There is a large body of evidence indicating that DYN and KOR activity contribute to various psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, and addiction (Hang et al., 2015; Knoll et al., 2010; Wee and Koob, 2010; Butelman et al., 2012; Crowley and Kash, 2015; Lalanne et al., 2014). Dynamic neuroadaptive changes associated with development of alcohol (ethanol) dependence are suggested to involve recruitment of various stress-related neuropeptides, including the DYN/KOR system. These adaptations, in turn, are suggested to contribute to negative affective states that perpetuate excessive, unhealthy drinking (Koob, 2008). In recent years, the DYN/KOR system has received increased attention as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of ethanol use disorders (Walker et al., 2012).
