Role of Brain Stress System in Opiate Dependence and Withdrawal: Neuronal-, Cellular- and Molecular Mechanisms

Stress and stress-associated high levels of glucocorticoid hormones are well-known risk factors in the development of drug addiction and vulnerability to relapse (Koob & Kreek, 2007; Koob, 2008). Human studies indicated that addicts often use drugs to relive their stress and anxiety. Moreover, psychological stress is known to increase vulnerability to addiction. This „self treatment” may initially decrease stress-evoked adverse effects, however, chronic exposure to addictive compounds leads to tolerance and paradoxically, drug withdrawal or cessation of the treatment results in serious stress reaction and may lead to development of anxiety disorders that is often followed by relapse. Even after long periods of abstinence, adverse stressful life events or exposure to chronic stress may precipitate relapse. In the framework of this grant, we have revealed some important details of the cellular and molecular basis of the complex interaction between brain stress system and the reward system.