Chemical Dependency: A Systems Approach

Comprehensive presentation of substance abuse with the most recent issues in epidemiology, etiology, substance abuse policy, and treatment.

The book looksat substance abuse from a systems perspective, It presents all major theories of addiction, as well as the major physiological and psychological results of substance abuse, including fetal alcohol syndrome.

Coverage of the latest developments in treatment (including pharmacological approaches), recent research on treatment outcomes, and a comprehensive discussion of etiological theories, including genetics, is included. This edition contains an up-to-date discussion of the most recent trends in designer drugs to help explain the considerable frequency of changes in which drug use patterns occur.

Learning Goals

Upon completing this book, readers should be able to:

Understand at-risk drinking and substance disorders, including how to identify these problems, how to intervene once they have been identified, and how to make referrals

Identify approaches to help clients avoid or address substance use disorders

Examine current information on the most rigorous scientific studies of treatment effectiveness

Trace the development of new medication-assisted treatments