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Predescu IA, Jîjie AR, Pătraşcu D, Pasc ALV, Piroş EL, Trandafirescu C, Oancea C, Dehelean CA, Moacă EA. Unveiling the Complexities of Medications, Substance Abuse, and Plants for Recreational and Narcotic Purposes: An In-Depth Analysis. PHARMACY 2025; 13:7. [PMID: 39998006 PMCID: PMC11859396 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy13010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2024] [Revised: 01/09/2025] [Accepted: 01/20/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025] Open
Abstract
The complexities surrounding the use of medications, substance abuse, and the recreational use of plants are multifaceted and warrant a comprehensive examination. This review highlights the complexities surrounding the consumption of chemical substances in excess or for non-medical purposes, obtained through legal prescriptions, over-the-counter purchases, or illicit means, with an emphasis on the predictive role of stressors and individual-level variables in the development of substance use disorders, as well as the influence of the regulatory environment on patterns of consumption. Additionally, the alarming escalation in the mortality rate associated with illicit drug and opioid overdoses is also underscored. The recreational use of prescription medications can lead to significant health risks, particularly when combined with other substances; therefore, the need for interventions and preventive measures to address substance abuse among various populations is imperative. Furthermore, novel insights on substance abuse addiction, exploring the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction, and discussing treatment approaches and interventions are elucidated. Advancements in technology for detecting substance abuse are also highlighted, displaying innovative tools for more effective identification and monitoring. In conclusion, the complexities of medications, substance abuse, and the recreational use of plants reveal a landscape marked by overlapping motivations and health implications. The distinction between medical and recreational use is critical for understanding user behavior and addressing public health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iasmina-Alexandra Predescu
- Discipline of Toxicology, Drug Industry, Management and Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.-A.P.); (A.-R.J.); (A.-L.-V.P.); (C.A.D.); (E.-A.M.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alex-Robert Jîjie
- Discipline of Toxicology, Drug Industry, Management and Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.-A.P.); (A.-R.J.); (A.-L.-V.P.); (C.A.D.); (E.-A.M.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Dalia Pătraşcu
- Discipline of Toxicology, Drug Industry, Management and Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.-A.P.); (A.-R.J.); (A.-L.-V.P.); (C.A.D.); (E.-A.M.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Aida-Luisa-Vanessa Pasc
- Discipline of Toxicology, Drug Industry, Management and Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.-A.P.); (A.-R.J.); (A.-L.-V.P.); (C.A.D.); (E.-A.M.)
| | - Elisaveta-Ligia Piroş
- Faculty of Medicine, “Vasile Goldiş” Western University of Arad, 86 Liviu Rebreanu Street, 310048 Arad, Romania;
| | - Cristina Trandafirescu
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Cristian Oancea
- Discipline of Pneumology, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Cristina Adriana Dehelean
- Discipline of Toxicology, Drug Industry, Management and Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.-A.P.); (A.-R.J.); (A.-L.-V.P.); (C.A.D.); (E.-A.M.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Elena-Alina Moacă
- Discipline of Toxicology, Drug Industry, Management and Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.-A.P.); (A.-R.J.); (A.-L.-V.P.); (C.A.D.); (E.-A.M.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Gowen AM, Odegaard KE, Hernandez J, Chand S, Koul S, Pendyala G, Yelamanchili SV. Role of microRNAs in the pathophysiology of addiction. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2021; 12:e1637. [PMID: 33336550 PMCID: PMC8026578 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disorder characterized by compulsive seeking despite adverse consequences. There are both heritable and epigenetic mechanisms underlying drug addiction. Emerging evidence suggests that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs regulate synaptic plasticity and related behaviors caused by substances of abuse. These ncRNAs modify gene expression and may contribute to the behavioral phenotypes of addiction. Among the ncRNAs, the most widely researched and impactful are miRNAs. The goal in this systematic review is to provide a detailed account of recent research involving the role of miRNAs in addiction. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Small Molecule-RNA Interactions RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin M Gowen
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Katherine E Odegaard
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jordan Hernandez
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Subhash Chand
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Sneh Koul
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Gurudutt Pendyala
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Sowmya V Yelamanchili
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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