Author Description

This volume describes our current understanding of the biological mechanisms in the central nervous system of nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and other drugs of abuse. Organized to focus on the similarities rather than the differences between drug actions, the processes undergo examination by level of cellular organization rather than by substance. The book proceeds from characterization of drug effects in relation to neurotransmitters and their receptors, through localization of drug effects in the brain in relation to specific anatomic structures. The impact of local stimulation or lesions on animal behaviors with respect to reward, reinforcement, desensitization and sensitization receive attention. Human genetic studies and therapeutic trials of addiction management complete the presentations.