Neuropeptides in Alcohol, Substance Use, and Related Disorders

Neuropeptides are increasingly recognized as critical modulators of the reward, stress, and motivation pathways that underlie substance use disorders. These signalling molecules interact with classical neurotransmitter systems and shape the development, maintenance, and relapse of addictive behaviors. The broader involvement of neuropeptides in the action of addictive drugs—including alcohol, psychostimulants, cannabis, and emerging substances of abuse—underscores the diverse roles of neuropeptides in addiction biology. In addition, neuropeptide signalling intersects with neuroimmune, neuroendocrine, and gut–brain pathways, offering new insights into mechanisms of vulnerability, resilience, and treatcment response. Investigating these complex networks represents a promising frontier for identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.

Goal
This Special Issue aims to bring together research that advances our understanding of neuropeptide systems in substance use and related behavioral disorders. By highlighting molecular, cellular, systems-level, and translational findings, we seek to identify therapeutic targets, promote innovative intervention strategies, and foster global collaboration in addiction science.

Scope and Information for Authors
We invite contributions from diverse disciplines and methodologies, spanning basic to clinical research. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Neuropeptide regulation of reward, motivation, and stress circuits in alcohol and drug addictions (opioids, psychostimulants, cannabis, hallucinogens, and emerging substances of abuse).
• Alteration of neuroimmune, neuroendocrine, and gut–brain interactions by neuropeptides and their involvement in drug reward and addictive behaviors.
• Translational and clinical studies exploring neuropeptide-based interventions, biomarkers, or personalized medicine approaches.
• Molecular, cellular, systems biology, and computational modelling approaches to understanding addiction.
• The role of neuropeptides in psychiatric comorbidities and behavioral addictions (e.g., food, digital).

Submissions utilizing in vitro, in vivo, systems biology, neuroimaging, or other innovative approaches are welcome. We particularly encourage studies that provide mechanistic insights with therapeutic or translational relevance.

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: Neuropeptides, Substance use disorders, Reward and stress pathways, Addiction biology, Neuroimmune and neuroendocrine interactions, Gut–brain axis, Biomarkers, Therapeutic targets, Translational and clinical research, Systems biology