Understanding drugs of abuse

About this book

Understanding Drugs of Abuse: The Processes of Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery is designed to bring the everyday reader face-to-face with drugs of abuse and addiction. Through frank, no-nonsense, explanations of the stimulants, depressants, psychedelics, and inhalants, this accessible guide will help the reader to understand how drugs of abuse affect thinking, behavior, perceptions, and emotions. It also examines the effects addiction has on the family. Understanding Drugs of Abuse: The Processes of Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery demystifies the treatment process by explaining what types of treatment are available, what actually happens during treatment and what patients and their families can expect during the treatment process. The book also describes the recovery process and will help people identify good recovery - as well as recognize poor recovery and the warning signs of relapse. Perhaps most important, Understanding Drugs of Abuse: The Processes of Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery explains how friends and family can intervene when someone they love does not want help. Because the use of prescribed medications people with substance use disorders can be misunderstood or even be dangerous, this book presents practical information about medications and recovery. It also explores the unique problems of adolescents who are addicted, as well as people with the dual disorders of a psychiatric and substance use disorder. Understanding Drugs of Abuse: The Processes of Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery will also help the reader understand the role of genetics and other influences on addiction to alcohol, the most widely abused drug of all.