Neuroscience of Psychoactive Substance Use and Dependence

by World Health Organization

Overview

Neuroscience of Psychoactive Substance Use and Dependence provides an authoritative summary of current knowledge of the biological basis of substance use behaviours, including their relationship with environmental factors.

The report focuses on a wide range of psychoactive substances, including tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs. New developments in neuroscience research are discussed (e.g., mechanisms governing craving, tolerance, neuroadaptation, immunotherapies and the concept of dependence) as well the ethical implications of these developments. As the product of consultations with and contributions from many international experts and partners, the best available evidence is provided from the various schools of thought and areas of research in the field of neuroscience.

Neuroscience of Psychoactive Substance Use and Dependence is targeted at individuals with more than a basic knowledge of neuroscience, including scientists from a number of disciplines. It is expected that this publication will be of interest to health care workers, clinicians, social workers, university students, science teachers and informed policy makers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789241562355
Publisher:	World Health Organization
Publication date:	12/31/2004
Series:	Nonserial Publications Series
Pages:	283
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.40(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

World Health Organization is a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, charged to act as the world's directing and coordinating authority on questions of human health. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries, and monitoring and assessing health trends.

Table of Contents

Foreword; Acknowledgements; List of background papers and contributors; 1) Introduction; 2) Brain mechanisms: Neurobiology and neuroanatomy; 3) Biobehavioural processes underlying dependence; 4) Psychopharmacology of dependence for different drug classes; 5) Genetic basis of substance dependence; 6) Concurrent disorders; 7) Ethical issues in neuroscience research on substance dependence treatment and prevention; 8) Conclusion and implications for public health policy; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"The most comprehensive overview on substance abuse written to date is provided in this book...."

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy

"This is an outstanding publication, with a very useful text for workers and researchers in the filed of substance abuse and dependence, especially psychiatrists, psychologists or trainees in these fields...."

South African Medical Journal

"The most comprehensive overview on substance abuse written to date is provided in this book...."

"This is an outstanding publication, with a very useful text for workers and researchers in the filed of substance abuse and dependence, especially psychiatrists, psychologists or trainees in these fields...."

From the Publisher