Pharmacotherapeutic approach to the treatment of addiction: persistent challenges.

The sequence of pathophysiological responses to repeated self-administration of addictive compounds is briefly described, as are prospects for development of drugs for addiction and some of those currently available. It is noted that the varying vulnerability of individuals to addictions creates ethical concerns regarding the application of drug abuse pharmacotherapies as they become more efficacious. It is noted further that relapse remains the most persistent challenge in the treatment of addictions.