Drug use is a major challenge for public services, healthcare professionals and policy-makers all over the world. This book offers a complete overview of the issues associated with substance misuse from an interdisciplinary perspective. It begins by providing a reference guide to the different psychoactive substances, looking at the biological and psychological impact of their use. Key issues in the effect drugs have on society are then addressed, before outlining methods of recovery and therapy. Chapters include: Reflective questions to challenge readers' assumptions Case studies to help students understand the impact of substances on individuals Links to further resources to expand readers' knowledge It will be valuable reading for those studying on degrees in criminology, health, nursing, social work and counselling.

About the Contributors -- Introduction -- Part 1 Drugs, Democracy and Society -- 1 Ethical Evaluations of Drug Use and Drug Policy -- 2 The International and National Legislative Framework -- 3 The Relationship between Politics and Scientific Knowledge in Formulating Drug Policy -- 4 Alternatives to Prohibition -- Part 2 Categories of Psychoactive Substances and Society -- 5 Sedatives -- 6 Stimulants -- 7 Opiates -- 8 Hallucinogens -- 9 Drugs with Mixed Effects -- 10 Poly Drug Use -- 11 New Psychoactive Substances (Legal Highs) -- Part 3 Understanding the Nature of Addiction -- 12 Addiction as a Complex Adaptive System -- 13 The Evolutionary Context -- 14 Dependence Syndromes -- 15 Psychological Perspectives -- Part 4 Interventions and Treatment -- 16 Dual Diagnosis and the Context of Exclusion -- 17 Harm Reduction -- 18 The Concept of Recovery -- 19 The Purposes and Methods of Detoxification from Illicit Drugs -- 20 The Purposes and Methods of Detoxification from Alcohol -- 21 The Major Talking Therapies -- 22 Buddhism and Addiction -- 23 Criminal Justice Interventions -- 24 Evidence-based Practice, Research and Outcome Monitoring -- 25 The Core Skills in Working with Substance Misuse -- 26 Whole Systems Approaches -- Index.