substance-related disorders

"A psychiatrist examines how the world's four most important mind-altering substances such as alcohol, cocaine, nicotine, and opiates, have played a significant role throughout human history, and explains how these powerful drugs affect the brain and cause addiction"--Provided by publisher.

Author David Sheff offers a new paradigm for dealing with addiction based on cutting-edge research and stories of his own and other families' struggles with--and triumphs over--drug abuse.

Explores the use of illicit drugs in America. Provides a historical perspective on the three biggest drugs: cannabis, heroin and cocaine. Includes chapters on prevention and treatment, people at risk and international perspectives.

Contains over three hundred entries dealing with common addictions, and provides information on recognizing and treating such problems as alcoholism and drug dependency, gambling, eating disorders, excessive spending, and much more.