Overview

This fully updated edition of the essential reference Understanding Drugs provides a complete overview of the key facts and core issues surrounding substance misuse. All commonly-used street drugs are covered, with quick reference guides, helpful diagrams and clear information on each drug's effects, methods of use, legal status, availability, treatment options and associated slang. This edition includes new sections on ketamine, `date-rape' drugs, and over-the-counter opiate-based drugs, and recent findings on the long-term effects of cannabis and its potential medicinal use, and discussion of the legalisation debate. This comprehensive handbook is an essential reference for teachers, social workers, youth workers, residential home managers, policy makers and parents, enabling readers to recognise drug misuse and confidently offer information and guidance. A companion volume, Understanding Drug Issues: A Photocopiable Resource Workbook is also available from Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

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9781843103516

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Reviews

I can honestly say that I found this tome immensely useful in furthering my knowledge regarding drugs and how to help those who are involved in substance misuse. I like the lay-out of the book which incorporates helpful diagrams and flow- charts. The book avoids being overly academic but is very informative, the information regarding substances involved in drug abuse is certainly comprehensive. I recommend this book for psychologists who work in the prison and probation services and anybody who has an interest in understanding the illicit drugs world and drug- taking. -- Forensic Update (BPS) This book is about as up to date as it gets and is set out in a way that makes it easy to find the particular drug you want to look up... The writers have written in plain English, free from jargon and terminology, which makes it not only understandable but also interesting and informative to readers, including parents and young people. The use of pictures and diagrams to show the effects on the body of each drug is particularly appealing to visual learners, and leaves readers in no doubt as to the potential harm the drug can cause. It also includes recent findings about long-term effects of cannabis, something that all young people who use the drug should be aware of. On the flip side it also looks at the possible medical uses of cannabis. This book provides information not only about the different types of drugs, but also the indicators of drug use, providing the reader with signs of drug use and what to do about them. There is a section on over-the-counter and prescription-only drugs - the book doesn't restrict itself to illegal drugs. The writers' vast experience is demonstrated throughout the book, and it is clear that both are familiar with the subject area. -- Counselling Children and Young People This is a must-have for the staff library! I cannot praise it too highly... The sections on signs and symptoms of misuse is invaluable for anyone in close contact with young people. -- School Librarian Journal We all have a responsibility to take action and make a difference, this book can contribute to this process by providing the factual information necessary to understand why drugs do what they do, and why they both appeal to and attract many. This is the first step in the process. Use and apply the information wisely for the benefit of our future. -- Police Service Journal This book is highly recommended to all professionals and lay-persons, who need to have a good all-round knowledge of street drugs. The clear and user-friendly style in which it has been written makes this publication very approachable as well as interesting, In addition to numerous charts and diagrams, this book also contains very useful photographs that all promote a clearer understanding of the relevant subject-matter. It will also be particularly useful to the police service as a whole, as well as specialised squads. -- Police Journal/Internet Law Books Praise for the first edition: 'Now and then a book hits the market that gets it just right. This publication is written in a clear, jargon-free style, making it an easy, interesting and informative read... This book should be on every reading list.' -- Nursing Times This book not only provides information about drug types, but also indicators of drug use and dealing with drug related incidents, providing the reader with information on what to look out for and what to do...a must for all adults working with young people and parents. -- Psychiatric Care Understanding Drugs provides a wealth of information... It is particularly well set out for quick and easy reference. I wholeheartedly recommend it. -- British Journal of Guidance and Counselling Drugs in all their forms, both medical and recreational, are examined in this accessible book, presented in a balanced way. The authors both have considerable experience... If you want to understand more about drugs; to be able to give young people accurate and sensible information; to help someone who is involved in drugs; or to formulate a policy on substance misuse... This is an excellent place to find out. -- Health Visitor

'Understanding Drugs provides a wealth of information concerning drug abuse and drug taking. It is straightforwardly written in down to earth language. It is particularly well set out for quick and easy reference. Understanding drugs is a handbook to have on your bookshelf for reference. Its publication is timely and I wholeheartedly recommend it.' - British Journal of Guidance & Counselling 'The strength of this book is that it provides comprehensive, clear, relevant and factual information about a range of drugs in common use within society today. It also covers some of the useful background information such as the language of drug abuse, signs and symptoms of drug abuse, the physical evidence of drug or substance misuse and helpline numbers. The book gives a basic blueprint for the writing of a drug and solvent policy.' - British Journal of Occupational Therapy 'This is a fine reference book for teachers.' - Education and Health 'Now and then a book hits the market that gets it just right. This publication is written in a clear, jargon-free style, making it an easy, interesting and informative read. The clear logical writing, presentation and layout, with photographs and diagrams, is exactly what is required. This handbook should be on every reading list.' - Nursing Times

Author Information

David Emmett retired from a 30-year career as a police officer in 1996 and in 2003 he completed a PhD in Cognitive Psychology. He has almost 25 years' experience in the field of substance abuse, working directly with drug and alcohol abusers and has been involved in training for teachers, health workers, police officers and other professionals. Graeme Nice has worked in the fields of counselling, drug/alcohol misuse and blood-borne diseases for nearly 20 years. He is currently Deputy Team Coordinator of a NHS substance misuse team in Hampshire, where he holds a caseload of drug clients. He has qualifications in counselling, health education and teaching.

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