Cocaine Methamphetamine Addiction

This volume provides a summary of the most current information about stimulant dependence and its treatment. In addition, it sheds light on how the epidemiology of cocaine, amphetamine and methamphetamine abuse and dependence have substantial differences in geographic distribution, and how treatments are evolving to help these complex patients benefit from emerging pharmacological and behavioral therapies. Also, the editors provide literature that discusses, among many topics: the recent shift to more humane responses within the criminal justice system that is useful in obtaining treatment for the estimated 1.6 million cocaine and half-million methamphetamine users who abuse these drugs each day in the U.S., and also key treatment considerations, such as HIV comorbidity and polydrug abuse.

A practical guide to understanding and overcoming addiction to cocaine and meth.

While the APA's Textbook of Addiction Psychiatry covers material that a general psychiatrist or primary care physician needs for the appropriate referral and initial management of stimulant dependence, Cocaine and Methamphetamine Dependence: Advances in Treatment goes beyond this basic knowledge and addresses the rapid evolution of both the understanding and the treatment of stimulant abusers. It also sheds light on how the epidemiology of cocaine, amphetamine and methamphetamine abuse and dependence have substantial differences in geographic distribution both here and abroad, and how treatments are evolving to help these complex patients benefit from emerging pharmacological and behavioral therapies. Cocaine dependence complications account for one out of every three drug-related emergency room visits. Coroners' reports relate stimulants to the direct cause of death in 25% of cocaine overdoses and 68% of methamphetamine overdoses or as antecedents causing cardiovascular or medical problems leading to death in 20% of these abusers. Additionally, cocaine and methamphetamine abuse and dependence frequently co-occur with other major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, major depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. This makes a greater understanding of stimulant dependence among the psychiatric community an integral part of providing effective evaluation and treatment. Cocaine and Methamphetamine Dependence provides: An introduction of the DSM-5 plan to drop the distinction between abuse and dependence and add craving as a criterion. An overview of how the epidemiology of stimulant abuse is changing and pharmaceutical abuse is rising due to factors such as greater availability through family and friends who are increasingly being prescribed stimulants for conditions like weight loss or attention deficit disorder. The insight that even after long abstinence, stimulant users may remain vulnerable to amphetamine-induced psychosis, with delusions, paranoia and compulsive behavior. The insight that a comprehensive assessment of the patient involves the management of aberrant behaviors such as intoxication, violence, suicide, impaired cognitive function, and uncontrolled affective displays. A focus on treatment, emphasizing that the most important component of stimulant treatment involves behavioral therapies, often in combination with adjunctive medications. A review of the criminal justice system's shift away from punitive action and towards more human treatment, including the far-reaching benefits of medical management and treatment. Fortunately, our understanding of stimulant abuse and dependence is growing at a time when a steady stream of new users and casualties is still accumulating. Constant vigilance regarding changes in epidemiology, fluctuations in drug availability, and changes in drug trafficking patterns are essential to recognition of new drug abuse patterns and their identification and treatment. Cocaine and Methamphetamine Dependence should be on the bookshelf of residents, physicians and psychiatrists who are highly likely to come into contact with one of the millions using and abusing stimulants today.

A fast-paced, highly original history that uncovers the full extent of drug use in Nazi Germany--from Hitler's all-consuming reliance on a slew of substances, to the drugs that permeated the regime and played an integral role in Germany's military performance and ultimate downfall in World War II

Crystal meth and other amphetamines are illegal synthetic drugs that are cheap to produce and very damaging. These stimulants are highly aggressive and gradually destroy the body of a user. This book will guide readers through the warning signs of possible crystal meth abuse and suggest potential interventions and ways to seek treatment. Personal narratives, sidebars, and organizations that treat crystal meth addiction are also included to instill hope in readers seeking help for themselves or loved ones.

In Overcoming Crystal Methamphetamine Addiction, one of the few books to address the topic for a general audience, Dr. Steven Lee, MD, a psychiatrist who specializes in crystal meth addiction, offers a complete guide to the drug, its effects, and how to overcome it. Based on extensive scientific and social research and drawing from his professional experience, he covers everything from the definition and history of crystal meth to the physical and psychological effects; from dealing with the addictive personality to helping a friend or family member cope with it. He focuses on understanding rather than outright condemnation of the drug, and empathetically covers all of the crucial questions: What is crystal meth? How is it made? How does it affect the body? How do you know if you're addicted to it? How do you stop using it? What if you don't want to stop? If you are going to use CM anyway, how can you minimize the damage? What if you quit but slipped and used again?

Discussion of methamphetamine abuse and its social costs.

Basic knowledge about the nature and treatment of stimulant use disorders. Reviews what is currently known about treating the med., psychiatric, and substance abuse-dependence problems assoc. with the use of 2 high-profile stimulants: cocaine and methamphetamine (MA). The info. is understandable and relevant for clinicians and other "front line" substance use disorder treat. providers. Offers recomm. on treat. approaches, recomm. to maximize treat. engagement, strategies for planning and initiating treat., and strategies for initiating and maintaining abstinence. Includes recomm. for the med. mgmt. of stimulant users and recomm. regarding special groups and settings.