Novel Therapeutic Targets and Strategies for Drug Addiction and Medication-Induced Toxicity
A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Pharmacology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 307
Special Issue Editors
Interests: drug addiction; neuropharmacology; abuse substances; physical exercise; tactile stimulation; innovative nanotechnology
Interests: drug addiction; organoselenium compounds; physical exercise
Interests: drug addiction; cannabinoids; cannabidiol; toxicology
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Drug addiction is a pressing global health issue, exacerbated by the isolation and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond the traditional illicit substances—such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and ecstasy—there is a less recognized crisis involving legal prescriptions. While medications like benzodiazepines, barbiturates, “Z” compounds, certain antidepressants, and psychostimulants initially alleviate neuropsychiatric symptoms, their misuse often leads to dependency. This includes drugs like methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine and others. Beyond the challenges posed by COVID-19, heightened competitiveness among youth is driving the misuse of psychoactive substances for cognitive enhancement and stress relief, particularly through anxiolytics and hypnotics.
As researchers in pharmacology and toxicology, we must innovate new treatments addressing addiction to both illicit and prescription drugs, as well as the growing problem of toxicity resulting from the excessive or inappropriate use of pharmaceuticals. This includes cases of self-medication without proper medical supervision, an increasingly common and concerning issue with serious public health and clinical implications.
The section “Novel Therapeutic Targets and Strategies for Drug Addiction and Medication-Induced Toxicity” in Pharmaceuticals invites submissions on innovative therapies. This includes research on the mechanisms underlying current drugs and novel approaches such as nanotechnology, alongside integrative practices like physical activity, herbal medicine, and nutraceuticals, among others. Our goal is to showcase pioneering pharmacological and integrative interventions capable of preventing or treating various forms of addiction and medication-related toxicity, whether stemming from legal or illicit substances.
Prof. Dr. Marilise Escobar Bürger
Dr. Hecson Jesser Segat
Dr. Camila Simonetti Pase
Dr. Vinicia Garsella Metz
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. Pharmaceuticals 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 2900 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
- neuropsychopharmacology
- toxicology
- drug addiction
- animal models
- complementary and integrative medicines
- abuse drugs
- psychostimulants
- anxiolytics
- addictive substances
- prescription drug misuse
- pharmacological interventions
- public health
- illicit and legal substances
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
