addictive drugs and drug-associated environmental stimuli (sensitization). This hypersensitivity is associated with persistent changes in the reactivity of neurons of the motivational (mesocorticolim-bic) system in the brain. Using an animal model for relapse, recent studies in our laboratory show that relapse to drug-seeking behavior (following extinction of intravenous cocaine or heroin self-administration) depends on the occurrence of sensitization. Accordingly, sensitization and conditioning seem to be more important for the persistence of drug and alcohol addiction then the occurrence of withdrawal phenomena. Biochemical research on the molecular and cellular basis of behavioral sensitization and behavioral studies on readjustment of stimulus responsiveness in rats, is of great importance for the development of an adequate pharmacotherapy of addiction.

Keywords

Cravingrelapseaddictionsensitizationrat
Type
Articles
Information
Acta Neuropsychiatrica , Volume 12 , Issue 1 , March 2000 , pp. 5 - 8
Copyright
Copyright © Scandinavian College of Neuropsychopharmacology 2000

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References

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