Substance Use and Addiction Research: Methodology, Mechanisms, and Therapeutics

Substance Abuse and Addiction Research: Methodology, Mechanisms, and Therapeutics is an up-to-date, comprehensive, practical book on the research methodology for substance abuse and addiction intended for researchers and consumers of research information at all levels. The book is divided into 4 major sections: Introduction; Research Methodology for clinical trials, animal research and retrospective studies; Mechanisms of Abuse and Addiction; and Investigative Therapeutics: Designing and Measuring Outcomes. It serves a source that addresses all aspects of research design, methods and analysis within the context of the field of opioids, alcohol and other substances.

The book discusses in detail the research methods used in designing prevention, screening, pharmacological management and health services needed for substance abuse and addiction of all major illicit and prescribed drugs, foods, alcohol, and tobacco products. Research design and useful tips are provided for researchers and consumers of the literature, describing various biological models, specialist and analytical methods. The background on the development of the discipline in question, its key features and applications, how the methods compare to other methods/analyses and their advantages and limitations.The book covers what is known in the field of quantitative and qualitative research methods, provide future directions and introduce new models for investigation. It is organized around a translational science framework, and the contents addresses substance use/addiction research in the context of epidemiology, etiology, intervention efficacy and effectiveness, and implementation of evidence-informed interventions. Most chapters will also include specific examples/case studies so that the reader can apply the knowledge to formulating a plan to solve an actual research question.With a focus on translational science, a discussion of specific drugs that are commonly abused is included, such as opioids, club drugs, cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, alcohol, and tobacco. The study of both conventional and nonconventional techniques is described, including psychotherapy. The expansion of non-pharmacological therapies such as hypnosis, music therapy, relaxation, hypnosis, and transcutaneous nerve stimulation will also be described.

This practical guide on substance use/addiction research will be of value to experienced researchers as well as those new to the field. It will explore various approaches to study design in animal and human models, participant recruitment and retention, measurement and analysis, and the processes involved in the dissemination, diffusion, and implementation of evidence-informed innovations. Above all, the book has plenty of references and existing technical resources and measurement tools that the reader can utilize in their work.