Pharmacological Mechanisms Underlying Drug Abuse and Addiction: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Drug abuse and addiction are complex disorders that involve both psychological and physiological components. The pharmacology of addiction focuses on how drugs interact with the brain's neurochemical pathways to induce changes in behavior, mood, and cognition. This review explores the mechanisms underlying drug abuse, the neuropharmacological basis of addiction, and current pharmacological interventions aimed at treating substance use disorders (SUDs). Understanding these processes is essential for developing effective strategies to combat addiction and reduce its societal impact.