Principles of Addiction: Comprehensive Addictive Behaviors and Disorders Volume 1

Citation

Ilana Crome (2015), "Principles of Addiction: Comprehensive Addictive Behaviors and Disorders Volume 1", Drugs and Alcohol Today, Vol. 15 No. 3, pp. 173-174. https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-03-2015-0010

This textbook was published in 2013, the first in a three-volume series, the object of which is to provide a systematic and comprehensive overview of addiction issues and topics. It will be of interest to practitioners who would like to enhance their background knowledge of the field; and to researchers and teachers for whom clinical insights are valuable. It is of relevance to a range of professionals and disciplines at different levels of training. It has a very appealing and refreshing feel, enhanced by international perspectives. It is presented in an easily accessible style with opportunities for cross-referencing, abbreviations, a glossary, web sites and further reading in every chapter.

The volume covers the “conventional classical” substances of abuse as well as more recent areas such as “addiction” to videos, shopping, internet, cell-phone use, social networking, exercise, work, sex, as well as to food and gambling. It gives a good picture of the history and evolution of addiction, detail on terminology, and epidemiological trends based on standardised diagnostic assessments. The Editors have provided a wide-ranging section on types of drugs, including khat, betel quids and areca nuts.

It adopts a biopsychosocial approach by incorporating the biological, medical, social, psychological and policy domains. Genetics, neuroscience, psychology and above all trans-disciplinary approaches are discussed. The value of MRI, PET, EEG and ERP in deciphering craving, impulsivity and risk taking is interspersed throughout the volume. The need for a sound theoretical framework on which research ideas can take shape is emphasised as well as the potential connections between different approaches, and the commonalities and differences between the different types of drugs of addiction. The book aims to clarify uncertainties but also to open debate, and cautions about the accurate interpretation of data, especially causality. Description of refinements in definition and assessment and measurement of constructs are judiciously delineated, and where the need exists for further development this is indicated.

The Editors take a developmental approach so that the reader encounters the impact on substances throughout the human lifespan. The book discusses inter-generational transference of addiction, and emphasises the variability in the use of different substances in the development of addictive behaviour through the life course from pre-natal exposure to older age. It includes the possibility (though by no means the certainty) of “maturing out” of addictive behaviour for one or more of the substances consumed.

The complex relationship – often bidirectionality – between mental health problems and substance use is covered at length, as are the roles of other determinants such as genetics, sensitivity to substance use and age. Stress, anxiety, mood disorders, psychosis and personality factors are highlighted. There is detailed coverage of the context of substance use including peers, family, social networks and religious affiliations. This all points to the need for more work on family functioning with regard to drugs as distinct from alcohol.

Attention to the implications of each chapter or topic for prevention and treatment is underlined in the recognition that although there have been tremendous advances over the last two decades, the significance of current original findings and ongoing research is paramount in further harnessing the treatment of intractable addiction problems and new emerging issues such as the impact of legal highs and social networking.

This volume is a “must have” for libraries, especially where courses directly or indirectly related to addiction issues are run. It can serve as a reference guide as well as providing the foundation for an in-depth understanding of the field. Furthermore, people with a general interest in the field might find it stimulating. I look forward to the next two volumes!