Drug And Alcohol Abuse (Language of Science) [Hardcover]

H. Thomas Milhorn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 21, 1994 | Series: Language of Science

The lure of drugs and alcohol is capturing today's youth in its fatal grip and may ultimately destroy our nation's future generations. The vicious cycle of abuse is one that parents, teachers, counselors, and other citizens decry on a daily basis. Dr. Thomas Milhorn, an expert on adolescent drug abuse, provides crucial information on all the major drugs of abuse - including depressants, narcotics, stimulants, cannabinoids, inhalants, steroids, and hallucinogens - and their lethal consequences. Dr. Milhorn contends that in order to confront the monster that is destroying our children's health and quality of life, we must first understand the psyche of drug and alcohol abusers and the natural progression of the disease of addiction. This respected physician and physiologist reveals the harmful combinations currently in vogue in the drug world and the shortand long-term effects they have on the body, and discusses ways to recognize and pinpoint the telltale signs of a user. He explores the question of why adolescents abuse drugs, as well as special issues affecting young female addicts. This powerful book also examines the fatal relationship between drugs and AIDS, and includes a brief history of AIDS, and lifesaving advice on AIDS prevention. Dr. Milhorn skillfully assesses the various inpatient and outpatient treatment choices. He realistically portrays the intense physical and emotional stages the user will pass through before becoming drug free, as well as the stresses placed upon families during the recovery process. As this valuable book relates, both parents and teachers have clearly defined roles, and each can use his or her own brand of influence to aid the adolescent on the journey back to a healthy mind and body. Finally, Dr. Milhorn presents a list of successful options available if a first treatment attempt should fail. We live in a society where 12-year-olds are budding alcoholics and children are bombarded in school hallways with solicitations to ex

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Prevention of alcohol and other drug abuse by adolescents has been a less than successful outcome of the national "war on drugs," as attested to by figures cited in this comprehensive reference. Milhorn, who directs chemical dependency services at Laurel Wood Center in Meridian, Miss., examines the question of why adolescents abuse drugs and urges parents and teachers to become educated in this matter. Collected here are expositions of the psychological and physiological aspects of drug use, the pharmacology of major items of abuse and a survey of treatment choices. Replete with appendices, including video sources, this is a valuable resource designed to strengthen the disparate yet cooperative roles of teachers and parents in their efforts to prevent adolescent addiction.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

With a 100-plus-page pharmacological index to drugs commonly abused, Milhorn's guide to discovery, assistance, and recovery of youthful drug and alcohol abusers is replete with information. In explicit, accessible prose, addressing the not-my-child, ostrichlike approach of many parents, Milhorn examines the reasons kids use drugs and offers profiles of drug abusers. He clearly delineates the roles of parents, teachers, and counselors and includes notes on a grade-oriented curriculum beginning in kindergarten. Available treatment recommendations do not stop at counseling or clinics. Milhorn also includes advice in regard to the child returning home, covering such matters as family restoration, lapses, and the potential for secondary medical or psychiatric disorders. A valuable resource. Denise Perry Donavin

Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (March 21, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306446405
• ISBN-13: 978-0306446405
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.8 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,706,655 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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