Community Treatment of Drug Misuse

Treatment for drug misuse has been dominated in recent years by the use of methadone as a substitution agent in heroin dependency. This approach has had considerable success, but as a result other treatment options have been neglected. This book draws on the author's direct clinical experience and makes use of international research findings to provide a comprehensive and detailed guide to service provision and treatment for drug misuse, including methadone and alternative opiate substitutes, detoxification methods, naltrexone and relapse prevention, and possible approaches with non-opiate users. There is a particular emphasis on social factors in drug misuse and dependency, and the consequent treatment issues and practical difficulties, and case studies are used throughout. Combining a highly practical approach with a strong research base, this book will be an essential resource for psychiatrists and other professionals involved in the management of drug misuse.