Concepts of Chemical Dependency, 8th Edition

by Harold E. Doweiko

Completely rewritten from cover to cover, the contemporary new 8th edition of CONCEPTS OF CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY provides comprehensive coverage and the latest information on a full spectrum of substance use disorders and the compounds commonly abused. Topics include: the abuse of and addiction to alcohol; how the active agent in marijuana, THC, affects neural growth and development; the emerging body of evidence suggesting a relationship between marijuana abuse and psychotic disorders; the emerging body of evidence suggesting that marijuana is not as benign as it was thought to be even a few years ago; and updated information on the abuse of cough syrups, a trend that has evolved in adolescent substance abusers in the past decade. Adding to the book's usefulness and relevance, Doweiko also covers topics not usually discussed in other substance abuse texts, including: abuse of anabolic steroids; inhalants; many of the forms of infectious disease associated with substance abuse; how the "war on drugs" has actually contributed to the problem of substance abuse/addiction in this country; the relationship between substance abuse and many infectious diseases; and the latest information on the "medical marijuana" debate. Providing a comprehensive overview of the problems of substance abuse and addiction, students report that they appreciate the author's balanced approach in contrast to a tendency to "preach" to the reader that "drugs are bad for you." Student feedback indicates that they value the clear and detailed information provided, allowing the student to form their own opinion about the compound(s) being discussed in each chapter.

Genres: Textbooks, School, Counselling, Nonfiction, Psychology

640 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Required reading for class & my first e-textbook! I was apprehensive, however, it proved very accessible and easy to use.

[Vicki Lannerholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a 'dry read' (no pun intended) and yes, even for a textbook, but it provides exceptionally detailed information about the fundamental operations of substances in the body and mind. If you are looking to really understand what goes on with chemical dependency, this is the book to read. Take your time with it and let it sink in.

[Emma Sonnen · Rating 4 out of 5]

required reading carleton PSYC 3403

I would’ve much preferred a book that took a Canadian perspective rather than an American one but it was still informative overall.

[Jill Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good information, but needs editing.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read for class. Not bad, very detailed book and insightful on why people have substance abuse issues.

[Aimee J Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my current required text for my final of the 4 focal areas of social work that I must complete, Substance Abuse. This book is extremely in-depth going into the very insides of the neurotransmitters in your brain and how they react when a substance encounters them, mainly targeting your dopamine receptors. This book covers every illegal and legal substance/drug/medication from A-Z (Alcohol to Zolpidem).

Upon covering what the various illicit substances to do the brain and your organs and body as a whole, the book ends with topics such as self-help groups and the debate around legalization.

The book itself is not horribly long, but VERY intensive. You must be completely focused while reading with no distractions. It's almost as intense as microbio if not more.

[Angela Blair]

A lot of information and detailed. Some of the pharmacology and biotransformations conflict with other physiology of pharmaceuticals, but it was a great read to add to the bank of knowledge for my field.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Done!

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

(2012 Edition)Excellent up-to-date reference book for any AUD/SUD disorder counselor. I didn't even for a second consider selling this one back after completing my courses!

[Chris Zupke · Rating 4 out of 5]

read for grad school. Very informative, easy to read.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This text is incredibly informative, but incredibly deep text. The font is very small and the text is just packed with every aspect of substance abuse concepts you could think of!

[Chris Chaos · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very technical and dry book, 30% of the content is either redundant or unnecessary. Also the typos were terrible. Glad I am finished!