Drugs: An Introduction

Abadinsky explores all aspects of the drug and alcohol abuse issue, including the impact of drugs on our society; history; pharmacological impact of drugs on the body; policy implications of drugs; the criminal justice system response; the effects, treatment and prevention of abuse; theories of use; drug business; and drug law enforcement. Reports on the latest data on drug concerns provide further examination of alcohol and explore the abuse of additional substances such as "club drugs," inhalants, herbal stimulants, and designer drugs. The major drugs are arranged into depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and cannabis.

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A textbook in which Abadinsky (Saint Xavier U., Chicago) offers students a broad introduction to drug abuse policy by examining drug history; biological, psychological, and sociological explanations; the various types of treatment and prevention program; the business of drugs; and drug laws and law enforcement. He does not mention dates for the earlier editions, but says the fourth is updated with new aspects, such as the emerging approach of harm reduction; he has also reorganized it into 14 chapters using a syllabus format. He includes a glossary without pronunciation guides. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

A respected author and researcher in the criminal justice field, Howard Abadinsky teaches at St Johns University. Prior to his academic career, Abadinsky served as an inspector for the Cook County Sheriff's Office for eight years and as a New York State parole officer for fifteen years. He is also the author of ORGANIZED CRIME, Eighth Edition.