title: Theories and treatment of drug dependency: a neurochemical perspective.
abstract: Treatment of chemical dependence ("addiction") requires an understanding of its effects on the brain. To guide research in the area of chemical dependence, several foundational theories have been developed. These include the incentive salience, receptor down-regulation, opponent process, and psychomotor stimulant theories. These have been important both in summarizing and in guiding investigations. However, the extant theories do not provide a single unified framework nor have they yielded all of the guidance necessary for effective chemical dependence treatment. The present paper summarizes and then integrates these theories and suggests some implications for the treatment followed by this integration.
authors.forename: Sheila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pakdaman
authors.forename: Richard E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Wilcox
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, #1 University Drive at Jordan Road, Cupecoy, St. Maarten (formerly Netherlands Antilles), USA. jmiller2@aucmed.edu.
authors.forename: Joseph D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D023421:Models, Animal; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009042:Motivation; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D011954:Receptors, Dopamine; D004298:Dopamine