COGNITION ADDICTION
by Marcus Munafo and Ian P Albery
Published by Oxford University Press at £68.00
(www.oup.com/uk). Hardback 307 pages.
ISBN 978 019 856929 9.
I GRABBED THIS BOOK for review as it unites two of my great interests: applying neuroscience to psychological interventions to treat addiction.
Each chapter, by high-profile researchers in the field, can stand alone or complement each other as a whole. There is also a cornucopia of research references at the end of each chapter. There isn’t enough space here to list everything in this book, so let me give you some highlights.
One is a table contrasting the current CBT – cognitive behavioural therapy – model which is influenced by social learning theory with an emerging CBT model influenced by cognitive neuroscience. Not only does the latter contradict some current thinking but it complements anecdotal and experiential evidence from people in recovery. A great validation to shape practice.
There is also evidence to use mindfulness therapy in co-occurring depression, for example, to prevent relapse. In another study, heroin users with higher positive outcomes were found to be those with greater awareness of their vulnerability who thus developed better coping strategies.
The sheer volume of data might deter some readers at first glance, but it is worth persisting: if necessary, use a highlighter on those nuggets of data you wish to use as a reference. I will keep this book close, and confidently recommend it for students, researchers, academics and clinicians.
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