Relapse after electric barrier-induced voluntary abstinence: A review

Relapse to drug use during abstinence is a defining feature of addiction. To date, however, results from studies using rat relapse/reinstatement models have yet to result in FDAapproved medications for relapse prevention. To address this translational gap, we and others have developed rat models of relapse after voluntary abstinence from drug selfadministration. One of these models is the electric barrier conflict model. Here, we introduce the model, and then review studies on behavioral and neuropharmacological mechanisms of cue-induced relapse and incubation of drug seeking (timedependent increase in drug seeking during abstinence) after electric barrier-induced abstinence. We also briefly discuss future directions and potential clinical implications. One major conclusion of our review is that the brain mechanisms controlling drug relapse after electrical barrier-induced voluntary abstinence are likely distinct from those controlling relapse after homecage forced abstinence.
Funding Agencies|NIH [1ZIADA000434-23]; Swedish Research Council Starting funds [2022-01538]; Swedish Society of Medical Research Starting Grant [SG-22-0118]