Providing a comprehensive analysis of drug misuse, dependence and the ways in which different parts of the world have responded to these problems, this volume examines aspects of the contemporary drug problem, the related debate and the way in which society is responding to it. Various controversial issues are covered, taking into account the way in which pressure groups would like to see changes in national and/or international drug control regimes. The book is drawn from extensive studies carried out by the UN over the last 15 years; each of the themes has been examined by a group of experts and lends itself to debate. Among the many topics discussed are: the legalization of drugs, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, the macro and micro economy, supply and demand reduction and money laundering. The book will be a valuable resource for professionals and academics in law enforcement, health, social services, behavioural sciences, pharmacy and drug regulatory agencies.

Drugs and the workplace just don't mix. Yes, most users of illicit drugs are employed adults and there's a high correlation between levels of stress, income and alcohol abuse amongst professional and managerial employees. But the risks associated with drug use and abuse in the workplace have been well defined. Addiction at Work enables you to understand the background and extent of the problem: the cost of drug abuse to your organization; the role your own organizational culture may have in encouraging drug misuse; the risks associated with dangerous or stressful jobs. There are also chapters to help you understand the symptoms of drug abuse and the potential risks associated with perfectly legal prescription or over-the-counter medicines. The right kind of drug policy can be a significant weapon to fight this problem. So Addiction at Work explores your responsibility as an employer and how to design, communicate and implement a policy that is appropriate for your organization. Finally, there are chapters on the tools and techniques open to your organization for tackling the problem head on; ways of addressing problem behaviours; the advantages and disadvantages of drug screening and the ethics associated with this practice; employee assistance programmes and specialist care and, finally, the employment law issues around drugs. Addiction at Work has been written by some of the world-authorities on drug use in the workplace. It is an essential reference for organizations seeking a way through the human, ethical and legal issues (and the risk they present to any employer) of a social problem that is increasingly impacting employees whatever their work or the nature of their workplace.

Drugs and the workplace just don't mix. Yes, most users of illicit drugs are employed adults and there's a high correlation between levels of stress, income and alcohol abuse amongst professional and managerial employees. But the risks associated with drug use and abuse in the workplace have been well defined. Addiction at Work enables you to understand the background and extent of the problem: the cost of drug abuse to your organization; the role your own organizational culture may have in encouraging drug misuse; the risks associated with dangerous or stressful jobs. There are also chapters to help you understand the symptoms of drug abuse and the potential risks associated with perfectly legal prescription or over-the-counter medicines. The right kind of drug policy can be a significant weapon to fight this problem. So Addiction at Work explores your responsibility as an employer and how to design, communicate and implement a policy that is appropriate for your organization. Finally, there are chapters on the tools and techniques open to your organization for tackling the problem head on; ways of addressing problem behaviours; the advantages and disadvantages of drug screening and the ethics associated with this practice; employee assistance programmes and specialist care and, finally, the employment law issues around drugs. Addiction at Work has been written by some of the world-authorities on drug use in the workplace. It is an essential reference for organizations seeking a way through the human, ethical and legal issues (and the risk they present to any employer) of a social problem that is increasingly impacting employees whatever their work or the nature of their workplace.

This classic text provides a comprehensive, accessible overview of substance misuse and dependence with an emphasis on practical and evidence-based approaches to the assessment, management and prevention of a wide range of drug-related problems, in a variety of clinical and social settings. The book includes definitions of terms, and describes the effects and clinical characteristics of all substances of misuse. The theoretical background to these topics is clearly explained. For the fourth edition, every chapter has been revised to include the most up-to-date information, with the latest international data on the extent of the world drug problem. There is detailed emphasis on harm minimization, AIDS and hepatitis C and entirely new coverage of tobacco addiction and its management. This is an essential guide for all healthcare workers, health policy specialists, counselors and those seeking to train in areas related to addiction and substance misuse.

This classic text provides a comprehensive, accessible overview of substance misuse and dependence with an emphasis on practical and evidence-based approaches to the assessment, management and prevention of a wide range of drug-related problems, in a variety of clinical and social settings. The book includes definitions of terms, and describes the effects and clinical characteristics of all substances of misuse. The theoretical background to these topics is clearly explained. For the fourth edition, every chapter has been revised to include the most up-to-date information, with the latest international data on the extent of the world drug problem. There is detailed emphasis on harm minimization, AIDS and hepatitis C and entirely new coverage of tobacco addiction and its management. This is an essential guide for all healthcare workers, health policy specialists, counselors and those seeking to train in areas related to addiction and substance misuse.

Substance abuse disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders and are frequently comorbid with other psychiatric and health conditions and accompanied by social problems; however, they remain under-recognized and under-treated. Many physicians and mental health practitioners receive little-to-no training in the identification and treatment of these disorders. Approaches to their prevention include some of the major success stories in modern public health as well as some of the deepest controversies in public life. This new title in the WPA series "Evidence and Experience in Psychiatry" informs psychiatrists and a wide range of professional groups from health and social services about these disorders and their treatment and control.

'Highly Commended' in the Psychiatry section of the 2012 BMA Book Awards