Drug abuse in some addicts progresses to compulsive drug seeking and taking behaviors. High-risk addictive behaviors tend to make interactions between an addict and the community more complex. Socialization is a necessary process that needs to be developed to accommodate to social life.The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of social interaction during addiction. Forty two (42) male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: social, isolated, socialized morphine-treated (SMT) and isolated morphine-treated (IMT). At the end of the study, neurogenesis, corticosterone, nitrite/nitrate, anhedonia with forced swim test and sucrose and salt craving were examined. Neurogenesis was reduced in IMT group compared to SMT group. SMT animals and control demonstrated better forced swim test performance compared to IMT animals. Furthermore, sucrose and salt (NaCl 3%) consumption was found to be higher in IMT animals compared to SMT animals. Corticosterone was higher in IMT rats compared to SMT rats. Nitrite/nitrate was higher in IMT rats compared to SMT rats. Socialization preserves brain functions necessary for life. Hence, socialized addicts can better tolerate addiction-induced adverse effects.
Key words: Neurogenesis, Morphine, Sucrose, nitrite/nitrate, Salt and Craving
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