Publishers Weekly
- Publisher's Weekly
The authors, both psychiatry professors at Harvard Medical School, have first-hand knowledge of cocaine abuse from their work at the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center at McClean Hospital in Belmont, Mass. In this valuable guidebook, they study cocaine abuse, examining the drug's history, the scope of the current epidemic, its effects on the mind and body, and the psychological, social and behavioral factors contributing to cocaine dependence. Many case histories illustrate their data, including a lengthy account by ``Ellen'': ``When I did a lot of freebasing, I would think there were bugs crawling on me and I would scratch until I had terrible infections up and down my right arm and leg.'' Weiss and Mirin also cover use in the workplace, the effects on families of users and treatment methods, concluding with answers to such frequently asked questions as ``Is it possible to overdose on cocaine?'' A ``self-test'' and a nationwide list of cocaine abuse facilities are featured in the appendix. (January)
Library Journal
This publication by two psychiatrists working in the area of substance abuse presents an excellent overview of cocaine use and abuse. Unlike the self-help books on cocaine that focus on case studies, this book treats the subject matter comprehensively and extensively. A brief history of the cocaine epidemic is given, along with how cocaine is used and how it affects the body and brain functions. The phenomenon of dependence, use in the work place, methods of treatment, and the questions most frequently asked about the drug are also addressed. This book may well become the major authorative information source about cocaine. Barbara J. Powell, Veterans Administration Ctr., Kansas City, Mo.
Booknews
A nontechnical, comprehensive overview of the subject of cocaine use, for those whose lives have been, or may be, affected by cocaine and for those who treat cocaine users. It discusses what cocaine is, the different methods of its use, its effects on the brain and other organs, and its psychological and social consequences for users and those around them, both at home and in the workplace. It also discusses cocaine dependence--how it happens, who is at risk, how to treat it, and how to find help. Includes a list of commonly asked questions about cocaine and a self-test for cocaine dependence. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
