This textbook provides an introduction to the action that various drugs have on the brain and behaviour. Because most students find this topic interesting, it creates an opportunity for learning about basic physiology that can otherwise be perceived as tedious. But this is not just a physiology text in a different guise, since social consequences and health implications are covered too, making it ideal for use in health psychology and health promotion also.

Chapters include common substances such as tobacco and alcohol, "hard" drugs such as amphetamines, Ecstasy and cocaine, with a final section considering drugs used in the treatment of major psychiatric disorders. Written by experienced lecturers, this book aims to make teaching easy by including chapter overviews, questions that the student should be able to answer at the end of each chapter, and a clear structure throughout.