Moving beyond animal models: enriched environments and human substance use disorders.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Preclinical studies have shown that exposure to a multisensory, stimulating environment (environmental enrichment, EE) can prevent the development of addictive behaviors and reduce the risk of relapse in animal models. However, the extent to which these preclinical findings apply to human addiction remains largely unknown. In this research, we investigated the role of EE in human substance use disorders (SUDs).

Methods

A new self-report measure of perceived EE was developed to test, in human participants, whether EE is associated with lower levels of SUD. This scale was administered to two distinct groups: regular smokers (N = 286) and patients diagnosed with severe alcohol use disorder (N = 52). Smokers also provided demographic information and data

SUBMITTER: Barillot L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12446247 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature