The nucleus accumbens is a major input structure of the basal ganglia and integrates
information from cortical and limbic structures to mediate goal-directed behaviors. Chronic …

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play critical roles in regulating brain function. Recent
advances have greatly expanded our understanding of these receptors as complex …

Alcohol use disorder remains a substantial social, health, and economic problem and
problem drinking levels in women have been increasing in recent years. Understanding …

Individuals addicted to drugs of abuse such as alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, and heroin are a
significant burden on healthcare systems all over the world. The positive reinforcing …

Alcohol addiction is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by an impaired ability to
stop or control alcohol use despite adverse consequences. A main challenge of addiction …

Emerging evidence demonstrates that alcohol dependence is associated with dysregulation
of several neurotransmitters. Alterations in dopamine, glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric …

Emerging evidence indicates that dysfunctional glutamate neurotransmission is critical in the
initiation and development of alcohol and drug dependence. Alcohol consumption induced …

Cessation from chronic alcohol abuse often produces a dysphoric state that can persist into
protracted withdrawal. This dysphoric state is theorized to function as a negative reinforcer …

Binge-drinking is common in underage alcohol users, yet we know little regarding the
biopsychological impact of binge-drinking during early periods of development. Prior work …

The neuropeptide hypocretin/orexin plays a broad and important role in physiological
functions ranging from addiction, stress, and anxiety to sleep, energy metabolism, and …