NCJ Number
119394
Date Published
1989
Length
164 pages
Annotation
This book reviews the recent history, nature, and effects of some new illicit drugs that have recently appeared on the street called look-alike drugs, drugs of deception, or designer drugs; treatment for their abuse is also discussed.
Abstract
Written primarily to help treatment professionals understand and address this new drug phenomena, the book opens with a background history of the use and abuse of drugs to show patterns that have led to the present circumstance of the "new" drugs. This is followed by some basic pharmacological guidelines that show the four basic categories into which most drugs fit. How each category of psychoactive drug works on the brain is also explained. The counterfeit drug problem is then addressed, with attention to how look-alikes and drugs of deception have caused confusion for law enforcement and those who treat drug users. A series of chapters traces the history of some specific newer drugs and suggests treatment approaches. Symptoms and special risks are discussed. The drugs considered are fentanyl analogues, meperidine analogues, PCP and its analogues, sedative-hypnotics, quaalude and its look-alikes, stimulants, cocaine, crack, and MDMA. The book concludes with a discussion of new ways of defining, treating, and recovering from drug addiction, drawing heavily on the methods used to treat alcoholism. Chapter notes, glossary, subject index.