Orexin (hypocretin) and addiction

Although originally implicated in appetite and sleep/wakefulness, the hypothalamic orexin (hypocretin) system has now been demonstrably linked with motivated behavior. This highly plastic system responds to reward-associated environmental stimuli and becomes pathologically overactive in addicted states. Here, we provide a brief overview of the roles of the orexin system in reward-seeking and addiction, as well as potential therapeutic opportunities for substance use disorders based on normalizing orexin function.

Automated summary

This article discusses how the hypothalamic orexin system is now linked with motivated behavior and becomes overactive in addicted states, offering potential therapeutic opportunities for substance use disorders based on normalizing orexin function.