The Neurobiology Of Addiction (philosophical Transactions Of The Royal Society Of London. Series B, Biological Sciences)

In the past two decades, there have been astonishing advances in our understanding of the neurobiological basis and nature of drug addiction. We now know the initial molecular sites of action, at identified receptors, of virtually all of the major drugs of abuse including cocaine, heroin, and amphetamine, as well as legal drugs such as nicotine and alcohol. We also understand the main components of a 'reward system' and its connections to major brain regions involved in motivation and emotion, such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.

The Neurobiology of Addiction describes the latest advances in our understanding of addiction. It brings together world class researchers to debate the nature and extent of addiction, as well as its causes, consequences, and treatment. The focus of the book is on the brain processes underlying addiction, in terms of neural systems, neurochemical basis, and molecular changes. Several types of addiction are discussed ranging from illicit drugs - cocaine, amphetamine, and heroin to legal drugs - alcohol and nicotine. In addition, it explores increasingly common behavioural addictions such as gambling and obesity. Included are chapters on vulnerability to addiction, genetic factors, opponent motivational processes, animal models, relapse, cognitive deficits associated with drug abuse, new pharmacological treatments, and current controversies concerning different neuropsychological theories of addiction. Throughout, it reports on cutting edge research using brain imaging, and state of the art molecular methodology.

The book will make fascinating reading for students and teachers in the field of neuroscience, pharmacology and psychology, as well as experts in the field.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Christopher J. Graver, PhD(Madigan Army Medical Center)
Description:As the concept of addiction as a character flaw has evolved into an appreciation of the neurobiological strata that underlie it, there is an increasing need for a comprehensive review of this field and the advances in understanding.
Purpose:The primary aim of this book is to provide a current review of the literature on the neurobiology of addiction.
Audience:According to the editors, this book is targeted at students and teachers in the fields of neuroscience, pharmacology, and psychology. It is written at a moderately advanced level that requires familiarity with neurobiological concepts and terminology to fully appreciate the content. The editors are accomplished in this field and have gathered experts from a variety of related fields to contribute.
Features:The first of the four main sections focuses on theories of addiction. A coherent framework is presented to understand various theories to explain addiction that not only includes neurobiology, but behavioral principles as well. This is followed by an insightful chapter on relapse that encompasses several interactive factors. The second section takes a more detailed look at addiction to specific substances. Nicotine and alcohol receive most of the attention, although pathological gambling and obesity are also included. The third section focuses on vulnerability to addiction and commences with two somewhat advanced chapters on the genetics of addiction and vulnerability. This is followed by an intriguing chapter on the genetic-environment interaction in addiction and the influence that can have on neurobiology and pharmacokinetics. Later chapters take a neuropsychological perspective on the consequences of drug abuse, providing a practical link between animal and human research. The inclusion of a chapter on pharmacological treatments for addiction is welcome, but the conclusion that these treatments are on par with treatments for other medical diseases is arguable. Each chapter begins with an abstract and introduction to focus the topic. Figures are helpful and a few color plates are included. The references are cutting edge, with some less than a year before publication, with the vast majority within this decade.
Assessment:This is a well-referenced and current review of the literature on the neurobiology of addiction. It covers a variety of useful areas from neurochemistry to functional neuroanatomy to genetic vulnerability. It could serve as foundational reading in a course on the topic.