Drugs of Abuse (PDF)

Drug abuse has been, and continues to be, a global societal
issue with diverse sets of impacts. Drugs of Abuse: Pharmacology
and Molecular Mechanisms introduces the basic principles of
pharmacology and neuroscience of drug abuse. Understanding the
chemistry of commonly abused drugs and their impact on brain
function will provide students and researchers with a more profound
understanding of the molecular basis of drug abuse and
addiction.

Drugs of Abuse: Pharmacology and Molecular Mechanisms
opens with a brief history of drug use and abuse. Subsequent
sections look at specific families of drugs, including stimulants,
depressants, and hallucinogens among others, and explore how their
chemical make-up interacts with brain function. The final chapter
provides a brief overview of clinical substance abuse
treatment.

Providing a concise, accessible introductory overview of the
topic, Drugs of Abuse: Pharmacology and Molecular Mechanisms
will be a valuable resource for students, researchers, and others
interested in how drugs interact with the brain.

Introduces readers to the basic principles of neuroscience and
pharmacology as related to drug use and abuse.

* Explores how the chemical make-up of drugs interact with the
brain and can lead to addiction

* Includes coverage of a wide array of commonly abused families
of drugs, including stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and
others.

* Provides an essential introduction to the chemical and
molecular underpinnings of drug use and abuse