The Science of Addiction: From Neurobiology to Treatment

by Carlton K. Erickson Ph.D.

Overview

Runner-up winner of the Hamilton Book Author Award, this book is a comprehensive overview of the neurobiology behind addictions.

Neuroscience is clarifying the causes of compulsive alcohol and drug use––while also shedding light on what addiction is, what it is not, and how it can best be treated––in exciting and innovative ways. Current neurobiological research complements and enhances the approaches to addiction traditionally taken in social work and psychology. However, this important research is generally not presented in a forthright, jargon-free way that clearly illustrates its relevance to addiction professionals.

The Science of Addiction presents a comprehensive overview of the roles that brain function and genetics play in addiction. It explains in an easy-to-understand way changes in the terminology and characterization of addiction that are emerging based upon new neurobiological research. The author goes on to describe the neuroanatomy and function of brain reward sites, and the genetics of alcohol and other drug dependence. Chapters on the basic pharmacology of stimulants and depressants, alcohol, and other drugs illustrate the specific and unique ways in which the brain and the central nervous system interact with, and are affected by, each of these substances

Erickson discusses current and emerging treatments for chemical dependence, and how neuroscience helps us understand the way they work. The intent is to encourage an understanding of the body-mind connection. The busy clinical practitioner will find the chapter on how to read and interpret new research findings on the neurobiological basis of addiction useful and illuminating.

This book will help the almost 21.6 million Americans, and millions more worldwide, who abuse or are dependent on drugs by teaching their caregivers (or them) about the latest addiction science research. It is also intended to help addiction professionals understand the foundations and applications of neuroscience, so that they will be able to better empathize with their patients and apply the science to principles of treatment.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780393076226
Publisher:	Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Publication date:	08/31/2010
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	312
Sales rank:	1,009,922
File size:	801 KB

About the Author

Carlton K. Erickson, Ph.D. is a distinguished Professor of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, Director of the Addiction Science Research and Education Center in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Texas at Austin, and an associate editor of the scientific journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. He is the recipient of the Nelson J. Bradley Award for Lifetime Achievement, given by the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP).

Table of Contents

Abbreviations ix

Preface xiii

Acknowledgments xix

Chapter 1 What Addiction Is and What It Is Not 1

Chapter 2 Is Drug Addiction a Chronic Medical Brain Disease? 13

Chapter 3 How Do They Diagnose the Disease of Addiction? 27

Chapter 4 Basically, How Does the Brain Work? 52

Chapter 5 Where and How Does Addiction Occur? 70

Chapter 6 Genetics: Mom and Dad's Contributions 93

Chapter 7 Drugs That Stimulate and Depress Us 114

Chapter 8 Alcohol, Our Most Popular Legal Drug 138

Chapter 9 Other Drugs That Turn Us On 163

Chapter 10 The Treatment of Addiction Should Be Easy, Right? 185

Chapter 11 Treating Addiction: What Are the Choices? 203

Chapter 12 Addiction Research: Good News and Bad News 225

Chapter 13 What's Exciting About Future Addiction Research? 243

Appendix A Alcohol Concepts for the Aspiring Neuropharmacologist 258

Appendix B Drug Concepts for the Aspiring Neuropharmacologist 270

Glossary 283

References 297

Index 331

Editorial Reviews

"I recommend this excellent book as a ‘must-read’ for any medical student, physician, or other allied health professional dedicated to the care of their patients with the treatable disease of addiction."

Journal of the American Medical Association

"The Science of Addiction: From Neurobiology to Treatment seeks to educate addiction professionals at all levels on the principles and applications of neuroscience...The book covers in great detail what addiction is and isn't, discussing where it occurs in the brain and how it is diagnosed. The pharmacology of drugs of misuse is addressed, and a diversity of treatment strategies are explored...The Science of Addiction is being used as a text in several universities' addiction counseling curricula."

Psych Congress - Gary A. Enos

"Recommended unreservedly....It is easy to read, informative and comprehensive."

Addicition - Falk Kiefer

"This book is a must-read both for the addiction professional, and for anyone concerned about America’s opioid epidemic. Dr. Erickson draws upon his decades of experience to clearly define misunderstood and misused terms and to simply explain the neurobiological basis underlying the chronic disease of addiction. At the same time, he offers insight, compassion and hope for those helping and those seeking help for substance use disorders."

Mark Mishek

"Erickson clearly has done his homework. [It] is a welcome contribution to the field as a result of his diligence."

Counselor - Bruce Ripley

"Any collection strong in health science needs this."

The Bookwatch

"Can addiction be a disease if it looks like a choice and responds to behavioral treatments? If it’s a disease, is the one with it responsible for his behavior? Is it the same as excessive use? Is biology the only lens of relevance? This book answers these questions in a way that’s just right for the public, clinicians and scientists, at a time when we really need it."

Richard Saitz MD