Understanding Addiction (Understanding Health and Sickness Series X) - Hardcover

Henderson, Elizabeth Connell

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 157806239X ISBN 13: 9781578062393

Publisher: Univ Pr of Mississippi, 2000

Synopsis

At least one of every four people in America has had some experience with addiction--either personally or through a family member. Addiction and its consequences cost billions of dollars each year in direct medical costs, lost productivity, accidents, crime, and corruption. Yet as a disease, addiction is still largely misunderstood.

Starting with the question ""what is addiction?"" Elizabeth Connell Henderson takes the reader through the many facets of this disorder. She examines the effects of addictive substances on the brain and reviews each of the major classes of substances. In the development of addiction, she looks at the genetic, social, and psychological factors.

Henderson shows the effects of addiction on the family and guides the reader on a journey through the course of the illness and the process of recovery. Additional chapters deal with the problems associated with dual diagnosis--when addiction is accompanied by other psychiatric illnesses. Also chapters cover behavioral addictions such as compulsive overeating, pathological gambling, and sexual addiction.

Covered are: Who becomes addicted and why? What are the properties of the major addictive drugs? What is the course of addiction? How does addiction affect the family? What constitutes recovery? What are the current trends in research? What organizations are available for help and how are they contacted?For the addict in recovery and for the family of the afflicted, Understanding Addiction provides crucial information to demystify this disease and provide clear guidance toward recovery. For human resource workers, attorneys, social workers, nurses, corrections officers, school counselors, and teachers, the book provides a framework of practical information for aiding individual sufferers and coping with their unique struggles.

About this title

About the Author

Elizabeth Connell Henderson is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Mississippi and is in private practice at Mississippi Neuropsychiatric Clinic in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

From the Inside Flap

A concise overview of this complex affliction for all those affected by addiction-- addicts, family members, and even employers

Edition details

• Publisher: Univ Pr of Mississippi
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 157806239X
• ISBN 13: 9781578062393
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 209