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Advances in Substance Abuse and Addiction
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Advances in Substance Abuse and Addiction

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Pharmaceutical Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 16 May 2025 | Viewed by 6237

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Cynthia Wei-Sheng Lee

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Center for Drug Abuse and Addiction, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
2. Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
Interests: addiction medicine; opioid pharmacology; cell biology; data analysis
Prof. Dr. Tsuo-Hung Lan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Tsaotun Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Nantou 542019, Taiwan
2. School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
3. Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institute, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan
4. Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
Interests: psychiatry; schizophrenia; neurochemical and pharmacogenetic mechanisms
Dr. Chieh-Liang Huang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Addiction Treatment, Tsaotun Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Nan-Tou County 542019, Taiwan
Interests: addiction medicine; substance misuse; addictive disorders intervention

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, entitled “Advances in Substance Abuse and Addiction”, aims to collate original research, reviews, and meta-analysis about the current challenges and solutions for substance use disorders (including nicotine, alcohol, illicit, and prescription drugs), providing a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and policy makers in the addiction medicine field. The scope of this Special Issue includes neurochemical and pharmacogenetic mechanisms related to addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery process, with a focus on translational research (from bench to bedside and vice versa). Topics to be considered involve in vitro and in vivo investigations of the pharmacological and behavioral actions of the substance of abuse, addiction treatment, and prevention research in humans. The goal is to identify the emerging trends and unmet needs of people with substance use disorders and serve as a platform to connect industrial and academic communities with regulatory agencies as well as treatment facilities in the field of addiction medicine.

We invite suggestions for manuscripts to be included in this Special Issue. Please contact the editors before preparing your manuscript for a pre-arrangement of the topic.

Dr. Cynthia Wei-Sheng Lee
Prof. Dr. Tsuo-Hung Lan
Dr. Chieh-Liang Huang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • addiction medicine
  • opioid pharmacology
  • substance abuse
  • addictive disorders intervention

