Addiction

Previous edition: 2013.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Symbols and abbreviations; 1 What is addiction?; 2 Burden of addiction; 3 Key elements of addiction; 4 Neurobiological processes in addiction; 5 Drug pharmacokinetics and abuse liability; 6 Pharmocodynamics of addictive substances; 7 The dopamine system and addiction; 8 The GABA system and addiction; 9 The glutamate system and addiction; 10 The opioid system and addiction; 11 Nicotine addiction; 12 Appetite hormones and addiction; 13 Conclusion and overview; Index

Substance addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterised by a compulsion to take a substance despite potential consequences. This work offers a clear and succinct overview of the brain science underpinning substance addiction. Focusing on the nature of addiction as a brain disorder, it discusses a range of different behavioural traits such as impulsivity and reward dependence, and looks at the critical role of kinetic and pharmacological factors. All chapters have been fully updated to provide readers with a quick-reference guide to the latest research on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for addition, and feature helpful key points and further reading sources. In addition, two new chapters on nicotine addiction and appetite hormones have been added to ensure the reader is kept abreast of the most recent discussions in the field of research.