Drugs and Behavior: An Introduction to Behavioral Pharmacology

Designed for students from diverse backgrounds, this text provides students with a background in the field of behavioural pharmacology and prepares them to analyze drug information from a variety of sources. It not only describes the effects of drugs on behaviour, but also the various ways that behaviour principles facilitate an understanding of both the actions of drugs and the way people use them. Each chapter provides comparable information on many classes of both drugs of abuse and psychotherapeutic drugs, including their neurophysiological mechanism of action, their effects on behaviour, and a discussion of the historical and social context in which the drug is used.

Key Benefit: Clearly written and superbly organized, this landmark book provides a thorough background in the field of behavioral pharmacology and prepares readers to critically analyze drug information from a variety of sources. It not only describes the effects of drugs on behavior, but also the various ways that behavior principles facilitate an understanding of both the actions of drugs and the way people use them. Each chapter provides comparable information on many classes of both drugs of abuse and psychotherapeutic drugs, including their neurophysiological mechanism of action, their effects on behavior, and a discussion of the historical and social context in which the drug is used. Key Topics: Beginning with a solid review of the basic principles and concepts of pharmacology, psychology, and neurophysiology, the book then examines drug classes and details the specific drugs within them. Third Edition features include an expanded summary of neurophysiology, new ideas in drug self-administration, new material on Behavioral Economics, and helpful discussions on the concept of ion channels. All concepts and facts are thoroughly documented with over 700 references to original research and review articles. Market: For physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, lawyers, and law enforcement personnel.