PHARMACOLOGICAL AND NEUROMODULATORY INTERVENTIONS FOR ADDICTION: A PRISMA-COMPLIANT SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CURRENT ADVANCES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Keywords:
addiction, substance use disorder, pharmacotherapy, neuromodulation, brain stimulation, systematic reviewAbstract
Background: Addiction is a chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by dysregulation of reward, motivation, and executive control networks. While pharmacological treatments remain foundational, neuromodulatory interventions have emerged as promising adjunctive or alternative strategies.
Objective: This systematic review evaluates current pharmacological and neuromodulatory interventions for addiction, focusing on mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, limitations, and future research directions.
Methods: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review was conducted across four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO). Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and translational clinical studies published between 2010 and 2025. Data were synthesized qualitatively due to methodological heterogeneity.
Results: Forty-six studies met inclusion criteria. Pharmacological treatments demonstrated established efficacy in opioid, alcohol, and nicotine use disorders but showed variable outcomes across individuals. Neuromodulatory interventions, particularly non-invasive brain stimulation, showed promise in reducing craving and relapse risk, though evidence remains preliminary. Combined pharmacological–neuromodulatory approaches appeared synergistic.
Conclusions: Integrated, circuit-based treatment strategies represent a critical frontier in addiction medicine. Future research should prioritize personalized approaches, long-term outcomes, and ethical implementation.
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