There has long been an effort to develop a single unifying theory to explain the phenomenon of drug dependence. Some of these efforts have focused on psychoanalytic theory, various aspects of ego functioning, socio-economic factors, and physiological effects of drugs. Most investigators, however, have focused on character pathology in addicts and have considered addiction as representing one fo...

Drug dependence is a chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by neurobiological changes that lead to a compulsion to take a drug with loss of control over drug intake. Abused drugs (cannabinoids, opioids, ethanol, nicotine and psychostimulants) by interacting with various neural pathways in brain induces pleasant state and responsible for relapses. All abused drugs have common property o...

BACKGROUND DSM-IV criteria for illicit drug abuse and dependence are largely based on criteria developed for alcohol use disorders and there is a lack of research evidence on the psychometric properties of these symptoms when applied to illicit drugs. METHOD This study utilizes data on abuse/dependence criteria for cannabis, cocaine, stimulants, sedatives, tranquilizers, opiates, hallucinogen...

This study examines the roles of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and drug dependence in non-fatal suicidality, i.e., suicidal ideation and suicide attempt, among Vietnam veterans in their adult years. The sample includes male veterans deployed to Vietnam, including an oversample of those who tested positive for opiates at their return (n = 642). PTSD, substance abuse, suicidality, and oth...

Introduction: Recently, it has been demonstrated that olive leaf extract and its main component have calcium channel blocker, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. However, the effects of olive leaf extract on opioid dependence have not yet been clarified. Methods: To develop morphine dependence, morphine was injected twice daily for 7 days according to an escalating dose in rats...

N Engl J Med 2003;349:975-86. Copyright © 2003 Massachusetts Medical Society. rug addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder in which compulsive drug-seeking and drug-taking behavior persists despite serious negative consequences. Addictive substances induce pleasant states (euphoria in the initiation phase) or relieve distress. Continued use induces adaptive changes in the central nervous syst...