Substance abuse disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders and are frequently comorbid with other psychiatric and health conditions and accompanied by social problems; however, they remain under-recognized and under-treated. Many physicians and mental health practitioners receive little-to-no training in the identification and treatment of these disorders. Approaches to their prevention include some of the major success stories in modern public health as well as some of the deepest controversies in public life. This new title in the WPA series Evidence and Experience in Psychiatry informs psychiatrists and a wide range of professional groups from health and social services about these disorders and their treatment and control.
'Highly Commended' in the Psychiatry section of the 2012 BMA Book Awards
Hamid Ghodse is Professor of Psychiatry and International Drug Policy at St George's Hospital Medical School. He has been President of the International Narcotics Control Board since 2004, and a member of the board since 1992. Director of the International Centre for Drug Policy (UN) in Vienna. Editor of many books on addiction. He was appointed as inaugural Chair of the International Health Advisory Board in the UK in November 2009.
Helen Herrman is Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre in Mental Health, Melbourne. She has been Secretary of Publications for the World Psychiatric Association since 2005 She is also Regional Vice-President Oceania, World Federation for Mental Health, and Vice-President of the International Federation of Psychiatric Epidemiology.
Mario Maj is President of the World Psychiatric Association. Formerly he has been President of the Italian Psychiatric Association (since 2000); President of the Italian Society of Biological Psychiatry (since 1990); Secretary-General of the Association of European Psychiatrists (2001-2002); President of the Association of European Psychiatrists (2002).
Norman Sartorius is President of the International Association for the Promotion of Mental Health Programmes. Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and of the American College of Psychiatry; Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Member of the WHO Expert Advisory Panel on Mental Health and a member of the WPA Council.
