Drugs, Alcohol and Mental Health [Paperback]

A concise introduction to the biochemical, behavioural and social factors which influence the mind, for advanced school and undergraduate students.This concise introductory textbook covers the biochemical, behavioural and social factors which influence the mind. It discusses all commonly misused groups of drugs, including those available on prescription, hallucinogens, narcotics, and socially acceptable drugs such as caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. The final chapters deal with mental health and illness.This concise introductory textbook covers the biochemical, behavioural and social factors which influence the mind. It discusses all commonly misused groups of drugs, including those available on prescription, hallucinogens, narcotics, and socially acceptable drugs such as caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. The final chapters deal with mental health and illness.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.lƒT