Opioid Peptides in Substance Abuse

Introduction: The Pharmacological Effects of µ- and k-Agonists Are Divergent, in Some Aspects Even Opposite. Aspecific Character of the Analgesia Induced by k-Agonists. Antianalgesic Effects of k-Agonists. µ-Agonist Induced Euphoria as Opposed to Dysphoria Elicited by k-Agonists in Humans and Experimental Animals. The Role of Dopamine in the Reinforcing Effect of Opiates. Elements of a Uniform Brain Reward Circuitry. Sensitization and the Pathology of Addiction. The Role of Stress in Addiction. Altered Genetic Expression of Endogenous Opioids during Addiction. The Mode of Action of Other Abused Substances. Individual Differences in Propensity to Drug Addiction. New Strategies in the Treatment of Opiate and Cocaine Addiction.