Date Published: February 14, 2025
Time Published: 8:00 AM
Solvent addiction could be treated more effectively and at a lower cost, according to a recent study by the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila, published in Psychopharmacology on December 18, 2024, offering hope for affected individuals.
The research, part of the three-year program "Novel Approaches to Treatment of Addiction and Depression using Animal Models," examined the impact of prolonged inhalant exposure, specifically toluene, on the brains of adolescents.
Through a series of tests on male and female rats, researchers observed that repeated inhalation of toluene, a chemical found in paints, adhesives, gasoline, and nail polish, can cause long-term changes in the brain, leading to poor decision-making and social withdrawal.
By using rats to examine the effects of abused drugs on our brain, they seek to reverse these effects and to restore the brain to its normal state.
According to program leader Dr. Rohani Cena-Navarro, the research aims to develop treatments that are equally effective for both sexes.
“Because addiction has been established as a brain disorder, the clinician can tell the patient, ‘You are not weak. The chemical compound rewires the brain and impairs its decision-making process.’ Rehabilitating the adolescent brain can end the cycle of addictive behavior and relapse so that young people can restore their relationships and plan for the future,” she explained.
Researchers believe that findings from this study could lead to more accessible and affordable treatment options for solvent addiction, especially in low-income areas.
Further investigations will explore potential interventions that can be implemented into clinical practice, offering new hope for rehabilitation programs.
REFERENCES:
[1] Manuel, E. N. (2025, January 26). Low-cost solvent addiction treatment seen. Daily Tribune. https://tribune.net.ph/.../low-cost-solvent-addiction...
[2] GMA Integrated News (2025, January 26). Low-cost treatment for solvent addiction possible after recent study — UP Manila. https://www.gmanetwork.com/.../low-cost-treatment.../story/
[3] Asis, J. L. B., Carampel, A. C., Bacar, J. N. B., et al. (2024). Repeated toluene inhalation in male and female adolescent rats induces persistent drug preference and impairs cognitive and social behavior. Psychopharmacology, 241(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-024-06731-5
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