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November, 2014 | SAGE Publications Ltd

Key Concepts in Substance Misuse


Aaron Pycroft - University of Portsmouth, UK
208 pages | November, 2014 | SAGE Publications Ltd
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ISBN: 9781473917330
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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
The International and National Legislative Framework
The Relationship Between Politics and Scientific Knowledge in Formulating Drug Policy
Alternatives to Prohibition
Part 2: Definitions and categories of psychoactive substances
Sedatives
Stimulants
Opiates
Hallucinogens
Poly Drug Use
Drugs with Mixed Effects
New Psychoactive Substances (Legal Highs)
Part 3: Understanding the Nature of Addiction
Addiction as a Complex Adaptive System
The Evolutionary Context
Dependence Syndromes
Psychological Perspectives
Part 4: Interventions and Treatment
Dual Diagnosis and the Context of Exclusion
Harm Reduction
The concept of Recovery
The Purposes and Methods of Detoxification from Illicit Drugs
The Purposes and Methods of Detoxification from Alcohol
The Major Talking Therapies
Buddhism and Addiction
Criminal Justice Interventions
Evidence Based Practice, Research and Outcome Monitoring
The Core Skills in Working with Substance Misuse
Whole Systems Approaches