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Neuroplasticity in addiction: From mechanistic insights to the design of future-oriented interventions
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Mahdi Fatemizadeh   , Farideh Ghavasi , Maryam Farahmandfar *  |
| Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran, Iran |
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Abstract: (2 Views) |
Addiction is now recognized as a chronic brain disorder resulting from pathological reorganization within neural circuits responsible for reward, learning, and executive control. Neuroplasticity—including synaptic remodeling, gene expression changes, and the formation of new neural pathways—plays a critical role throughout all stages of addiction, from initiation and maintenance to relapse. Despite this, traditional treatment approaches have largely focused on symptom management and detoxification, often overlooking the underlying neurobiological processes. This review critically examines the gap between the neuroscience of addiction and current therapeutic strategies by highlighting neuroplasticity as a shared target across three emerging intervention domains: brain stimulation (e.g., deep brain stimulation), anti-inflammatory agents, and psychedelic compounds. These interventions influence neuroplasticity through different yet complementary mechanisms, such as increased BDNF expression and neurotransmitter rebalancing. Evidence suggests that enhancing neuroplasticity may not only reduce addictive behaviors but also contribute to the recovery of cognitive and emotional function. This paper concludes by emphasizing the need for future therapeutic models to integrate neuroplasticity-targeted strategies to achieve more durable and effective outcomes in addiction treatment.
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| Keywords: Addiction, Deep Brain Stimulation, Neuroinflammation, Neuroplasticity, Psychedelic |
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Full-Text [PDF 905 kb]
(2 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review Article -by invitation |
Subject:
Neuroscience
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