Drugs and the Neuroscience of Behavior

An Introduction to Psychopharmacology

Drugs and the Neuroscience of Behavior is a highly current introduction to psychopharmacology that provides broad and accessible coverage suitable for undergraduate students without a strong background in neuroscience. Author Adam Prus integrates approachable descriptions of drug action with historical context to help readers understand the evolution of drug treatments and usage up to the current day. The Fourth Edition reflects a variety of developments including changes in the usage of nicotine and Delta-8-THC, additional clinical applications of psychedelics and gabapentin, and the discovery of new treatments for mental disorders using novel pharmacological approaches. In addition, the book includes updated statistics, changes in international law, and new information from DSM-5-TR. Finally, the author's engaging writing style and empirically supported pedagogy make this a highly engaging and enjoyable introduction to the subject. 

• The coverage of alcohol now includes a new understanding of the risks and effects of alcohol consumption, including the J-shaped curve representing a hazard ratio, alcohol-induced neurodegeneration, hepatic encephalopathy, effects on sleep, and more.
• The coverage of nicotine features new information about the increased use of tobacco pouch products, the adverse acute effects of vaping, understanding menthol and its impact on nicotine absorption, and new statistics on second hand smoke exposure.
• Delta-8-THC is also discussed for the first time. 
• Chapter 12: Psychedelic Drugs has been overhauled to reflect the rapidly advancing development of new treatments and applications. It includes a new classification of drugs as serotonergics, glutaminergics, or entactogens.  
• Chapter-opening outlines and learning objectives prepare students for forthcoming material and identify what they should be able to accomplish upon completion of the reading.
• From Actions to Effects sections provide focus on a topic drawing from multiple chapter concepts to boost conceptual understanding of how the actions of a drug produce its effects.
• Stop & Check questions concluding each section in every chapter allow students to assess their own understanding of main points covered in the previous section.
• Review! callouts serve as important reminders of information covered in previous chapters to help students make connections and understand new concepts.
• Drug Profiles provide basic information about a key compound and include a drug’s generic name, trade name and/or street name, and a description of its pharmacological actions.
• Research Techniques and Methods boxes cover a research technique or method used in psychopharmacology research and serve as an easy reference when students come across research findings derived from each technique.
• Chapter-ending summaries and key terms allow readers to review and reinforce the material.