Book Chapter
Neural Mechanisms of Addiction

Edited by Torregrossa MM. Chapter contributions from Torregrossa MM, Rich MT, Barko K, Shelton MA, Seggio JA, Logan RW

The purpose of this book is to provide the reader an updated view on our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying addiction, with a focus on how emerging technologies, applied to improved animal models, is leading to a new understanding of this complex disorder. Each chapter was written by an expert in addiction neuroscience, who provides a unique perspective on emerging themes in the field based on their own ongoing research. The first chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the most common animal models used in addiction neuroscience, including a description of the most recently developed models, which are leading to an increased understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the core features required for diagnosis of a substance use disorder. Subsequent chapters focus on the latest developments in our understanding of how the brain is altered by drug exposure with descriptions of changes in molecules, synaptic function, neuronal morphology, circuits, and systems. In addition, several chapters discuss how drugs of abuse influence specific systems such as learning and memory, decision making, and even circadian rhythms to further perpetuate the disease. Finally, the book includes chapters describing novel treatment strategies, such as neuropeptide and stimulation-based therapies. Several chapters included discussion of drug class-specific neuroadaptations, such as effects that are specific to alcohol, opioids, or cocaine, which will clearly be an important consideration for determining effective treatment strategies for each individual. However, much work still needs to be done to compare across classes of drugs, and a substantial number of recent and exciting findings in the field may only apply to one type of drug. As technologies continue to emerge and their application to the neuroscience of addiction progresses, it is clear that our understanding of the disorder will improve. Thus, this is an exciting time to be investigating such a critical health problem in our society, and the developments described in this book are paving the way for true progress in tackling this devastating disease.

Torregrossa MM (ed) Neural Mechanisms of Addiction, 1e, Academic Press, San Diego, Aug 29, 2018.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128122020/