Joseph Miller
American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, USA
Title: Mechanisms of action of stimulant and depressant drugs of abuse
Biography
Biography: Joseph Miller
Abstract
The phenomenology of drug addiction seems to vary greatly between depressant drugs of abuse and stimulant drugs of abuse. For instance, the effects of withdrawal seem to be more deleterious for depressant drugs while withdrawal from stimulant drugs seems more likely to generate craving. The purpose of this study is to examine the anatomy and physiology of the nigrostriatal and mesocortical projections with a view to incorporate the major theories of drug addiction. Furthermore, the wiring diagrams of these projections suggest specific anatomical loci whose dysfunction may produce a proclivity toward the development of dependency and addiction in a sub-population of the human race. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: We have reviewed a large percentage of the literature on drug dependency with a particular focus on available theoretical models of drug abuse and addiction. We have integrated that material into what we believe to be a comprehensive model of drug addiction. Findings: We believe the most likely candidates responsible for drug addiction proclivity are dopamine receptor down-regulation in a number of loci and/or dysfunction in the dopamine transporter. Conclusion & Significance: If the mechanisms implicated here are critical to the development of drug addiction those mechanisms could be the target of next-generation pharmacotherapy for drug addiction.