A Guide to Alcohol and Drug Dependence

A Guide to Alcohol and Drug Dependence, Second Edition provides information on the recognition of alcohol misuse, on alcohol dependence among the elderly, and on outpatient withdrawal from opioids. This book emphasizes the detection and early treatment of alcohol misuse, the detoxification of drug users followed by drug-free counseling, and preventive measures. Organized into nine chapters, this edition begins with an overview of the various types of dependence-producing drugs, including morphine, cocaine, cannabis, alcohol-barbiturate, amphetamine, hallucinogen, and inhalants and volatile solvents. This text then explains the depressant actions of alcohol on the central nervous system that affects first the higher cerebral functions responsible for concern about personal behavior and for self-restraint. Other chapters consider the physical disabilities that heavy drinkers are prone to develop. The final chapter deals with the preventive measures directed against the problems presented by drugs and alcohol. This book is a valuable resource for social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, and clinical psychologists.