Bridging the Gap Between Animal Models and Human Addiction: Exploring Translational Paradigms

Decades of intensive research have been dedicated to unraveling the intricate mechanisms that underpin the onset and persistent maintenance of addictive behaviors. The central question remains: how and why do activities that initially appear arbitrary, such as binge-watching television series, moderate alcohol consumption, or engaging in sports betting, become so profoundly ingrained in an individual’s life? This compulsion can escalate to the point where these behaviors eclipse all other life activities. Historically, substance-related addictions have been predominantly conceptualized through the lens of their reinforcing properties on specific neural pathways, most notably the mesolimbic circuit, and more precisely, the nucleus accumbens within the ventral striatum. The repeated exposure to addictive substances is understood to foster the consolidation of their rewarding effects, acting as a potent reinforcement learning signal that heightens incentive salience and drives motor action. The transformation from mere impulses to consume into full-blown compulsive behaviors has been increasingly linked to functional impairments in prefrontal control systems. These systems are paramount for future-oriented planning and for regulating immediate actions in alignment with long-term, goal-directed motivations. From this perspective, substance-related addictive behaviors are characterized as learned, automatic responses, or habits, directed towards highly salient activities, which persist even when the outcomes are undesirable or incongruent with overarching goals. Despite this established framework, the precise mechanisms by which these habits are formed and operate remain a subject of ongoing scientific inquiry and debate, with persistent controversies surrounding the exact contributions of habitual processes versus goal-directed processes.

The field of addiction research has historically relied heavily on both animal studies and experimental protocols conducted on human participants. The overarching objective has been to deepen our comprehension of the complex interplay of social, emotional, demographic, biological, and genetic factors that contribute to the initiation and perpetuation of addictive behaviors. While these studies have undeniably propelled the field forward, a significant challenge has persisted in fostering a robust and synergistic dialogue between animal and human research. This translational barrier has led some prominent researchers to question the utility of animal models, arguing that they "have not served us well in understanding and treating addiction in humans." Conversely, others maintain that by enabling "a better characterization of the cerebral circuits involved, and the long-term modifications of the brain induced by addictive drugs administrations, we might be able to find new treatments to normalize the altered brain homeostasis." This enduring debate underscores a critical need for the development and implementation of novel and innovative "translational" protocols. Such protocols are essential for enhancing the clinical relevance and accessibility of experimental findings, thereby bridging the critical gap between basic scientific discovery and bedside application, and fostering a more effective integration of preclinical and clinical research in the addiction domain.

Within this evolving theoretical landscape, a recent Research Topic published in Frontiers in Psychology (Volume 17, 2026) aimed to consolidate and highlight studies that adeptly integrate well-established animal protocols with key conceptual frameworks derived from human research. This collection of work underscores a growing consensus within the scientific community regarding the necessity of cross-disciplinary approaches to tackle the multifaceted nature of addiction.

Key Research Contributions and Translational Insights

Several pivotal studies within this Research Topic exemplify the progress being made in bridging the translational divide:

