Proposing FDA consideration for the treatment and prophylaxis of opioid and psychostimulant abuse to incorporate the induction of DNA guided dopamine homeostasis: Anti-reward deficiency restoration solution (ARDS)

BACKGROUND: In face of an American opioid/psychostimulant crisis with overdose fatalities, due, in part, to the COVOD 19 pandemic, we are proposing a paradigm shift in response. Currently, The FDA has approved pharmaceuticals for the treatment of opioids, alcohol, and nicotine but not for psychostimulants or even cannabis. PROPOSITION: To respond to the deadly overdose issue globally, we are proposing that the FDA embrace, for the treatment and prophylaxis of opioid and psychostimulant abuse, induction of DNA-guided, dopamine homeostasis. We refer to this novel therapeutic target as the Anti-Reward Deficiency Restoration Solution (ARDS). EXPERT OPINION: This futuristic proposal regarding the FDA will provide important information that may ultimately lead to significant improvement in the recovery of individuals with opioid/psychostimulant and polydrug abuse issues, especially, those with genetically-induced dopamine deficiency. CONCLUSION: With large populations supporting these initial results, and possibly even additional candidate genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms, the neuroscience and neurological community may eventually have the clinical ability to classify addiction severity, according to genotype and possession of risk alleles. A promising goal is the identification of high risk vulnerability, along with the provision of a safe, non-addicting ARDS natural nutrigenomic, involving a therapeutic model that potentially up-regulates instead of down-regulates dopaminergic receptors, preferably, the D2 subtype, is one laudable goal.