Illicit and Misused Drugs
17 total works
You're a high school athlete who wants to increase the possibility of a successful college sports career and a shot at the pros. But you know you just don't have all that it takes. Then it hits you: you can do what the pros do (at least some of them)—take steroids! It may sound like a good idea, but Steroids: Pumped Up and Dangerous reveals these drugs' dangerous side effects, both short and long term. Get the lowdown on treatment and the legal consequences of using illegal steroids. Perhaps most important, discover safer ways to achieve the same results.
Statistics on drug use show that abuse is decreasing. That's the good news. But there's bad news as well: the abuse of prescription drugs is increasing. Among the most abused prescription medications are painkillers, something many people have in their medicine cabinets. In Painkillers: Prescription Dependency, you will find out what pain really is—and what it isn't—as well as the history of pain. The book also provides up-to-date information about painkillers and how they are abused. Special attention is given to OxyContin, which has expanded addiction to new groups of people. Treatment methods are also covered—but the best route is never to become addicted!
Almost everyone has trouble sleeping once in a while. Sometimes your mind keeps racing with new ideas long after your body is ready to shut down for the evening. Other nights, life's problems follow you to bed and prevent you from getting a good night's sleep. But an occasional night of insomnia needn't justify addiction to sedatives and other sleep-inducing medications. Sedatives and Hypnotics: Deadly Downers reveals the long history of sedatives and hypnotics. You'll discover how these drugs work and their effects, good and bad. Preventative measures are discussed, as well as treatment options for abuse and addiction.
Almost 40 percent of people living in the United States have an addiction to alcohol, drugs, or some form of tobacco. These addictions cost Americans hundreds of billions of dollars every year. Clearly, addiction is an enormous problem. Addiction in America: Society, Psychology, and Heredity takes a look at what leads people to a life of addiction—the social, psychological, and hereditary factors that might make an individual susceptible to addiction. This book provides you with an overview of one of the most serious problems facing American society today.
You've seen the ads: "Never diet again! Our all-natural treatment magically melts away the pounds!" "Want to boost your athletic performance? Dr. Smith has found the secret to improved stamina and strength with his all-natural formula!" "Need more energy? Our all-natural juice product will give you the pick-me-up you need!" After all, what do you have to lose? If it's all natural, it can't hurt. Or can it? If you have trouble believing these ads, you're right to be skeptical. "All-natural" dietary supplements seldom deliver the amazing results they claim. And just because they're natural, doesn't mean that some of these substances can't cause serious damage to a user's health. Read Natural and Everyday Drugs: A False Sense of Security to find out more.
It seemed like an easy answer. If a child was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder—ADHD—give him Ritalin and all would be better. The answer—and the condition—turned out not to be that easy. Recreational Ritalin: The Not-So-Smart Drug provides an overview of ADHD and the drug most often prescribed to treat the condition. This book provides you with a description of other drugs like Ritalin and their effects, good and bad. You will also learn about ADHD and the controversy surrounding its diagnosis and treatment. But Ritalin and other drugs like it have moved out of the classroom and away from their legitimate uses in treating a medical condition. College students and young professionals are now using the drugs to gain that "extra edge" to achieve success. Recreational Ritalin: The Not-So-Smart Drug tells their stories as well. You will also discover how Ritalin abuse is being effectively treated.
What's wrong with a beer now and then? Or a glass of wine with dinner? For most people—of legal age—there's absolutely nothing wrong with having an occasional drink. But for others, those with drinking problems, there's no such thing as an occasional drink. For them, one drink leads to another and another and another. . . . Alcohol Addiction: Not Worth the Buzz provides you with important information about alcohol addiction (alcoholism) and other drinking problems. You will learn about the history of alcohol use and early attempts to curb drinking, how alcohol affects the brain, and the effects it has on the body in the long and short term. This book also provides information on how individuals with alcohol problems can get help. Through first-person stories, you will learn how alcohol personally affected the lives of young people, and how they did not let alcohol addiction defeat them.
In the United States and Canada, millions of individuals have problems with substance abuse. In some cases the problems are relatively minor, but in others, that abuse leads to addiction. Addiction is a serious and costly disease. In Addiction Treatment: Escaping the Trap, you will learn some definitions important in the study of addiction treatment. You will also learn about the history of addiction treatment, including the work and continuing influence of the Washingtonians, the Emmanuel Movement, the Oxford Movement, and of course, Alcoholics Anonymous. Treatment philosophies are also presented in this book Not all treatment methods are alike, and successful addiction treatment combines a variety of approaches. In Addiction Treatment, you will learn that recovery is an ongoing process, and read about suggestions on how to maintain a sober life.