Molecular Mechanisms of Drug Abuse , Dependency and Craving

Drug abuse and dependence are major medical, social, and economic problems for the world. Whereas the means to reduce abuse are well known, drug dependency is a complex medical disease and current treatments attempt to reduce or prevent drug craving in dependent people as part of therapy. With the increased understanding of the neural mechanisms of drug dependence and the availability of several drugs that can treat craving in certain drug dependent populations it is important to summarize development of anti-craving therapeutics world-wide. The present paper briefly outlines the problems of drug abuse and dependence, key aspects of the drug dependence process, the nature and mechanisms of drug craving in dependent people, current drug dependence theories, and finally mechanisms of action of anti-craving agents. We conclude with suggestions about potentially useful leads for anti-craving therapy. *Corresponding author: Richard E. Wilcox, Ph.D, Professor of Neuropharmacology, University of Texas, College of Pharmacy 2409, University Avenue STOP A1900 Austin, TX 78712-1113; Tel: +(512) 471-5199; E-mail: [email protected] Received Date: November 4, 2015 Accepted Date: December 30, 2015 Published Date: January 5, 2016