Introduction

Alcohol and drug abuse is an equal opportunity affliction. As a universal phenomenon, the abuse of mood-altering substances manifests multiple and related problems across cultures, ages, gender, races, and religions. Although the thread of addiction is traceable throughout the history of humankind, progress toward identification of a root cause continues to elude the scientific community. Alcohol and drug abuse are linked to a number of social challenges, including, but not limited to, chronic illness, domestic violence, child abuse, crime, homelessness, aging, and mental health. People abuse substances such as drugs, alcohol, and tobacco for varied and complicated reasons that are not always immediately apparent. What remains painfully clear is the price individuals, families, cities, countries, and society at large all pay. The aftermath of substance abuse is significant and exerts a cost in both dollars and pain and suffering that is difficult to quantify. Primary care physicians, community agencies, hospitals, and emergency departments are inundated with the aftermath of substance abuse, and all provide care and support for both the direct damage to physical health and the psychological trauma experienced by the substance-dependent person and those people around him or her.

Introductory Works

There are a variety of models and views on the treatment for and approach to the management of alcohol and drug abuse. Perspectives range from preventive models to models that require abstinence from all mood-altering substances. Many assume a biological basis, while others adhere to a behavioral component. Moderation, harm-reduction, maintenance, abstinence, prevention, and willingness to change are all common themes when addressing substance abuse. Change is essential to all addiction treatment processes. Campbell 2007 details the history and politics of alcohol and drug addiction research, areas in which every practicing or aspiring clinician should be informed.  And Thorburn 2005 examines the stigma surrounding addiction.

Resource: Oxford bibliographies , https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/