Product Description

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 body chart 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 recognise drug misuse and confidently offer information and guidance.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #123054 in Books
• Published on: 2005-11-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 335 pages

Review
"'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"

About the Author
David Emmett retired from a 30-year career as a police officer in 1996. In 1999 he gained a first-class honours degree in Psychology, followed in 2003 by a PhD in Cognitive Psychology. He has almost 25 years' experience in the field of substance abuse, working directly with drug and alcohol abusers. He has given advice to schools and colleges as well as being 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 NIIS substance misuse team in Hampshire, where he holds a caseload of drug clients. He has qualifications in counselling, health education and teaching.

Customer Reviews

Excellent, easy to read resource
I bought this book as a reference guide whilst I was training to be a Probation Officer. I found it very helpful, not only for the facts it contained regarding the legal status of different drugs and for the factual information it provided for my essay writing, but also on a more practical note for giving me the information I needed on all the commonly used street drugs, such as, their many slang names, methods of use, tolerance and habitual potential and also their effects, including adverse effects and withdrawal effects; all crucial information to have when working with offenders. Even though I have finished my training, the fact that I continue to work with drug users means I will continue to dip into this very useful book. As I am also a parent of 2 'not quite teenagers', I think this is also a very handy book to have around to discuss this important issue with them. Very well laid out and easy to read. Definitely one to recommend - whether you work with drug users or are simply a parent who would like to know the facts.

easy reading
I bought this book in connection with my work along with another, this was easy reading along with being very informative and the best book on recreational use ive found to date.
The book went into recreational use, slang termanology, ways in which to use drugs, the effects of use both short and long term, along with a time scale of effects after using a drug, drug recognition and what to look for as a hint of drug use. Using this book i passed a very intense interview in order to progress in my work. I would recommend this book from a parent wanting to know more, right through the ranks of teacher or anyone wanting to learn more on the subject of recreational drugs, from aerosole to crack.

Down to earth and easy to read book on drugs.
Especially, for my use, for the older person who may not have come across drugs and the present drug scene. This book takes the reader through all areas of available drugs, their use and the language of drugs. Legal issues are addressed in a very acceptable way. I bought the book so that I could 'bone-up' as a neighbour's son had tried a drug. I learned far more than was necessary for me to know. Totally recommended.