Physical Illness and Drugs of Abuse: A Review of the Evidence

The timely recognition of physical health problems in patients with severe mental disorders is emerging as an important priority in the medical health field. Although it is well known that persons with addictions to illicit substances often develop a variety of mental health and physical health conditions, the epidemiological associations between physical illness and addiction to illicit substances are poorly understood. This book comprehensively surveys recent literature to critically review the relationships between physical illness and drugs of abuse, describing the association between each of the principal classes of illicit drugs (cocaine, marijuana, opioids, and common hallucinogens and stimulants) and the major categories of physical illness. Clear summary tables accompany detailed discussions, providing the reader with a quick reference guide. Physical Illness and Drugs of Abuse will be essential reading for all health professionals, students, practising clinicians and policy makers with interests in mental health, public health and epidemiology.