Vol. 3, Issue 1, Part A (2021)

Changes in neurocircuits, molecular changes and the genetic variations those are responsible for the neuroadaptations mediate the development of addiction. Addictive drugs can trigger epigenetic mechanisms that modulate the expression of genes implicated in neuroplasticity ultimately perturbing the intracellular level of key proteins, and modifying neurotransmitter signaling in various neuronal circuits in the brain. The resultant behavioural dysfunctions in addiction reflect the emergent property of complex systems that are disrupted at multiple, interacting levels.