The aim of this review is to highlight our knowledge of the various drugs of abuse that can prove potential teratogens affecting the brain and cognitive development in an individual exposed to maternal consumption of such agents. Among several drugs of abuse in women, we specifically highlighted the commonly used alcohol, nicotine, opioids, cannabis, cocaine and marijuana. These drugs can affect the fetal development and slow the cognitive maturation apart from physical disabilities. However, no known therapy exists to counter the toxic potential of these drugs. Several researchers used animal models of drug abuse to understand the underlying mechanisms affecting brain development and the relevant neurotransmitter system. Identifying such targets can potentially help in drug discovery research. We reported in depth analysis of such mechanisms and discussed the potential targets for drug development research.

这篇综述的目的是强调我们对各种滥用药物的了解，这些药物可以证明潜在的致​​畸剂会影响暴露于母亲食用此类药物的个体的大脑和认知发育。在女性滥用的几种药物中，我们特别强调了常用的酒精、尼古丁、阿片类药物、大麻、可卡因和大麻。除了身体残疾外，这些药物会影响胎儿发育并减缓认知成熟。然而，没有已知的治疗方法来对抗这些药物的潜在毒性。一些研究人员使用药物滥用的动物模型来了解影响大脑发育和相关神经递质系统的潜在机制。识别这些目标可能有助于药物发现研究。