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Alcohol and Pain: A Translational Review of Preclinical and Clinical Findings to Inform Future Treatment Strategies
Author(s) -
Edwards Scott,
Vendruscolo Leandro F.,
Gilpin Nicholas W.,
Wojnar Marcin,
Witkiewitz Katie
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
alcoholism: clinical and experimental research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.267
H-Index - 153
eISSN - 1530-0277
pISSN - 0145-6008
DOI - 10.1111/acer.14260
Subject(s) - alcohol use disorder , context (archaeology) , chronic pain , translational research , analgesic , medicine , nociception , sensitization , psychiatry , central sensitization , addiction , psychology , psychotherapist , clinical psychology , alcohol , paleontology , biochemistry , chemistry , receptor , pathology , biology
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and chronic pain are enduring and devastating conditions that share an intersecting epidemiology and neurobiology. Chronic alcohol use itself can produce a characteristic painful neuropathy, while the regular analgesic use of alcohol in the context of nociceptive sensitization and heightened affective pain sensitivity may promote negative reinforcement mechanisms that underlie AUD maintenance and progression. The goal of this review was to provide a broad translational framework that communicates research findings spanning preclinical and clinical studies, including a review of genetic, molecular, behavioral, and social mechanisms that facilitate interactions between persistent pain and alcohol use. We also consider recent evidence that will shape future investigations into novel treatment mechanisms for pain in individuals suffering from AUD.