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 251 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Quality of Life Changes over 12 Months Among Opiate Users from Romania and Associated Worsening Factors
by Melania Lavinia Bratu, Dorel Sandesc, Teodora Anghel, Felix Bratosin, Silviu Valentin Vlad, Artiom Terzi and Caius Glad Streian
Life 2024, 14(10), 1336; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14101336 - 21 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1180
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the changes in quality of life (QoL) over a 12-month period among opiate users in Romania, identifying factors that contribute to a worsening of their condition. By examining these dynamics, the research intended to inform targeted interventions and [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the changes in quality of life (QoL) over a 12-month period among opiate users in Romania, identifying factors that contribute to a worsening of their condition. By examining these dynamics, the research intended to inform targeted interventions and support mechanisms to mitigate the negative outcomes associated with opiate use. Conducted as a longitudinal cohort analysis, this study enrolled 74 participants diagnosed with opioid use disorders from multiple healthcare settings in Romania. The WHOQOL-BREF instrument was utilized to assess QoL, with data collection spanning from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023. Ethical compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki was maintained, and participants provided informed consent. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, focusing on the impact of demographic and behavioral variables on QoL. Over the 12-month period, significant improvements were observed in all QoL domains: physical (51.68 to 58.39, p < 0.001), psychological (49.34 to 55.32, p < 0.001), social (46.21 to 53.66, p < 0.001), and environmental (47.85 to 54.17, p < 0.001). Methadone compliance significantly influenced positive outcomes across all domains. Compliant participants exhibited higher mean scores compared to non-compliant users, with respective increases in the physical domain from 52.47 to 60.21 (p < 0.001), psychological from 50.93 to 58.32 (p < 0.001), social from 48.36 to 57.14 (p < 0.001), and environmental from 47.82 to 55.79 (p < 0.001). Additionally, education showed a protective effect, particularly enhancing environmental QoL (estimate = 0.33, p = 0.013). Methadone compliance and higher education levels were identified as significant predictors of improved QoL among opiate users, demonstrating the critical importance of adherence to treatment protocols and the supportive role of education in enhancing life quality. These findings highlight the necessity for integrated treatment programs and educational interventions to improve the well-being of individuals battling opioid addiction, advocating for policy enhancements and supportive measures tailored to this demographic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Substance Abuse and Addiction)
15 pages, 2365 KiB  
Article
Patterns and Emerging Trends in Acute Poisoning with Substances of Abuse Used for Recreational Purposes in Adolescents: A Six-Year Multicentre Study
by Teodora-Adela Turcu, Andreea Lescaie, Andreea Rodica Grama, Andreea-Cătălina Strătulă, Andreea-Iasmina Vincene, Laura-Maria Grigoraș, Cristina Jităreanu, Alina Maria Babeu, Mihai Gafencu, Maria-Dorina Crăciun, Carmen-Daniela Chivu, Daniela Luiza Baconi, Cristina Maria Mihai, Coriolan Emil Ulmeanu and Gabriela Viorela Nițescu
Life 2024, 14(8), 1033; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14081033 - 20 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1381
Abstract
This six-year multicentre study investigated acute intentional poisoning with substances of abuse in adolescents to identify changes and patterns in substance use. Data from 562 adolescents were collected from three paediatric poison centres in Romania between January 2017 and December 2022. This study [...] Read more.
This six-year multicentre study investigated acute intentional poisoning with substances of abuse in adolescents to identify changes and patterns in substance use. Data from 562 adolescents were collected from three paediatric poison centres in Romania between January 2017 and December 2022. This study analysed the epidemiological and sociodemographic characteristics of the adolescents, including age, gender, place of residence, history of substance abuse, psychiatric history, and history of institutionalised care. The findings revealed that cannabis and new psychoactive substances (NPSs) are the most commonly implicated substances, each with distinct profiles among adolescents. Cannabis was involved in 46.1% of cases, with a significant association with urban residency. NPSs were identified as the second most prevalent substance, accounting for 39.3% of cases. These were more prevalent in rural areas and among patients with psychiatric disorders. Cannabis and NPSs were also the most commonly implicated substances in acute intentional poisoning cases with substances of abuse. These substances have distinct profiles among adolescents, including age, gender, residency area, history of substance abuse, psychiatric history, and institutional care. These findings underscore the necessity of targeted public health interventions and integrated care approaches to address substance use and related mental health issues in adolescents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Substance Abuse and Addiction)
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11 pages, 2005 KiB  
Article
Comparative Assessment of the Addictive Potential of Synthetic Cathinones by Zebrafish Conditioned Place Preference (CPP) Paradigm
by Liao-Chen Chen, Ming-Huan Chan and Hwei-Hsien Chen
Life 2024, 14(7), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14070820 - 27 Jun 2024
Viewed by 982
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones have gained increasing popularity in the illicit drug market, yet their abuse potential remains poorly understood. In this study, zebrafish were used to compare the addictive potential of three cathinone analogs, namely pentylone, eutylone, and N-ethylpentylone (NEP). The zebrafish received various [...] Read more.
Synthetic cathinones have gained increasing popularity in the illicit drug market, yet their abuse potential remains poorly understood. In this study, zebrafish were used to compare the addictive potential of three cathinone analogs, namely pentylone, eutylone, and N-ethylpentylone (NEP). The zebrafish received various doses (0 to 60 mg/kg) of the cathinone analogs by oral gavage over two sessions per day for two consecutive days to induce conditioned place preference (CPP). Pentylone, eutylone, and NEP dose-dependently induced CPP, with NEP showing significantly higher CPP than pentylone and eutylone at the dose of 20 mg/kg. The fish that received 60 mg/kg of cathinones underwent extinction, followed by reinstatement triggered by drug priming. NEP required six sessions to meet the criteria of extinction, followed by eutylone, which required four sessions, and pentylone, which required three sessions. Furthermore, NEP and eutylone at a dose of 40 mg/kg could reinstate the extinguished CPP, while 60 mg/kg of pentylone was necessary for CPP reinstatement. The persistence of susceptibility to reinstatement was also assessed at 7 and 14 days after the initial reinstatement. The CPP induced by all three cathinone analogs could be reinstated 7 days after the initial reinstatement, whereas only CPP induced by NEP, but not pentylone and eutylone, could be reinstated again after 14 days. Considering the potency to induce CPP, resistance to extinction, and the propensity for reinstatement, the abuse liability rank order of the cathinone analogs might be as follows: NEP > eutylone > pentylone. These findings suggest that the zebrafish CPP paradigm can serve as a viable model for assessing the relative abuse liability of substances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Substance Abuse and Addiction)
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Review

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38 pages, 4576 KiB  
Review
The Gut-Brain Axis in Opioid Use Disorder: Exploring the Bidirectional Influence of Opioids and the Gut Microbiome—A Comprehensive Review
by Artūras Barkus, Vaida Baltrūnienė, Justė Baušienė, Tomas Baltrūnas, Lina Barkienė, Paulina Kazlauskaitė and Augustinas Baušys
Life 2024, 14(10), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14101227 - 25 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1608
Abstract
Opioid Use Disorder is a chronic condition characterized by compulsive opioid use despite negative consequences, resulting in severe health risks such as overdose and contraction of infectious diseases. High dropout rates in opioid agonist therapy highlight the need for more effective relapse prevention [...] Read more.
Opioid Use Disorder is a chronic condition characterized by compulsive opioid use despite negative consequences, resulting in severe health risks such as overdose and contraction of infectious diseases. High dropout rates in opioid agonist therapy highlight the need for more effective relapse prevention strategies. Animal and clinical studies indicate that opioids influence gut microbiota, which in turn plays a critical role in addiction development and alters behavioral responses to opioids. This study provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the effects of opioids on the gut microbiome and explores the potential of microbiome manipulation as a therapeutic target in opioid addiction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Substance Abuse and Addiction)
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