Addiction: From mechanisms to treatment

Abstract

It needs no explanation that addiction is an extremely serious problem, considering its impact on both health and society. Unsurprisingly, addiction is a major focus of neuroscience research, and the molecular, cellular and circuit mechanisms underlying addiction are slowly beginning to be understood. Despite these research efforts, few effective treatments exist, highlighting the need for continuing investigation. This Focus on Addiction brings together five articles that review the current state of the field and that point to potential new treatment opportunities. © 2011 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.