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.

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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.

'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

'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

246mm x 173mm / 10in x 7in, 336pp

1. Introduction. 2. A Brief History of Drug Use and a Snapshot of the Current Drugs Situation in Britain. 3. Cannabis Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol. 4. Stimulants. 5. Hallucinogens. 6. Opiates. 7. Volatile Substance Abuse: "Sniffing". 8. Tranquillisers and Sleeping Pills: Anxyiolytics and Hypnotics. 9. Anabolic Steroids. 10. Over the Counter Medicines. 11. `Date Rape Drugs': Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamine. 12. The Signs and Symptoms of Substance Misuse: Things You Will Need to Look Out For. 13. Physical Evidence of Possible Drug or Substance Use. 14. Managing Drug Related Incidents. 15. Common Reasons for Drug and Substance Misuse and Details of Available Treatment. 16. The Language of Drug and Substance Abuse. 17. The Legislation Debate. Appendix 1: Formulation of a Substance Misuse Policy. Appendix 2: Useful Organisations. Index.

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