Affiliation:
1. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Tecnológicas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Católica
de Cuyo, Sede San Juan, Argentina
2. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU); Consejo
Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina | Área de Farmacología. Departamento
de Patología. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
3. Área de Farmacología. Departamento
de Patología. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
Abstract
Background:
Addictions are a group of chronic and recurrent diseases of the brain characterized
by a pathological search for reward or relief through the use of a substance or other action. This
situation implies an inability to control behavior, difficulty in permanent abstinence, a compelling desire
to consume, decreased recognition of significant problems caused by behavior and interpersonal
relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. The result is a decrease in the quality of life of
the affected person, generating problems in their work, academic activities, social relationships, or
family or partner relationships. Unfortunately, there are not enough pharmacotherapeutic solutions to
treat addictions due to the complexity of their physiopathology and signaling pathways. Therefore, it is
an imperative search for new pharmacological alternatives which may be used for this purpose.
Purpose of Review:
This review summarizes the main recent findings of the potential therapeutic effects
of different cannabinoids on treating several addictions, including alcohol, opioids, methamphetamine,
cocaine, and nicotine use disorders.
Highlights Standpoints:
It has been demonstrated that many phyto, synthetic, and endogenous cannabinoids
may act as therapeutic molecules in this psychiatric pathology through their action on multiple
cannabinoid receptors. To highlight, cannabinoid receptors, types 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) have a crucial
role in modulating the anti-addictive properties of these compounds.
Funder
ANPCyT, Agencia Nacional de Promoción de la Ciencia y la Tecnología
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Cell Biology,Molecular Biology,Biochemistry,General Medicine