This book is rooted in the conviction that human biology plays a
critical role in understanding drug abuse and antisocial behavior. In
the same breath, however, it fundamentally affirms the importance of the
many social and environmental factors that influence our behavior across
the life course. The study begins with an overview of the scope of the
problem of drug abuse and crime, and an examination of how these
problems often feed into one another. Building upon that foundation, the
focus shifts to a review of cutting-edge research on the genetics and
neurobiology of addiction and antisocial behavior across the
developmental periods of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. An
exploration of the implications of a biosocial life course approach in
terms of drug abuse prevention, and an examination of what lies ahead
for drug abuse and criminological research conclude this detailed and
timely book. Policy makers, practitioners and scholars of criminology
and sociology will find this of particular interest.