Epigenetic therapies and addiction
epigenetic pathway for therapeutics until enough supplementary research is provided (Maze and Nestler, 2011). Indeed, the development of epigenetic therapeutics in the field of addiction as a whole hinges on clearer research that distinguishes the transient modifications in gene expression, which would not make strong targets for rehabilitation, from the permanent epigenetic alterations that may be treated to prevent long-lasting addiction and withdrawal symptoms. In addition, more in-depth studies into the effects of current rehabilitation methods on reversing the epigenetic alterations brought about by addiction would further elucidate the shortcomings of presently available therapeutics, and identify the ways in which epigenetic treatments might enable more permanent recovery. By further refining the mechanisms presented in this essay, from inhibiting or enhancing the activity of different epigenetic enzymes, to altering the expression of individual genes using dCas technology, the development of new rehabilitative therapeutics may gradually appear more and more feasible. Furthermore, uncovering all of the epigenetic alterations induced by morphine in the brain, not just the ones discussed previously, will be crucial in ensuring that treatments can fully reverse the changes brought about by chronic exposure to the drug. However, given how novel the advancements in our understanding of the epigenetics in addiction are, it is unlikely that any therapies utilizing these systems will be developed in the near future. For now, research into epigenetics has provided researchers with far greater insight into the precise mechanisms that underpin morphine addiction and offers hope for the future that patients who once suffered from opioid addiction can be provided with longer lasting recovery.
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