Summary
Contents
Subject index
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.
Understanding the Nature of Addiction
Despite controversies in the field of addiction as to its causes and the ways in which it should be addressed there is a consensus that it is ‘a behaviour over which an individual has impaired control with harmful consequences’ (West, 2001: 3). Key debates have focused on the nature of that impaired control and whether it arises from biological, psychological or social processes. This in turn ensures fundamental disagreement and terminological debates about the meaning of disease, permanence or reversibility, abstinence, control and harm reduction.
As our understanding of the nature of addiction and vulnerabilities to its effects has grown, then increasingly reference is made to the need for the utilisation of biopsychosocial paradigms which recognise ...
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