NCJ Number
151789
Date Published
1994
Length
92 pages
Annotation
This booklet provides basic information on reasons for drug abuse, drugs most often abused, and behavioral signs indicating the use of each type of drug. It also deals with other concerns involved in alcohol and drug use, including psychosocial and treatment issues.
Abstract
The introductory chapter outlines reasons why people abuse alcohol and drugs, the cost of alcohol and drug abuse, and the correlation between violence and drug use. After a discussion of how drugs affect the body and brain, the booklet details the symptoms, consequences, and treatment issues for alcohol, tobacco, and drug dependence. Drugs covered here include narcotics, designer drugs, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, cannabis, volatile solvents, PCP, and MDMA. Methods for detecting drug abuse include behavioral observation, self-reports, interviews, legal problems, background check, and drug testing. A list of resource organizations is included.