Designing Interventions Informed by Scientific Knowledge About Effects of Early Adversity: A Translational Neuroscience Agenda for Next Generation Addictions Research

Abstract

In spite of extensive scientific knowledge about the neurobiological systems and neural pathways underlying addictions, only limited progress has been made to reduce the population-level incidence of addictions by using prevention and treatment programs. In this area of research the translation of basic neuroscience of causal mechanisms to effective interventions has not been fully realized. In this article we describe how an understanding of the effects of early adverse experiences on brain and biological development may provide new opportunities to achieve impact at scale with respect to reduction of addictions. We propose four categories of new knowledge that translational neuroscience investigations of addictions should incorporate to be successful. We then describe a translational neuroscience-informed smoking cessation intervention based on this model.

Keywords: Addictions; Early Adversity; Translational Neuroscience.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

Philip A. Fisher and Elliot T. Berkman declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1

Translational neuroscience requires four kinds of information. A Theory specifies the processes or mechanisms that underlie the relationship between an intervention and an outcome. Neurobiology defines the neural targets that correspond to the mechanisms of intervention action. A Strategy dictates the means to engage with the neurobiological system through psychosocial or other intervention. Moderators indicate relevant individual differences, such as the nature and timing of early adverse experiences that alter the theory, the neurobiological targets, and the strategy to intervene.