Drug addiction and substance use disorders affect millions worldwide. This essential guide to a growing problem helps readers gain a deeper understanding of how people can become addicted to drugs and the dangerous effects of drug and alcohol abuse. Through annotated quotations by experts in the field, treatments for these disorders are explained. Information is provided on current research and how various countries handle drug and alcohol abuse. Sidebars and graphs are included to help readers fully understand how the problem affects society, thereby reducing the stigma surrounding drug and alcohol addiction.

Introduction : a complex disease -- Types of drugs -- Understanding addiction -- Effects of addiction -- Living with addiction -- Addressing the problem -- Notes -- Glossary -- Organizations to contact -- For more information.