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The encyclopedia of Psychoactive Drugs
Book Reviews
233
THE ENCYCLOPEDIAOF PSYCHOACTIVEDRUGS edited by Solomon H. Snyder MD and Malcolm H. Ladier DSC, PHD, MD, FRCPsych. A series of 25 volumes published by Burke Publishing Co., Ltd. London. Each volume is individually indexed and sold as an individual book (size 64~" x 9¼"). The five small volumes reviewed, listed below, offer both the medical and non-medical professional an opportuntiy to develop a knowledge of drugs, their use and abuse. They encompass both historical and present day perspectives and take into account the international drug scene. The complexity of the drugs covered is neither exaggerated nor played down. They are presented to the reader in a form which allows an immense amount of knowledge to be digested quickly, dispelling myths about drug taking and presenting the facts as objectively as possible without the emotional distortion and obscurity which so often surrounds the subject. A great number of people will find these encyclopedias extremely useful reading. OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS by Paul Sanberg and R. M. T. Krema. 168 pp. Hardback, £7.95; paperback, £4.50. This volume deals with legitimate 'Over-the-counter (OTC)' drugs available for purchase in chemist shops, supermarkets, etc. In general these drugs are considered effective and safe. However, use of OTC drugs can and does become a situation of misuse and abuse. The book describes how such situations develop and gives constructive advice on how to cope and work with the problem.
TRANQUILLISERSby Gail Winger. 114 pp. Hardback, £7.95; paperback, £4.50. This volume provides much needed information on the advantages and disadvantages of taking tranquillisers, as well as offering alternative strategies for dealing with anxiety. Moreover, it explores other drugs used to curb anxiety, i.e. alcohol and barbiturates, anti-histamines, Beta-blockers and Buspirone a relatively new drug developed in 1985 which appears to be useful in treating mild infrequent cases of anxiety. AMPHETAMINESby S. E. Lukas. 101 pp. Hardback, £7.95; paperback, £4.50. A concise history not only of amphetamine use and abuse but of the effects of the drug on the brain and body and of resulting behavioural changes. Both addiction to amphetamines and the resulting psychosis are explored in some depth. This includes a description of amphetamine psychosis and its similarities to paranoid schizophrenia. All of the drugs within the stimulant group, including cocaine, can produce psychosis. The increased abuse by teenagers of amphetamines in Britain renders this volume of special interest to social workers, teachers, youth leaders and doctors. HEROIN by F. Zackon. 129 pp. Hardback, £7.95; paperback, £4.50. The theories behind the addiction of heroin and the challenge of recovery through treatment and rehabilitation make interesting reading. Likewise the historical development and use of the drug presented in the volume reiterates the fact that heroin use/abuse is no new phenomenon. Aspects of counselling and psychotherapy are well explored. COCAINEby C. E. Johanson. 98 pp. Hardback, £7.95; paperback, £4.50. In view of the rapid growth of cocaine use/abuse in Britain today it is important that people acquire knowledge about the drug. The information contained in this volume dispels the misconception that cocaine is relatively harmless and provides readers with an understanding of how cocaine works and what effects it has on the body. Methods of use of the drug are explained along with the historical and cultural perspectives which go towards making these particular encyclopedias such addictive reading. P.L.
233
THE ENCYCLOPEDIAOF PSYCHOACTIVEDRUGS edited by Solomon H. Snyder MD and Malcolm H. Ladier DSC, PHD, MD, FRCPsych. A series of 25 volumes published by Burke Publishing Co., Ltd. London. Each volume is individually indexed and sold as an individual book (size 64~" x 9¼"). The five small volumes reviewed, listed below, offer both the medical and non-medical professional an opportuntiy to develop a knowledge of drugs, their use and abuse. They encompass both historical and present day perspectives and take into account the international drug scene. The complexity of the drugs covered is neither exaggerated nor played down. They are presented to the reader in a form which allows an immense amount of knowledge to be digested quickly, dispelling myths about drug taking and presenting the facts as objectively as possible without the emotional distortion and obscurity which so often surrounds the subject. A great number of people will find these encyclopedias extremely useful reading. OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS by Paul Sanberg and R. M. T. Krema. 168 pp. Hardback, £7.95; paperback, £4.50. This volume deals with legitimate 'Over-the-counter (OTC)' drugs available for purchase in chemist shops, supermarkets, etc. In general these drugs are considered effective and safe. However, use of OTC drugs can and does become a situation of misuse and abuse. The book describes how such situations develop and gives constructive advice on how to cope and work with the problem.
TRANQUILLISERSby Gail Winger. 114 pp. Hardback, £7.95; paperback, £4.50. This volume provides much needed information on the advantages and disadvantages of taking tranquillisers, as well as offering alternative strategies for dealing with anxiety. Moreover, it explores other drugs used to curb anxiety, i.e. alcohol and barbiturates, anti-histamines, Beta-blockers and Buspirone a relatively new drug developed in 1985 which appears to be useful in treating mild infrequent cases of anxiety. AMPHETAMINESby S. E. Lukas. 101 pp. Hardback, £7.95; paperback, £4.50. A concise history not only of amphetamine use and abuse but of the effects of the drug on the brain and body and of resulting behavioural changes. Both addiction to amphetamines and the resulting psychosis are explored in some depth. This includes a description of amphetamine psychosis and its similarities to paranoid schizophrenia. All of the drugs within the stimulant group, including cocaine, can produce psychosis. The increased abuse by teenagers of amphetamines in Britain renders this volume of special interest to social workers, teachers, youth leaders and doctors. HEROIN by F. Zackon. 129 pp. Hardback, £7.95; paperback, £4.50. The theories behind the addiction of heroin and the challenge of recovery through treatment and rehabilitation make interesting reading. Likewise the historical development and use of the drug presented in the volume reiterates the fact that heroin use/abuse is no new phenomenon. Aspects of counselling and psychotherapy are well explored. COCAINEby C. E. Johanson. 98 pp. Hardback, £7.95; paperback, £4.50. In view of the rapid growth of cocaine use/abuse in Britain today it is important that people acquire knowledge about the drug. The information contained in this volume dispels the misconception that cocaine is relatively harmless and provides readers with an understanding of how cocaine works and what effects it has on the body. Methods of use of the drug are explained along with the historical and cultural perspectives which go towards making these particular encyclopedias such addictive reading. P.L.