Understanding Street Drugs

1. Introduction. 2. A Brief History of Drug Use and a Snapshot of the Current Drugs Situation in Britain. 3. Cannabis Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol. 4. Stimulants. 5. Hallucinogens. 6. Opiates. 7. Volatile Substance Abuse: "Sniffing". 8. Tranquillisers and Sleeping Pills: Anxyiolytics and Hypnotics. 9. Anabolic Steroids. 10. Over the Counter Medicines. 11. 'Date Rape Drugs': Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamine. 12. The Signs and Symptoms of Substance Misuse: Things You Will Need to Look Out For. 13. Physical Evidence of Possible Drug or Substance Use. 14. Managing Drug Related Incidents. 15. Common Reasons for Drug and Substance Misuse and Details of Available Treatment. 16. The Language of Drug and Substance Abuse. 17. The Legislation Debate. Appendix 1: Formulation of a Substance Misuse Policy. Appendix 2: Useful Organisations. Index.

David Emmett retired from a 30-year career as a police officer in 1996 and in 2003 he completed a PhD in Cognitive Psychology. He has almost 25 years' experience in the field of substance abuse, working directly with drug and alcohol abusers and has been involved in training for teachers, health workers, police officers and other professionals. Graeme Nice has worked in the fields of counselling, drug/alcohol misuse and blood-borne diseases for nearly 20 years. He is currently Deputy Team Coordinator of an NHS substance misuse team in Hampshire, where he holds a caseload of drug clients. He has qualifications in counselling, health education and teaching.

"'Understanding Drugs provides a wealth of information concerning drug abuse and drug taking. It is straightforwardly written in down to earth language. It is particularly well set out for quick and easy reference. Understanding drugs is a handbook to have on your bookshelf for reference. Its publication is timely and I wholeheartedly recommend it.' - British Journal of Guidance & Counselling 'The strength of this book is that it provides comprehensive, clear, relevant and factual information about a range of drugs in common use within society today. It also covers some of the useful background information such as the language of drug abuse, signs and symptoms of drug abuse, the physical evidence of drug or substance misuse and helpline numbers. The book gives a basic blueprint for the writing of a drug and solvent policy.' - British Journal of Occupational Therapy 'This is a fine reference book for teachers.' - Education and Health 'Now and then a book hits the market that gets it just right. This publication is written in a clear, jargon-free style, making it an easy, interesting and informative read. The clear logical writing, presentation and layout, with photographs and diagrams, is exactly what is required. This handbook should be on every reading list.' - Nursing Times"