Behavioral Neurobiology of Alcohol Addiction: A Decade of Great Challenges, New Hopes, and Hypes.
Wolfgang H. Sommer, Rainer Spanagel
Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences July 12, 2025 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2025_586 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Addiction Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Addiction theory Animal models Delphi method Glp-1 agonists Just-in-time-adaptive-interventions jitais Valley of death Aud Drug candidates Translational research: translation Rigorous translation Expert consensus |
| Key findings | The translational gap in developing AUD treatments persists despite promising preclinical findings, but emerging technologies and pharmacological candidates offer renewed hope if combined with empirical rigor and public health strategies. |
Abstract
Over a decade after the first edition of "Behavioral Neurobiology of Alcohol Addiction," this chapter revisits the field at a critical juncture, marked by both persistent challenges and emerging opportunities. We reflect on the translational gap that has stalled the development of new treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD), despite decades of promising preclinical findings. Particular attention is given to the replicability crisis in animal research, publication biases, and the limited predictive validity of existing models. At the same time, we highlight advances that offer renewed hope, including molecular and circuit-level technologies, AI-driven data analysis, real-world assessments, and new pharmacological candidates, such as GLP-1 agonists and psychedelics. These breakthroughs are considered alongside the increasing recognition of inflammation, pain, and neuroimmune factors as integral to AUD. However, we caution against exaggerated claims and urge the field to avoid oversimplified models, especially those that conflate habits and compulsions. Finally, we argue that neurobiological progress must be complemented by public health strategies aimed at reducing stigma and improving access to care. By fostering empirical rigor, embracing complexity, and maintaining critical self-reflection, addiction science can better align its innovations with real-world clinical and societal needs.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin for addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| Psychedelics as anti-inflammatory agents Animal models and cellular studies | 2018 | Review | |
| Psychedelic Drugs in Biomedicine | 2017 | Review | |
| DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Psilocybin | 2018 | Review | |
| Psilocybin for treating substance use disorders? | 2016 | Narrative review |