Description
Written for students, this textbook examines substance use disorders and the effects, abuse, pharmacology, history and medical uses, complications, and other aspects of alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, central nervous system stimulants, cocaine, marijuana, opioids, hallucinogens, inhalants and aerosols, steroids, over-the-counter analgesics, and tobacco. Other chapters address the science of pharmacology; chemicals and the neonate; gender issues; issues for the homeless, the elderly, gays and lesbians, the disabled, ethnic minorities, children and adolescents, and families; codependency and enabling; substance use disorders and mental illness; the medical and psychosocial models of substance use disorders; assessment; intervention, including pharmacological interventions; treatment; relapse and other problems; support groups; infectious disease; the relationship between drugs and crime; and the debate over legalization. This edition adds new research and a new chapter on substance use issues in the college student population. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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Completely rewritten from cover to cover, the contemporary new 8th edition of CONCEPTS OF CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY provides comprehensive coverage and the latest information on a full spectrum of substance use disorders and the compounds commonly abused. Topics include: the abuse of and addiction to alcohol; how the active agent in marijuana, THC, affects neural growth and development; the emerging body of evidence suggesting a relationship between marijuana abuse and psychotic disorders; the emerging body of evidence suggesting that marijuana is not as benign as it was thought to be even a few years ago; and updated information on the abuse of cough syrups, a trend that has evolved in adolescent substance abusers in the past decade. Adding to the book's usefulness and relevance, Doweiko also covers topics not usually discussed in other substance abuse texts, including: abuse of anabolic steroids; inhalants; many of the forms of infectious disease associated with substance abuse; how the "war on drugs" has actually contributed to the problem of substance abuse/addiction in this country; the relationship between substance abuse and many infectious diseases; and the latest information on the "medical marijuana" debate. Providing a comprehensive overview of the problems of substance abuse and addiction, students report that they appreciate the author's balanced approach in contrast to a tendency to "preach" to the reader that "drugs are bad for you". Student feedback indicates that they value the clear and detailed information provided, allowing the student to form their own opinion about the compound(s) being discussed in each chapter.
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