Psychology of Addictive Behaviour

Book excerpt: Part of the Palgrave Insights in Psychology series, this highly accessible text presents the main theories, evidence and ideas in psychology, pharmacology and medicine most useful for learning about the psychological and physical experience of addictive behaviours. Unique in their approach, Authors Moss and Dyer employ an innovative explanatory framework for conceptualising the onset of psychopathology, drawing upon not only the biological, but the social and psychological determinants most useful for understanding behaviour. This book undertakes an interdisciplinary analysis of how psychology thinks about the onset and treatment of addictive behaviours such as drug use, drinking alcohol, gambling, internet use and sex. This is an engaging and informative guide to understanding the main approaches to treatment and strategies of prevention for addictive behaviours. This title stands as part of the Insights series edited by Nigel Holt and Rob Lewis, containing versatile, quick guides to the cornerstone theories, main topics and debates of their subjects and are useful for pre-undergraduate students looking to find incisive introductions to subjects that they may be considering for undergraduate study or those looking for helpful preparatory reading for undergraduate modules in the prospective subject.