According to the World Health Organization, the use of psychoactive substances is responsible for 450,000 deaths annually, and the harmful use of alcohol accounts for 3.3 million deaths, as well as being linked to at least 60 different diseases. Furthermore, it places a burden on the health and daily lives of those around the dependent individual.

These are two characteristic aspects of the phenomenon of addiction, which remains perpetually relevant and is marked by continuous transformations and new challenges. This is because addiction is closely intertwined with human nature itself, as individuals seek pleasure, hedonism, and reward, but often find themselves trapped in a compulsive pursuit of these, losing control over their behavior and their ability to manage their personal lives.

Of course, this does not only pertain to addictions to addictive psychoactive substances but also to behavioral addictions, which touch upon many aspects of human life: internet use, gambling, diet, sexual activity, or physical exercise.

Today, the scientific community views addiction as a chronic brain disease defined by environmental, pharmacological, and genetic-biological factors. This understanding has also been adopted by the specialized scientists who contributed to this book. They present current scientific perspectives on substance addiction while avoiding any demonization, and they outline in an accessible, concise, yet comprehensive manner the fundamental knowledge and main points in the field of "addiction studies."

The book is aimed at students (in medicine, pharmacy, biology, nursing, psychology, neuroscience, and more), professionals in the healthcare field, as well as the wider reading public who wish to be responsibly informed about this specific topic.