Drug use is a major challenge for public services, healthcare professionals and policy-makers all over the world. This book offers a complete overview of the issues associated with substance misuse from an interdisciplinary perspective. It begins by providing a reference guide to the different psychoactive substances, looking at the biological and psychological impact of their use. Key issues in the effect drugs have on society are then addressed, before outlining methods of recovery and therapy.

Chapters include:

• Reflective questions to challenge readers' assumptions


• Case studies to help students understand the impact of substances on individuals


• Links to further resources to expand readers' knowledge

It will be valuable reading for those studying on degrees in criminology, health, nursing, social work and counselling.

Part 1: Drugs, Democracy and Society
Ethical Evaluations of Drug Use and Drug Policy - Aaron Pycroft
The International and National Legislative Framework - Aaron Pycroft
The Relationship Between Politics and Scientific Knowledge in Formulating Drug Policy - Aaron Pycroft
Alternatives to Prohibition - Aaron Pycroft
Part 2: Definitions and categories of psychoactive substances
Sedatives - Aaron Pycroft
Stimulants - Aaron Pycroft
Opiates - Aaron Pycroft
Hallucinogens - Aaron Pycroft
Poly Drug Use - Aaron Pycroft
Drugs with Mixed Effects - Aaron Pycroft
New Psychoactive Substances (Legal Highs) - Rosanna Bartholomew
Part 3: Understanding the Nature of Addiction
Addiction as a Complex Adaptive System - Aaron Pycroft
The Evolutionary Context - Aaron Pycroft
Dependence Syndromes - Aaron Pycroft
Psychological Perspectives - Aaron Pycroft
Part 4: Interventions and Treatment
Dual Diagnosis and the Context of Exclusion - Anita Green
Harm Reduction - Tony Shea
The concept of Recovery - Tim Leighton
The Purposes and Methods of Detoxification from Illicit Drugs - Rebecca Lee
The Purposes and Methods of Detoxification from Alcohol - Pam Campbell and Anne Spooner
The Major Talking Therapies - Trevor Smith
Buddhism and Addiction - Devin Ashwood
Criminal Justice Interventions - Bernie Heath
Evidence Based Practice, Research and Outcome Monitoring - Jane Winstone
The Core Skills in Working with Substance Misuse - Angela Woods
Whole Systems Approaches - Tony Wilkinson