ABSTRACT
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Why do we eat, drink and sometimes be merry? This chapter addresses the biological basis of three highly motivated behaviours. The first section addresses the possible neural mechanisms underlying addiction. The actions of two illegal drugs, cocaine and amphetamine and the legal drug nicotine are explored. The actions of these and other drugs are placed within the context of the general theories of addiction.
Eating is a behaviour that has generated a great deal of interest, especially because of the increasing prevalence of eating disorders. The brain mechanisms involved in eating are investigated, with particular emphasis on the hypothalamus.
Drinking is an essential behaviour and its neural substrates are described. The motivation to drink is important for our survival and, again, the brain is central to this behaviour.
