Drug Abuse: From Biological to Psychological Dynamics

Drug consumption typically progresses through various stages, from initial use to the pathological state known as addiction, which is considered a chronic disorder. While many studies have focused on the neurological and psychological mechanisms of addiction, fewer have addressed how to effectively present this information in a transdisciplinary manner—from biology to psychology. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for improving current treatment strategies and helping health professionals clearly communicate the issues related to drug abuse. It aims to present the state of the art in this field, highlighting the effects of substances on neural dynamics and their psychological impacts at the conscious level. A detailed analysis will explore how the human decision-making process functions and how it is disrupted by drug use. Finally, the chapter will demonstrate how mindfulness-based therapies serve as an effective treatment to aid in the recovery of addicts. A systemic approach will be employed to illustrate both the dynamics of the addict’s vicious cycle and how mindfulness provides a suitable therapy for breaking free from it.