• Understanding Relapse and Substance Reacquisition: A study by Rodriguez-Lausell et al. (2026) delved into the behavioral, circuit-level, and molecular processes that contribute to the renewal and reacquisition of drug-seeking behaviors across various substances. These processes are recognized as primary drivers of relapse in substance use disorders. The research identified critical mechanistic gaps that currently impede the development of effective interventions, signaling a need for more targeted research into these specific pathways.
• Cue Reactivity and Learning Paradigms: Bode et al. (2026) presented a compelling argument for the value of paradigms that assess cue control. They posited that these paradigms offer a crucial mechanistic bridge, connecting fundamental principles of learning theory with clinically relevant behaviors observed in human addiction. This approach highlights how environmental cues can trigger cravings and relapse, a phenomenon well-documented in human addiction.
• Integrating Motivational and Attentional Processes: In a similar translational vein, Heck et al. (2026) emphasized the importance of integrating motivational and attentional perspectives across both animal and human research. Their work suggests that these two cognitive processes jointly influence how environmental cues exert their effects on behavior. Understanding this interplay is crucial for developing interventions that can modulate cue-driven responses.
• Long-Term Neurobiological Effects of Stimulants: Poorvi et al. (2026) provided compelling evidence from rodent studies indicating that methamphetamine and amphetamine induce enduring alterations in brain function, cognition, and behavior. This research critically stressed the importance of standardizing experimental parameters, including dosing regimens, withdrawal periods, and behavioral tasks, to significantly enhance the translational relevance of findings in stimulant addiction research.
• Adapting Animal Models for Human Neuroimaging: Cofresi and Aponte Zabala (2026) reported on a pilot study where de novo cue conditioning procedures, initially developed in non-human animal models of alcohol cue reactivity, were successfully adapted for neuroimaging and psychophysiology experiments with human subjects. This represents a significant step forward in directly translating animal-derived behavioral paradigms into human research settings.
• Biomarkers for Cognitive Function and Recovery: Habelt (2026), drawing on a rat model of alcohol addiction, proposed that event-related beta oscillations represent an underexplored yet highly promising biomarker for cognitive function and recovery following therapeutic interventions. Identifying such objective biomarkers is crucial for monitoring treatment efficacy and guiding personalized therapeutic strategies.

The Complexity of Addiction and the Promise of Translational Research

Collectively, these contributions underscore the profound complexity inherent in both substance and non-substance addictive phenomena. They collectively advocate for a more integrative perspective in future addiction research. This integrated approach is essential for a more accurate and comprehensive characterization of the mechanisms underlying the acquisition, expression, and maintenance of addictive behaviors. The implications of this growing emphasis on translational paradigms are far-reaching.

Broader Impact and Implications:

The increasing focus on translational research in addiction science promises to accelerate the development of more effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. By fostering a more seamless exchange of knowledge between basic science and clinical practice, researchers are better equipped to:

• Enhance Treatment Efficacy: A deeper understanding of the neural and behavioral mechanisms of addiction, derived from both animal and human studies, can lead to the development of novel pharmacological and behavioral therapies. For example, identifying specific neural circuits involved in relapse could pave the way for targeted interventions.
• Improve Diagnostic Tools: The identification of reliable biomarkers, such as those proposed by Habelt (2026) concerning beta oscillations, could lead to more objective and earlier diagnosis of addiction vulnerability and progression.
• Refine Prevention Strategies: Understanding the initial triggers and learning processes involved in addiction onset can inform the development of more targeted and effective public health campaigns and early intervention programs.
• Personalize Treatment Approaches: By integrating genetic, biological, and behavioral data from diverse research paradigms, clinicians may be able to tailor treatment plans to individual patient needs, improving outcomes and reducing relapse rates.

The journey to fully comprehend and effectively combat addiction is ongoing. However, the current trajectory, marked by a concerted effort to bridge the gap between animal models and human addiction through innovative translational paradigms, offers significant hope for a future where understanding, prevention, and treatment are more robust, effective, and accessible. The continued collaboration between researchers across disciplines and species will be paramount in this endeavor.

Author Contributions:

SC and EQ were responsible for the original draft and review/editing of this editorial.

Conflict of Interest:

The authors declared that this work was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. SC noted their position as an editorial board member of Frontiers at the time of submission, emphasizing that this did not influence the peer review process or the final decision.

Publisher’s Note:

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of their affiliated organizations, the publisher, editors, or reviewers. The publisher does not guarantee or endorse any product or claim mentioned within this article.

Keywords:

Addiction, Animal Models, Biomarkers, Compulsive Behaviors, Cue Reactivity, Translational Research

Citation:

Campanella, S., & Quertemont, E. (2026). Editorial: Bridging the gap between animal models and human addiction: exploring translational paradigms. Frontiers in Psychology, 17, 1866403. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1866403

Received: April 27, 2026
Accepted: May 12, 2026
Published: June 02, 2026

Edited and Reviewed by: Richard J. Tunney, Aston University, United Kingdom.

Copyright:

© 2026 Campanella and Quertemont. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY), permitting use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original authors and publication in this journal are credited.

Correspondence:

Etienne Quertemont, [email protected]