International Perspectives On Training In Addiction Medicine

Addiction is increasingly being recognized as a major global public health issue, and an ever-growing number of medical specialties, psychological and social science training programs, and professional associations are including addiction as part of their training and continuing education curricula. The first edition of this book presented an overview of the spectrum of addiction-related problems across different cultures around the globe. Sharing the experience and wisdom of more than 260 leading experts in the field, and promoted by the International Society of Addiction Medicine, it compared and contrasted clinical practices in the field of addiction medicine on the basis of neurobiological similarities as well as epidemiological and socio-cultural differences. Building on the success of this inaugural edition, and taking into account the formal and informal comments received as well as an assessment of current need, this textbook presents general updated information while retaining the most requested sections of the first edition as demonstrated by the number of chapter downloads. It also provides a basic text for those preparing for the ISAM annual certification exam. Written by some 220 international experts, it is a valuable reference resource for anyone interested in medicine, psychology, nursing, and social science.

The use of alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceutical drugs, illicit drugs and other substances are widespread throughout the world and are amongst the leading causes of disability and death. Increasingly, medical approaches of treating these disorders have established themselves as effective interventions and are of great interest to those who seek help. A range of medical disorders are commonly associated with substance use. Addiction Medicine is a new medical specialty that focuses on the treatment of disorders of substance use and related diseases. It occupies a unique place amongst the medical specialties that connects mental and physical health. The field of addiction medicine is growing heavily as the range of treatments and resulting professional interest in working in this field evolve together. Structured training in the necessary skills in physical and mental health is an essential prerequisite to the establishment of this new medical specialty. This volume describes training programs established in Europe, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific regions. It has been developed with the support of the International Society of Addiction Medicine and is therefore a significant milestone in the development of addiction medicine internationally and will assist local training programs in incorporating the best ideas worldwide. The work will play an important role in establishing standards of training and consequently of practice, leading in turn to better patient care and health outcomes. This book was originally published as a special issue of Substance Abuse.

The first volume to provide access to information on drug treatment systems from a wide cross-section of 20 countries, Drug Treatment Systems in an International Perspective examines the ways in which other counties from around the world have chosen to cope with the spread of illicit drugs. Now health planners and administrators, treatment professionals, researchers, and students can place the development of their own treatment systems in a wider context and can examine the extent to which that development shares common structural features with those of other countries and cultures. Following a comparative discussion of the various countries, the volume addresses four key issues: gender specific treatment, the politics of financing and evaluation, the private sector and state control, and exporting drug treatment ideologies. It provides a comparative and cross-cultural perspective on drug treatment approaches today and examines the influence of social, political, and economic forces on the treatment of drug addicts. In addition, the editors have included a handy glossary, which explains key terms unfamiliar to readers outside the particular country. Providing and interdisciplinary and cross-cultural perspective to drug treatment, Drug Treatment Systems in an International Perspective will be of interest academics, students, and professionals in psychology, especially those focusing on clinical psychology, addiction, dependency, and treatment. It will also be of great interest to public health planners and administrators.

Drug abuse has become very common among students in the university and schools. Drugs are being misused by students within the university for various reasons. The most common reason being stress. To cope with the competition and ever increasing work load of the program students resort to taking drugs either to relieve stress or to stay awake all night to study. Another reason for taking drugs is peer pressure, the pressure to fit in and try something new. Drugs have become fashionable, are easily available and students take it because they feel it is normal, just like having an alcoholic drink in a social gathering. They usually start with a mild drug and then move on to harder ones like cocaine and heroin. The unfortunate part in Indian universities is the lack of support system for the students. There is no focus on creating a positive environment for the students to relieve their stress and discuss their problems. Drugs are like a disease taking over our society with no end. I am deeply concerned with this situation. I am indebted to be invited to become volunteer assistant for such an important project. We will do whatever we can to assist in this project so that it can bring resolution to this epidemic in our society.

Becoming an Addictions Counselor, Third Edition provides evidence-based findings, cutting-edge treatment techniques, and a focus on critical thinking to show future counselors how to respond to clients' needs rather than impose "cookie-cutter" routines. Topics explored in depth include: * Mentally ill chemical abusers * Individual, group, and family counseling skills * Clinical treatment issues Each chapter takes an experiential learning approach to these topics and encourages readers to practice individual and group counseling skills through structured activities and exercises. With thorough discussions on ethics, treatment planning, and case management, this text prepares readers to become ethical, competent counselors.

Some classes of behaviors, including gambling, Internet gaming, and sexual behaviors, may lead to compulsive engagement for a minority of individuals. In extreme cases where individuals may feel unable to control these behaviors without external influence, these behaviors may be considered non-substance or behavioral addictions. Many such behaviors may occur predominantly online, such as gaming, social media, shopping, and pornography, and may be driven by constant accessibility via smartphone and other mobile device technologies. This Research Topic presents diverse papers on neurobiological evidence of behavioral addictions, encompassing gambling disorder, Internet-based disorders, including Internet gaming disorder and smartphone addiction, and compulsive sexual behaviors.

The report highlights the opioid crisis as a complex public health issue that requires a comprehensive approach across all sectors, including health, social services, and law enforcement. Strong health information systems are also needed, particularly data and research.