Drug Abuse: A Clinical Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment

Drug abuse refers to the use of certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects in the brain. The drugs that are used for seeking pleasure can be classified into three categories, namely, depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens. Some common examples of drugs are alcohol, tobacco, opium, marijuana and cocaine. Drug abuse causes damage to the body in the long run and there is a risk of contracting infections like hepatitis B and HIV in people using needles. The diagnosis and treatment of drug abuse involves the screening and assessment of drug use behavior. CRAFFT screening test is a screening tool used to diagnose drug abuse in adolescents. CAGE questionnaire is another screening tool used to assess drug use in adults. There are several types of therapies and medications that help to suppress cravings and mental anxiety and reduce the chances of relapse. These treatment therapies include exposure therapy, community reinforcement approach, contingency management, etc. This book outlines the diagnosis and management of drug abuse in detail. It will serve as a reference to a broad spectrum of readers.