Alcohol and the Addictive Brain : New Hope for Alcoholics from Biogenetic Research. This item is unavailable.Alcohol and the Addictive Brain : New Hope for Alcoholics from Biogenetic Research

An understanding of the nature and progression of alcohol addiction has emerged: alcoholism as the result of an imbalance in the brain's natural production of neurotransmitters critical to our sense of wellbeing. This imbalance, which an increasing amount of evidence is demonstrating to be genetically influenced, produces a craving temporarily satisfied by drinking.Alcohol and the Addictive Brain is an account of the scientific discoveries concerning alcoholism.

Four decades of research on addiction strongly suggest that alcoholism is caused by a genetic anomaly affecting the functioning of neurotransmitters within the brain. Blum, a pharmacologist, and Payne, executive director of the National Foundation for Addictive Diseases, summarize major research in this field, including Blum's own dramatic work in identifying a defect in the dopamine D2 receptor gene. The biochemical systems involved in the interaction of alcohol with the brain are extremely complex, and Blum and Payne's detailed, scientific account may discourage all but the most motivated reader. Nevertheless, Blum's stunning discovery and the promise it holds for future treatment should generate considerable interest. For academic and large public libraries.
- Laurie Bartolini, Lincoln Lib., Springfield, Ill.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.