Drugs

In this completely revised and updated third edition of his highly successful book, Hamid Ghodse presents a comprehensive overview of substance misuse and dependence. There is a particular emphasis on practical, evidence-based approaches to the assessment and management of a wide range of drug-related problems in a variety of clinical settings, and he has written an entirely new chapter on alcohol abuse. He defines all the terms, and describes the effects of substance misuse on a patient's life. Epidemiology, and international prevention and drug control policies are covered to address the global nature of the problem, and the appendix provides a series of clinical intervention tools, among them a Substance Misuse Assessment Questionnaire. This will be essential reading for all clinicians and other professionals dealing with addiction, from counsellors and social workers to policy makers. '... well researched, thorough and logically ordered.' Drug and Alcohol Review 'This is the third edition and it has been extensively revised and updated. Not only does it provide a comprehensive overview of the subject but it is also written in a clear, lucid style that communicates easily with a broad readership. Professor Ghodse's text will remain a comprehensive guide and essential reading for a new generation of professionals working in the field of addictions.' Journal of Psychological Medicine 'This book is informative, exciting and even entertaining. It is highly recommendable for anyone working in the field of addiction medicine and for interested students. Policy makers will also find it worthwhile.' Karl F. Mann and Michael Smolka, University of Heidelberg 'Professor Ghodse's highly successful single author text is now in its third edition. Its style is informal and yet authoritative and it is fully referenced ... this book remains the standard UK text on drug misuse and every psychiatrist should have access to a copy for reference.' Journal of Psychosomatic ResearchPreface; Introduction; 1. Drugs, addiction and behaviour; 2. Drug dependence; 3. Drugs of abuse and dependence; 4. Alcohol; 5. Assessment; 6. General measure of intervention; 7. Specific methods of treatment; 8. Complications of drug abuse and their treatment; 9. Special problems; 10. Follow-up and treatment outcome; 11. Prevention of drug abuse; 12. The law and drug-control policies; References and further reading; Appendices; Index.