Drug Use and Abuse: A Comprehensive Introduction

by Howard Abadinsky

Overview

This book explores all aspects of the drug and alcohol abuse issue, including the impact of drugs on our society; history; pharmacological impacts on drugs on the body; policy implications of drugs; the criminal justice system response; the effects, treatment and prevention of abuse; theories of use; drug business; and drug law enforcement. Reports on the latest data on drug concerns provide further examination of alcohol and explore the abuse of additional substances such as inhalants, herbal stimulants, and designer drugs. The major drugs are arranged into depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and cannabis.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780495809913
Publisher:	Cengage Learning
Publication date:	06/01/2010
Series:	SAB 250 Prevention & Education Series
Pages:	496
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Howard Abadinsky is professor of criminal justice at St. John's University. A graduate of Queens College of the City University of New York, he has an MSW from Fordham University and a PhD in sociology from New York University. Prior to entering academia, he was a New York State Parole Officer and Senior Parole Officer and a Cook County, Illinois, Deputy Sheriff/Inspector. He was a consultant to the President's Commission on Organized Crime and founder of the International Association for the Study of Organized Crime. Dr. Abadinsky is the author of several books, including THE CRIMINAL ELITE: ORGANIZED AND PROFESSIONAL CRIME; PROBATION AND PAROLE: THEORY AND PRACTICE; and LAW, COURTS, AND JUSTICE IN AMERICA.

Table of Contents

1. An Introduction to Drug Abuse. 2. A History of Drug Use and Legislation. 3. Drugs and the Nervous System. 4. Depressants. 5. Stimulants. 6. Hallucinogens and Marijuana. 7. The Sociology of Drug Abuse. 8. The Psychology of Drug Abuse. 9. Drug Abuse Treatment. 10. Drug Abuse Prevention. 11. The Business of Drugs. 12. Drug Laws and Law Enforcement. 13. Drug Abuse Policy. 14. Drug Maintenance, Decriminalization, and Harm Reduction. Glossary. References. Credits. Author Index. Subject Index.

Editorial Reviews

A textbook in which Abadinsky (Saint Xavier U., Chicago) offers students a broad introduction to drug abuse policy by examining drug history; biological, psychological, and sociological explanations; the various types of treatment and prevention program; the business of drugs; and drug laws and law enforcement. He does not mention dates for the earlier editions, but says the fourth is updated with new aspects, such as the emerging approach of harm reduction; he has also reorganized it into 14 chapters using a syllabus format. He includes a glossary without pronunciation guides. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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