Endocannabinoid Systems and Drugs of Abuse

Background
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a pivotal role in modulating reward, motivation, and stress responses, making it a critical target in the study of substance use disorders. Beyond the canonical cannabinoid receptors, ECS components interact with multiple neurotransmitter systems, influencing the behavioral and neurobiological effects of drugs of abuse, including psychostimulants, opioids, alcohol, and cannabis. Growing evidence also highlights the involvement of ECS in psychiatric comorbidities, neuroinflammation, and gut-brain signaling. Understanding the intricate mechanisms of the ECS is essential for developing innovative therapeutic approaches for addiction.

Goal
This Special Issue of Advances in Drug and Alcohol Research aims to consolidate current knowledge on the interactions between the ECS and various drugs of abuse, exploring molecular, cellular, and systems-level mechanisms. We seek to highlight translational research that bridges preclinical findings with clinical applications, including novel pharmacological interventions, gene and proteomic approaches, and neuro-immune-microbiome interactions. By bringing together multidisciplinary perspectives, the issue will address knowledge gaps in ECS-mediated addiction pathways, potential therapeutic targets, and personalized medicine strategies. The ultimate goal is to foster collaboration and innovation to inform more effective prevention and treatment strategies for substance use disorders.

Scope and Information for Authors
We welcome research papers, reviews, mini-reviews, and short communications addressing the role of the ECS in drug abuse and addiction. Suggested topics include, but are not limited to:
• Endocannabinoid modulation of psychostimulants, opioids, alcohol, and cannabis effects
• Molecular and cellular mechanisms of ECS-drugs of abuse interactions
• ECS involvement in neuroinflammation and psychiatric comorbidities
• Gut-brain axis and ECS in substance use disorders
• Translational studies, including preclinical models and clinical trials

Submissions should use diverse in vitro, in vivo, and systems biology approaches. Contributions that provide insights into novel therapeutic strategies or personalized medicine approaches are particularly encouraged.