In the search for new therapies, scientists are constantly experimenting with new ways to help those struggling with addiction. Often these new approaches are a combination of therapeutic and pharmacological techniques.
Researchers are also trying to understand the root causes of drug addiction. This involves exploring a range of behavioral paradigms and genetic animal models.
NIH-Funded Research
Research into experimental addiction therapy seeks to develop new drugs or drug-like substances that can be used to treat substance abuse. The NIH has several programs that support research on this topic.
The NIH Helping to End Addiction Long-Term (HEAL) Initiative funds research into preventing and treating opioid use disorder (OUD), a disease that affects many people in the United States. HEAL research uses innovative techniques and new technologies to help researchers better understand the nature of addiction and how it can be treated.
HEAL also provides funding to conduct studies that test the effectiveness of new treatments. For example, the NIH Clinical Center is conducting a study of an experimental drug that may help curb cravings associated with OUD.
HEAL grants also support collaborative projects that involve researchers from multiple disciplines and backgrounds. For example, a team of researchers is using advanced neuroscience methods to understand how the brain responds to different types of alcohol.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies focus on changing an individual’s behaviors concerning substance misuse, in part by teaching life skills that help them to better cope with situations that may lead to substance misuse and relapse. Behavioral therapies are often applied in conjunction with other interventions, such as medication and support groups.
Several behavioral therapy approaches have been found effective in treating addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This approach helps people identify negative thoughts that are contributing to their problems and then learn to change those thoughts.
Another type of behavioral therapy, classical conditioning, uses reinforcement and rewards to encourage learning new behaviors. It was popularized by Ivan Pavlov, who used it to train his dogs.
Behavioral therapy is an important part of experimental addiction therapy because it can help individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders and their families to understand how their behaviors relate to their feelings and their environment. Various treatments have been shown to be effective in this area, though more research is needed.
Vaccines
Vaccines can help protect against certain diseases, such as hepatitis and pneumonia. They typically contain large proteins, called carrier proteins, that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies.
These vaccines target specific viruses or bacteria and prevent them from entering the body. Some use a protein that looks like a virus or bacteria, and others opt for polymer nanoparticles encapsulating immunostimulating molecules.
Researchers at Columbia University have been testing an oxycodone vaccine, designed to prevent the drug from entering the brain and producing a euphoric "high." This particular opioid is relatively safe because of its low chemical structure, but it is also deadly when abused.
The researchers have gotten some interesting results in their experiments. When they replaced key hydrogen atoms in the vaccine with a heavier form of hydrogen, the vaccine elicited more anti-heroin antibodies and blunted heroin's effects on rodents. They also found that the vaccine was not harmful, even when given at high doses.
Prevention
In the treatment world, prevention is the name of the game. Aside from the usual ol' time-honored treatments like counseling, anti-addiction medications, and supportive therapies, there are newer techniques in the lab that may be able to save lives by alerting people to potential problems before they happen.
For instance, a microchip implanted in the brain can deliver an electrical current that can stimulate a part of the brain involved in craving and motivation, helping people get clean. Focused ultrasound is another experimental tool that reaches deep into the human body.
The most successful treatments are the ones that address the underlying causes of addiction, such as genetics, social and psychological factors. Using a combination of non-pharmacological approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family and couples therapy, and motivational enhancement techniques, can help a person achieve remission from a substance use disorder. This, in turn, can lead to reduced rates of crime, incarceration, and poor health outcomes.
