CHAPTER 1: Introduction to Drugs and Society
Introduction
Drug Use
Dimensions of Drug Use
An Overview of Drugs in Society
Drug Use and Drug Dependence
The Costs of Drug Use to Society
Venturing to a Higher Form of Consciousness: The Holistic Self-Awareness Approach to Drug Use

CHAPTER 2: Explaining Drug Use and Abuse
Introduction
Drug Use: A Timeless Affliction
The Origin and Nature of Addiction
The Vicious Cycle of Addiction
Major Theoretical Explanations: Biological
Major Theoretical Explanations: Psychological
Major Theoretical Explanations: Sociological
Danger Signals of Drug Abuse

CHAPTER 3: Drug Use, Regulation, and the Law
Introduction
Cultural Attitudes About Drug Use
The Road to Regulation and the FDA
The Regulation of Drug Advertising
Drug Abuse and the Law
Strategies for Preventing Drug Abuse
Current and Future Drug Use

CHAPTER 4: Homeostatic Systems and Drugs
Introduction
1: Overview of Homeostasis and Drug Actions
Introduction to Nervous Systems
2: Comprehensive Explanation of Homeostatic Systems
The Building Blocks of the Nervous System
Major Divisions of the Nervous System
The Autonomic Nervous System
The Endocrine System
Conclusion

CHAPTER 5: How and Why Drugs Work
Introduction
The Intended and Unintended Effects of Drugs
The Dose-Response Relationship of Therapeutics and Toxicity
Drug Interaction
Pharmacokinetic Factors That Influence Drug Effects
Adaptive Processes and Drug Abuse
Psychological Factors
Addiction and Abuse: The Significance of Dependence

CHAPTER 6: CNS Depressants: Sedative-Hypnotics
Introduction
An Introduction to CNS Depressants
Types of CNS Depressants
Patterns of Abuse with CNS Depressants

CHAPTER 7: Alcohol: Pharmacological Effects
Introduction
The Nature and History of Alcohol
Alcohol as a Drug
The Properties of Alcohol
The Physical Effects of Alcohol
The Effects of Alcohol on Organ Systems and Bodily Functions

CHAPTER 8: Alcohol: A Behavioral Perspective
Introduction
Alcohol Consumption in the United States
Current Statistics and Trends in Alcohol Consumption
History of Alcohol in America
Defining Alcoholics
Cultural Influences
College and University Students and Alcohol Use
Alcohol Consumption Patterns of Women
Alcohol and the Family: Destructive Types of Support and Organizations for Victims of Alcoholics
Treatment of Alcoholism

CHAPTER 9: Narcotics (Opioids)
Introduction
What Are Narcotics?
The History of Narcotics
Pharmacological Effects
Abuse, Tolerance, Dependence, and Withdrawal
Other Narcotics
Narcotic-Related Drugs

CHAPTER 10: Stimulants
Introduction
Major Stimulants
Minor Stimulants

CHAPTER 11: Tobacco
Tobacco Use: Scope of the Problem
Phamacology of Nicotine
Cigarette Smoking: A Costly Addiction
Who Smokes?
The Motivation Not to Smoke
Social Issues: Looking to the Future

CHAPTER 12: Hallucinogens (Psychedelics)
Introduction
The History of Hallucinogen Use
Hallucinogen Use Today
The Nature of Hallucinogens
Types of Hallucinogenic Agents

CHAPTER 13: Marijuana
Introduction
History and Trends in Marijuana Use
Current Use of Marijuana
Marijuana: Is It the Assassin of Youth?
Is Marijuana Really a Gateway Drug?
Misperceptions of Marijuana Use
Characteristics of Cannabis
The Behavioral Effects of Marijuana Use
Therapeutic Uses and the Controversy over Medical Marijuana Use
The Physiological Effects of Marijuana Use

CHAPTER 14: Inhalants
Introduction
History of Inhalants
Types of Inhalants
Current Patterns and Signs of Abuse
Dangers of Inhalant Abuse

CHAPTER 15: Over-the-Counter (OTC), Prescription, and Herbal Drugs
Introduction
OTC Drugs
Prescription Drugs
Common Principles of Drug Use

CHAPTER 16: Drug Use Within Major Subcultures
Introduction
Athletes and Drug Abuse
Drug Use Among Women
Drug Use in Adolescent Subcultures
Drug Use in College Student Subcultures
HIV and AIDS
Who Is at Risk for AIDS?
The Entertainment Industry and Drug Use

CHAPTER 17: Drug Abuse Prevention
Introduction
Drug Prevention Programs
Considering the Audience and Approach
Comprehensive Prevention Programs for Drug Use and Abuse
Drug Prevention Programs in Higher Education
Examples of Large-Scale Drug Prevention Programs
Problems with Assessing the Success of Drug Prevention Programs
Other Alternatives to Drug Use

CHAPTER 18: Treating Drug Dependence
Treatment of Addiction
Drug Addiction Treatment in the United States

APPENDICES
Index
Photo Credits