Pathophysiology, Molecular Interaction Mechanism, Metabolism, Pharmacotherapy and New Perspectives in the Pharmacological Treatment of Chemical Dependence on the Main Illicit Drugs Consumed in the World

Since the early days of mankind, humans have used chemicals from a wide range of origins for psychic changes, whether for religious, occupational or recreational purposes. Among the most widely used illicit substances on the planet, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), are Cannabis sativa, amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, ecstasy and heroin. These are responsible for the dependence of millions of people. Thus, this review is about chemical dependence with a focus on the mechanism of molecular interaction, metabolism and its consequent symptomatology manifested during drug withdrawal, as well as the current pharmacological treatments used during its manifestation and the search to increase pharmacotherapeutic arsenal against this pathology.