New studies show that microRNAs, snippets of RNA implicated in a wide variety of biological processes, are involved in promoting and inhibiting cocaine addiction. The findings could pave a new path for the development of anti-addiction therapies.
In a new series of studies tracing the molecular events that occur in the brain as memories are formed and preserved, researchers find that certain epigenetic changes may promote vulnerability to relapse.
An in vitro test demonstrates the potential of a programmable skin patch that will enable physicians to tailor transdermal medication doses to match patients' fluctuating needs.
Individuals with weak signaling in a nicotine-sensitive brain circuit were more vulnerable to nicotine dependence than those with stronger signaling, according to a study conducted while the subjects’ brains were in a resting state. A second resting-state study finds that the same circuit appears to mediate dependence associated with a genetic risk factor for smoking.
Presents current knowledge on a variety of addiction issues, including nicotine’s affects on brain function; inhalant abuse; genetically-based research and treatment; maternal tobacco use and its effects on children; and a behavior game for young children.
Una de las metas del NIDA es la de ayudar al público a comprender las causas del abuso de drogas y de evitar su comienzo. El abuso de drogas tiene consecuencias serias en nuestros hogares, escuelas y comunidades. Desde la perspectiva del NIDA, el uso de cualquier droga ilícita o el uso inapropiado de las drogas lícitas se considera abuso de drogas.
Reports on the cognitive effects of addiction, potential genetic influences, strategies for training counselors, cost evaluation of evidence-based treatments, and a trial underway on brief strategic family therapy.
