Pharmacology of Recreational Drugs : The Neurology of How Drugs Work

Pharmacology of Recreational Drugs: The Neurology of How Drugs Work introduces readers to neurobiology and provides detailed mechanistic explanations of how drugs work. After an opening explanation of normal nerve and brain function, the text goes on to explore how various drugs change the way a person feels and sees the world. 

While exploring topics such as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, addiction, cognition, opioids, alcohol, cannabis, hallucinogens, and CNS stimulants the book carefully explains connections starting at the minuscule level of a drug binding to a receptor, through to the holistic – the physiological and psychological effects of the drug on the person. Along the way students learn about the way each drug effects neurons, the role of these neurons in the brain, and the neurobiology of the drug experience. 

Each chapter includes multiple choice and essay questions for each. Suggestions for further reading create opportunities for extended exploration of the topics. Common-sense and approachable in style, yet comprehensive in coverage, Pharmacology of Recreational Drugs is well-suited to courses in biology, neurobiology, and health sciences, as well as those in nursing programs. It is also suitable for the novice, non-science reader and no prerequisite knowledge is required.

Donald F. Slish earned his Ph.D. in cardiovascular pharmacology at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Slish is now a professor of biological sciences and the chief premedical advisor at the State University of New York, Plattsburgh where he teaches course in cell biology, the biology of cancer, the pharmacology of recreational drugs, and cardiovascular pharmacology. His writing has appeared in the Journal of Science Education and the American Journal of Physiology, among others. Dr. Slish's interests include pedagogical applications of online media, including games and animations.