Novel Therapeutic Targets and Strategies for Drug Addiction

A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Pharmacology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 March 2025 | Viewed by 126

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil
Interests: drug addiction; neuropharmacology; abuse substances; physical exercise; tactile stimulation; innovative nanotechnology

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Guest Editor
Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactives Molecules—LaftamBio, Campus Itaqui, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui 97650-000, RS, Brazil
Interests: drug addiction; organoselenium compounds; physical exercise

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Guest Editor
Campus Uruguaiana, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana 97500-970, RS, Brazil
Interests: drug addiction; cannabinoids; cannabidiol; toxicology

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Guest Editor
Campus Uruguaiana, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana 97500-970, RS, Brazil
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 COVID-19. Beyond traditional illicit substances like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and ecstasy, a less recognized crisis has emerged involving legal prescriptions. While medications like benzodiazepines, barbiturates, "Z" compounds, certain antidepressants, and psychostimulants, including drugs like methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, etc., initially ease neuropsychiatric symptoms, their misuse often leads to dependency.

Beyond the challenges posed by COVID-19, heightened competitiveness among the youth drives the misuse of psychoactive substances for cognitive enhancement and stress relief through anxiolytics and hypnotics.

As researchers in pharmacology and toxicology, we must innovate new treatments for addiction, spanning illicit and prescription drugs. The section "Novel Therapeutic Targets and Strategies for Drug Addiction" in Pharmaceuticals invites submissions on innovative therapies, including research on the mechanisms of current drugs and novel approaches such as nanotechnology and integrative practices like physical activity, herbal medicine, and nutraceuticals, among others. Our goal is to present pioneering pharmacological and integrative interventions that can prevent or treat various forms of addiction, 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

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Keywords

  • neuropsychopharmacology
  • toxicology
  • drug addiction
  • animal models
  • complementary and integrative medicines
  • abuse drugs
  • psychostimulants
  • anxiolytics
  • addictive substances

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