Short description:

The third edition of this handy pocket-sized book has been completely updated and revised, continuing to provide trusted information from leading experts on substance misuse. It explores the basic principles of treatment for the most commonly encountered substances?from tobacco and alcohol to cocaine and heroin, as well as 'designer' drugs. It also highlights the legal aspects of substance misuse highlighted throughout. The convenient A-Z format helps you find information at a glance, and references and further reading direct you to more authoritative information about each substance.

Long description:

The misuse of both legally prescribed and illegally supplied drugs is now so widespread that it affects, either directly or indirectly, a high proportion of the population, impacting many areas of daily life. There are few countries that are not touched by some aspect of substance misuse and the consequences for individuals, families and the wider community can be devastating.

The third edition of Symptoms and Signs of Substance Misuse has been completely updated and revised, continuing to provide trusted information from leading experts.

• Basic principles of treatment for the most commonly encountered substances?from tobacco and alcohol to cocaine and heroin, as well as 'designer' drugs








• The legal aspects of substance misuse highlighted throughout








• Convenient A-Z format helps you find information at a glance








• References and further reading direct you to more authoritative information about each substance

With specialist information clearly explained along with a full glossary, this handy pocket-sized book is essential for all health professionals needing a concise and up-to-date overview of the signs and symptoms of substance misuse as well as the management and treatment options available. Junior hospital doctors, emergency department staff, primary care teams, community workers and counsellors will find this text invaluable. The book is also an excellent resource for police officers as well as a quick reference guide for professionals involved in setting up and managing drug and alcohol policies in organisations and businesses.

Table of Contents:

Introduction. Routes of administration. Harm reduction and minimisation. Drugs, statutes and legal requirements. The medical and health complications of substance misuse. Suspected internal drug traffickers: drug stuffers and mules. Substance detection. Specific drugs. Alcohol. Aminoindanes, indoles and benzofurans. Amphetamine-type stimulants. Anabolic steroids. Barbiturates. Benzodiazepines. Cannabis. Cocaine. Ecstasy. ?-Hydroxybutyrate and related compounds. Ketamine. Khat. LSD. Nitrites. Opiates/opioids. Phencyclidine. Phenethylamines. Piperazines. Synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cathinones. Tobacco. Tryptamines. Volatile substances. ?Z? drugs. Appendices. Glossary. Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol Scale, revised (CIWA-Ar). Alcohol assessment questionnaires: Brief MAST, CAGE and AUDIT. Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale. Further reading/resources. Index.