The Science of Addiction: From Neurobiology to Treatment
Carlton K. Erickson
Carlton Erickson has been named winner of the Nelson J. Bradley Award for Lifetime Achievement, given by the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP).
Runner-up winner of the Hamilton Book Author Award. The award is administered by the University of Texas at Austin for literary achievement.
Praise for The Science of Addiction:
"[R]ecommended unreservedly as a source of useful information on the neurobiology and treatment of addiction. It is easy to read, informative and comprehensive."
—Addiction
"Erickson's book provides a compelling overview of the 'science of addiction' and superbly summarizes the state of the art of addiction medicine. . . . 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
"I unreservedly recommend this book to anyone, professional or general public, who has any interest in addiction. . . . Erickson is one of the few people in this world who not only has the ability but also the interest and love to be a scientific spokesperson who feels comfortable helping counsellors, treatment, and other health professionals as well as lawyers and administrators to become excited about addiction science."
—Addiction Today
"Erickson's thorough, unbiased review of treatment models includes newer medications for various types of addictions. . . . A helpful additional section includes Erickson's template for clinicians and students, a method that allows nonspecialists to review and assess research literature. . . . Recommended."
—Choice
"[A] stellar example of a well-written, biopsychosocial evidence-based guide for the professional, as well as a critical resource for the layman who may or may not work in the chemical dependence field."
—MAMFT Newsletter
"[A]ny college-level collection and many a public library interested in the scientific process of addiction will want The Science of Addiction: From Neurobiology to Treatment. . . . [A]ny collection strong in health science needs this."
—The Bookwatch
"Who will benefit from reading The Science of Addiction? Probably anyone looking for a thorough, but compact overview of the latest evidence on chemical dependence as a brain disease….Dr Erickson clearly has done his homework. The Science of Addiction is a welcome contribution to the field as a result of his diligence."
—Counselor
"To understand chemical dependency in the 21st century, one must have the largest possible picture of the associated science, the facts and fiction which shape our perceptions, and the existing and emerging approaches to treatment. In The Science of Addiction, Carlton Erickson accomplishes this monumental task in a manner and style which has become familiar to those of us who have heard him present workshops and seminars over the past five years. Taking on some very complicated science as well as some sacred cows, Erickson cuts to the chase and covers an enormous amount of material in relatively few pages. From his call for us to give up the term "addiction" and replace it with the much more accurate "chemical dependency," to his thorough explanation of brain research and its role in this disease, Erickson is at his best. There is information for clinicians, insight for executives and administrators and challenges for researchers, all communicated by an individual who has lived these issues for the past 30 years. This volume is an absolute must."
—Dr. Ronald J. Hunsicker, President/CEO, National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers
"I have really enjoyed reading The Science of Addiction, so much so that it is now required reading for all of our counselors. This book requires that we critically look at how we view drug use and the brain and I appreciate the author’s hard work and dedication to helping us develop new understandings."
—John J. O'Neill, LCSW, LCDC, CSAT, Director of Addiction Services, The Menninger Clinic
"[A] welcome contribution to the field."
—Bruce Ripley, Counselor Magazine
Overview
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.
In The Science of Addiction, Carlton K. Erickson presents a comprehensive overview of the roles that brain function and genetics play in addiction. He explains changes in the terminology and characterization of addiction that are emerging based upon new neurobiological findings, thus making the reader aware of the most current research. The basic tenets of neuroscience are explained as well. Erickson 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. The material in The Science of Addiction is intended to add to and strengthen the therapeutic approach to addiction.
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.
The Science of Addiction attempts to 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. The book is 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. When professionals learn the proper scientific and clinical terminology, they tend to incorporate it into their everyday language and professional care environment. Thus, the value of this book is great to those who read it with a goal of learning something new.
The Science of Addiction equips counselors, social workers, psychologists, and all those working in the field with a thorough understanding of the latest neurobiological causes of addiction, thus ensuring a more knowledgeable and effective approach to overcoming the illness.
About the Author
Carlton K. Erickson, Ph.D. , is a distinguished Professor of Pharmacology/Toxicology and Director of the Addiction Science Research and Education Center in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Texas at Austin.
ISBN 10: 0-393-70463-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-393-70463-1
2007 / 288 pages / hardcover
