Generally, Substance Use & the Immune System and as related to Neuro-Developmental & Psychiatric Disorders

My view is that Neuro-Developmental Differences/Disorders are often coming with Developmental Systemic Inflammation through Maternal Immune Activation.


When we talk about Substance Use and the Immune System or Health Aspects ---
Historically, that has been the HEALTH IMPACTS of ADDICTION
Prosecutors have often said --- WELL, DON'T START.

It is becoming more clear that some people with Neuro-Developmental Differences & Disorders (that are BLURRED) are coming "PRIMED FOR ADDICTION"
We've kinda known this for awhile BUT the evidence is growing as well as the Ethical Dilemmas for Prosecutors.

• Drug Courts have been one response.
• I would submit we need to go further back in the CHAIN and recognize not only the Substance Problem but also the Neuro-Developmental Difference/Disorder.
  • Further, I would submit that the Neuro-Developmental Difference/Disorder is often PRIMARY and the Substance Use and/or Psychiatric Disorder are SECONDARY.

Neuron-Glia-Immune Triad and Cortico-Limbic System in Pathology of Pain. (2021)

Glial cells in the peripheral nervous system, astrocytes in the brain, dorsal root ganglia, and immune cells all contribute to the development, maintenance, and resolution of pain. ...Immune responses may also exacerbate pain perception by modulating t …

The Convergent Neuroscience of Affective Pain and Substance Use Disorder. (2021)

"With these tools, future research strategies targeting severe SUD (Substance Use Disorder) should focus on the common neurobiology between negative reinforcement and affective elements of pain, possibly by reducing excessive stress hormone and neurotransmitter activity within shared circuitry."

The role of gut-immune-brain signaling in substance use disorders. (2021)

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are debilitating neuropsychiatric conditions that exact enormous costs in terms of loss of life and individual suffering. ...Accumulating evidence suggests an important role for gut-immune-brain communication in the patho …

Contributions of neuroimmune and gut-brain signaling to vulnerability of developing substance use disorders.  (2021)

Here we will review the rapidly growing body of literature that examines the importance of interactions between the peripheral immune system, the gut microbiome, and the central nervous system (CNS) in mediating the transition to pathological drug use. While …

The immune system and autism spectrum disorder: association and therapeutic challenges. (2021)

This study provides a review of the autoimmune involvement in the pathogenesis of ASD. The\r\nmicrobiome, the representative of the innate immune system in the central nervous system (CNS), plays a critical role in triggering inflammation. ...Moreover, the hi …

Val's Take:  We tend to view ADHD as more associated with Substance Use Disorders --- but ADHD and Autism are BLURRED.

Further, what is "LEGAL" or "ILLEGAL" in this society is often much more a matter of POLITICS than it is SCIENCE.

Alcohol is very damaging and we've struggled to turn it into a HEALTH FOOD (especially wine) --- but the RESEARCH keeps coming back that even small amounts generally aren't good for us.

ADHD and Substance Use Disorders in Young People: Considerations for Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Pharmacotherapy. (2022)

Co-occurring ADHD and substance use disorder (SUD) is a common clinical presentation associated with significant impairment requiring careful evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Treatment with medication, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, is g …

Glial mechanisms underlying substance use disorders. (2019)

Addiction is a devastating disorder that produces persistent maladaptive changes to the central nervous system, including glial cells. Although there is an extensive body of literature examining the neuronal mechanisms of substance use disorders, effec …

Glial Cells: Types and Functions - Verywell Health (2022)

Oct 25, 2022 · Microglia are tiny glial cells ("micro" means small). They act as the brain's own

Drug addiction: a curable mental disorder? (2018)

Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disorder. Multiple neural networks in the brain including the reward system (e.g., the mesocorticolimbic system), the anti-reward/stress system (e.g., the extended amygdala), and the central immune system …