title: Cellular and molecular mechanisms of drug dependence.
abstract: The molecular and cellular actions of three classes of abused drugs--opiates, psychostimulants, and ethanol--are reviewed in the context of behavioral studies of drug dependence. The immediate effects of drugs are compared to those observed after long-term exposure. A neurobiological basis for drug dependence is proposed from the linkage between the cellular and behavioral effects of these drugs.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003042:Cocaine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology; D009892:Opium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D000431:Ethanol; D009892:Opium; D003042:Cocaine