Chemical Dependency: A Systems Approach

A comprehensive introduction to chemical dependency designed for human service professionals, such as social workers, counsellors and psychologists, this text provides complete coverage from aetiology, epidemiology and treatment to regulation and prevention. It uses a systems approach that links the individual with familial, community and environmental factors influencing drug use.

This well-respected text on substance abuse takes a comprehensive look at chemical dependency, covering the most recent issues in the areas of epidemiology, etiology, substance abuse policy, and treatment.

Chemical Dependency: A Systems Approach, Third Edition, looks at substance abuse from a systems perspective, making it particularly appropriate for social work students who are accustomed to a “person-in-environment” approach. All major theories of addiction are presented, as well as the major physiological and psychological results of substance abuse, including fetal alcohol syndrome. Coverage of the latest developments in treatment and research incorporates the most recent findings on genetic causes of alcoholism. This edition includes an up-to-date discussion of the most recent trends in designer drugs, to account for the considerable frequency in which drug use patterns occur. In addition, the most recent policy changes at the state, federal, and international levels have been added.

What's New to This Edition

• APA format is used throughout the entire text, making footnotes and references more manageable and easier to follow.
• New chapter on the neurobiology of addiction provides the most current information on the consequences and causes of substance abuse problems (Ch. 2).
• A list of resources at the end of each chapter provides students with mailing addresses and websites for additional information on each subject.

“This is the best text on substance abuse for social work published. It's as classic a text for social work as Oakley Ray's pharmacology text of the 80s and 90s.”
Paul R. Raffoul, University of Houston

“The authors have a good writing style. They write clearly and have the unique ability to simplify the most difficult concepts so that students can comprehend them...The authors are careful and exhibit consistent use of a preliminary explanatory section of each part of the textbook.”
Arturo Acosta, El Paso Community College

************************************************************* Allyn & Bacon's Career Center offers registered students eight 30-minute sessions with a career specialist. This $25.00 retail value is FREE when packaged with any Social Work textbook. For more information visit www.ablongman.com/careercenter or contact your local Allyn & Bacon publisher's representative. ***********************************************************************************************