Molecular Neurobiology of Addiction Recovery

Abstract

The purpose of this book is to provide a conceptual schematic for addiction recovery by linking the twelve-step program and fellowship with insights from neuroscience. It represents a stride toward bringing together two very different approaches to understanding a complex problem. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to review the molecular neurobiological aspects of the twelve-step program adopted by self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Of course, the hundred or so alcoholics who developed these steps by the early to late 1930s did not have the scientific tools we have today. The brain was a mysterious organ and much less was known about its workings—especially the role of neurotransmitters and reward circuitry. Through the advent of twenty-first century science and medicine, especially neuroimaging technologies, we the authors believe that science has finally caught up with both the twelve-step program and fellowship and is unraveling the amazing mysteries linked to the functioning of the brain and reward. Thus, our aim is to provide the readership with important knowledge about the many facets of neuroscience and molecular neurobiology, so that we may better understand the remarkable tool for recovery known as ‘‘The Twelve Steps.’’ Since there is no known ‘‘cure’’ for addiction, it is imperative that prevention must start with the family, as suggested by Scott A. Teitelbaum in his book ‘‘Addiction: A family Affair’’ (2011). An understanding of the neuro-molecular biological underpinnings of the twelve steps and the work of various groups such as Al Anon as espoused in the present treatise may indeed be a new and important for continued progress toward becoming and remaining clean and sober. This information could ultimately lead to a better quality of life in recovery by incorporating principles of molecular neurobiology into working the twelve steps.