Towards a comprehensive understanding of the neurobiology of addictions: the importance of sex

Over the past few decades, information on the neurobiology of addiction has greatly advanced our understanding of addiction. However, most studies have neglected to include the female sex, resulting in a poorer understanding and treatment of addiction in females. More recent research is showing that females suffer differently not only psychologically but also physiologically in the different phases (development, maintenance and relapse) of substance use disorders. In addition to the differences found at the neurobiological level, recent studies show that risk factors related to the different phases of drug use disorders also show gender disparities. Therefore, it is of great relevance to develop studies that include both males and females, as well as to replicate models that have only been tested in males to check if the neurobiological mechanisms underlying this problem are the same in both sexes.

The main objective of the present special issue is to shed light on the sex-dimorphic neurobiological differences present in drug use disorders, as well as on the factors that contribute to their development. To this end, the objectives can be achieved with the use of both animal and human models. Therefore, articles that include both sexes or that yield new data in females over models only used in males that study the neurobiology and/or risk factors associated with the development, maintenance and/or relapse of drug use disorders.

The special issue aims to explore the sexual neurobiological differences in addiction and its associated risk factors, such as stress, anxiety, pain, depression, and social isolation. This comprehensive examination seeks to deepen our understanding of how sex-specific factors influence addiction mechanisms and outcomes.

We welcome original research articles utilizing both animal and human models, as well as review articles that synthesize current knowledge on these topics. Submissions may focus on any addictive substance, including but not limited to alcohol, nicotine, opioids, stimulants, and cannabis.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Sexual Behavioral Differences in Drug Intake: Exploring how drug use patterns vary between sexes.
• Drug-Induced Neurobiological Changes: Investigating sex-specific neurobiological alterations due to drug exposure.
• Sex Differences in Risk Factors Across Addiction Stages: Examining how risk factors differentially impact males and females during various addiction stages.

Article types and fees

This Special Issue accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Special Issue description:

• Book Review
• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Commentary
• Editorial
• Letter to the Editor
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Special Issue accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Special Issue description:

• Book Review
• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Commentary
• Editorial
• Letter to the Editor
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Review

Keywords: Addiction, Sex, Neurobiology, Hormone, Negative affective states, Alcohol, Opioid, Cannabis, Cocaine, Sex Differences, Addiction Neurobiology, Substance Use Disorders, Female Inclusion, Risk Factors, Relapse Mechanisms, Sex-Dimorphic Responses, Animal and Human Models, Psychological Comorbidities, Drug-Induced Brain Changes