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Neurochemistry and Pharmacology of Addictions: An African Perspective

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Book cover Addiction in South and East Africa

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to outline general chemical and pharmacological mechanisms involved in addictions, African participation in neuroscience research and studies as well as challenges and opportunities in the continent. African indigenous practices are known from history to be able to use herbs to counter addictions at various levels. There is generally limited data on this area of study on Africa, where addictions are almost ignored as a public health concern. Despite this being the case, Africa presents a pool of opportunities in research on neurochemisty with focus on addictions. Chemistry and pharmacology can play a significant role in providing guidance on appropriate social and medical interventions. Systematic investment in neurochemistry and pharmacology in addiction research and training in Africa is required across the continent.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Malawi University of Science and Technology, Blantyre, Malawi

    Andrew G. Mtewa

  2. National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

    Emmanuel L. Peter

  3. PHARMBIOTRAC, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda

    Andrew G. Mtewa, Serawit Deyno, Emmanuel L. Peter, Annu Amanjot, Lucrèce Y. Ahovegbe & Duncan C. Sesaazi

Authors
  1. Andrew G. Mtewa
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  2. Serawit Deyno
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  3. Emmanuel L. Peter
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  4. Annu Amanjot
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  5. Lucrèce Y. Ahovegbe
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  6. Duncan C. Sesaazi
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Andrew G. Mtewa .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Chancellor College, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi

    Yamikani Ndasauka

  2. Chancellor College, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi

    Grivas Muchineripi Kayange

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Mtewa, A.G., Deyno, S., Peter, E.L., Amanjot, A., Ahovegbe, L.Y., Sesaazi, D.C. (2019). Neurochemistry and Pharmacology of Addictions: An African Perspective. In: Ndasauka, Y., Kayange, G. (eds) Addiction in South and East Africa . Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-13593-5_11

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