Targeting Alcohol-Induced Epigenetic Changes: A Pharmacotherapeutic Approach for Alcoholism Treatment

Abstract

Alcoholism is a significant worldwide health problem, and yet current therapeutic approaches do not consistently prevent relapse. Epigenetics is an emerging science, providing fresh insight into developmental mechanisms preceding many diseases. Research over the last decade has exposed ethanol as an agent capable of producing epigenetic changes associated with alcohol tolerance, dependence, craving, and tissue toxicity. This article outlines research into these ethanol-mediated changes and possible directions for future pharmacotherapy treatments for alcohol-related disorders.

KEYWORDS:

• Epigenetics
• ethanol
• alcoholism
• tolerance
• pharmacotherapy
• anxiety