Drugs, Alcohol and Mental Health

A concise introduction to the biochemical, behavioural and social factors which influence the mind, for advanced school and undergraduate students.

Alan Cornwell (Author), Vicky Cornwell (Author)

9780521437103, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 7 January 1993

108 pages, 18 b/w illus. 8 tables
23.5 x 15.7 x 0.9 cm, 0.2 kg

This introductory textbook covers the biochemical, behavioural and social factors which influence the mind. It discusses all major groups of drugs which are commonly misused, including drugs normally available only on prescription, hallucinogenic drugs, narcotics, and socially acceptable drugs such as caffeine and nicotine. Alcohol, as the most widely used drug of abuse in most developed countries, is considered in detail: the biological effects of alcohol, the problems resulting from alcohol use, and the means by which alcohol abuse can be controlled, are all discussed. The final chapters deal with mental health and mental illness. An excellent introduction to the topic for advanced school and beginning undergraduate biology students.

Preface
1. Drugs and drug abuse
2. Socially acceptable drugs
3. Misuse of prescribed and related drugs
4. Hallucinogenic drugs
5. Opiates and other narcotics
6. The biology of alcohol
7. The problems of alcohol use
8. Prevention and control of alcohol problems
9. Help for problem drinkers
10. Mental health and mental illness
11. Alzheimer's disease and other dementias
12. Other mental illnesses
Further reading
Index.

Subject Areas: Human biology [PSX], Neurosciences [PSAN], Medicine [M], Drug & substance abuse: social aspects [JFFH1], Illness & addiction: social aspects [JFFH]