Pharmacology And Abuse Of Cocaine Amphetamines Ecstasy And Related Designer Drugs

Finally - a book that covers all aspects of the illicit use of cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy and/or designer drugs such as GHB, written by two experts in their field. The use of these drugs remains a continuous threat in health and medical care delivery, and this book will be an essential asset to the physician who may have to face the evaluation of patients whose use of these drugs compromises an effective treatment plan for other health issues. The book has been conceived to fill the void in existing physician reference materials, and provides a comprehensive review of the theoretical knowledge and scope of pharmacotherapy in individuals who are hooked on a psychoactive substance. While detailed scientific information is obtainable in other major articles, the book's straightforward format and style, along with its illustrations, will make for easy reading as emphasis is put on information specifically related to drugs that occur most abused in today’s society. The information provided is based on clinical practice rather than pure experimental data, which will give the physician more effective tools useful in their daily practice. Many mechanisms of action of abuse are described in detail and references are provided to direct the reader to further sources for additional information. As a special feature, the book incorporates uncluttered tables and charts, which result in immediate clarification of the mode of action on the central nervous system and the reason for misuse, thus avoiding usual long and fatiguing text in common reference books. The book aims to give the reader a clear and concise plan on what to do when being faced with an overdose situation. A well-organized Table of Contents rapidly leads the reader from general pharmacological issues to the specific overdose syndrome and its management. Additionally, significant emphasis is placed on the practical do's and don’ts for physicians, with special reference to the predictive signs of aberrant drug-related behavior and the identification of the drug diverter by using urine drug screening.

A comprehensive review of the chemical, clinical, pharmaco-logical, medical and social aspects of the chemicals that are widely abused is presented in this highly informative publication. The contributing authors represent expertise in clinical medicine, pharmacy, chemistry, pharmacology, social work and psychiatry. The scientific discussion, phar-

Includes information on mechanisms of brain action, treatment methods, health consequences, and prevention strategies for cocaine. Extensive bibliography.

The authors have produced the first “on the ground” study (not just clinical or chemical) of MDMA (3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), or “ecstasy” as it is frequently designated. A psychoactive substance related to both the amphetamines and mescaline, MDMA has become popular in recent years as one of the new “designer” drugs. First used in therapeutic treatment, its recreational or street use has increased in recent years. The authors track the efforts (with psychiatrists and researchers in opposition) of the DEA to ban the drug.

Here is a timely volume that reviews the current state of knowledge of cocaine use. Some of the country’s leading authorities on cocaine use and abuse examine the pharmacology and neurochemistry of central stimulant abuse with a focus on the specific effects of cocaine. They also address recent experiences concerning the epidemiology of cocaine use from several different databases. This highly useful and informative book also explains the effectiveness of the existing diagnostic and treatment approaches.

Amphetamine Misuse appears at the beginning of a phase in drug history that will see changes in patterns of use which will impact society as a variety of levels: potential users; systems of health care; social control; international trade procedures, and even the economic bases of nations. It studies the nature of amphetamine use in different cultural settings, common features are identified and enigmas exposed. Greater international collaboration is needed if appropriate preventive measures are to be devised, and the sharing of information should be regarded as only a first step towards a more coordinated approach that includes social research within improved systems of national and international drug monitoring and communication.