Heroin, opium, morphine, and codeine—the natural opioids. In Heroin and Other Opioids: Poppies' Perilous Children, you'll learn about these substances as well as newer derivatives, all of which can impact lives in serious and negative ways. Take a trip through the history of opium production and use, and its role in political history. Discover that opioids were popular patent medicines, the primary ingredients of such "medicines" as Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup, Hamlin's Wizard Oil, and other "cures for what ails you." Heroin and opioids didn't just go away when their use was outlawed. Instead, they became part of a large illegal narcotics market. Legal derivatives were also produced and marketed as effective treatments for pain and other conditions.

Young adults who abuse prescription opioids may turn to heroin later on, as it gives the same type of high but can be cheaper and easier to obtain than prescriptions. Knowing the health risks associated with heroin abuse can help young adults avoid falling into the traps of both kinds of drugs. Incorporating full-color photographs and detailed charts, this volume illustrates the severe health threat heroin poses. A list of antidrug organizations is provided for readers to learn more about this dangerous drug epidemic.

There is currently a heroin epidemic afflicting North America, and it is not confined only to urban areas or to older, seasoned drug addicts. The latest epidemic has swamped suburban and rural areas and drawn many teens into its deadly wake. The drug can take over the lives of even first-time or casual users. Addiction makes slaves of heroin users and often leads to a life of sickness, crime, and regret. Addicts risk sacrificing everything they cherish in their lives for the drug, receiving jail time for drug-related offenses, and losing their own lives in the process. Discovering how the drug destroys the brain and body of a user, and how addiction devastates the lives it touches, can help one make the decision to avoid heroin at all costs. That is exactly what the information presented here achieves--readers will come away shaken, with a new and stark understanding of heroin's true toxicity and its utterly false and destructive allure.

Containing more than 450 entries, this easy-to-read encyclopedia provides concise information about the history of and recent trends in drug use and drug abuse in the United States—a societal problem with an estimated cost of $559 billion a year. Despite decades of effort and billions of dollars spent to combat the problem, illicit drug use in the United States is still rampant and shows no sign of abating. Covering illegal drugs ranging from marijuana and LSD to cocaine and crystal meth, this authoritative reference work examines patterns of drug use in American history, as well as drug control and interdiction efforts from the nineteenth century to the present. This encyclopedia provides a multidisciplinary perspective on the various aspects of the American drug problem, including the drugs themselves, the actions taken in attempts to curb or stop the drug trade, the efforts at intervention and treatment of those individuals affected by drug use, and the cultural and economic effects of drug use in the United States. More than 450 entries descriptively analyze and summarize key terms, trends, concepts, and people that are vital to the study of drugs and drug abuse, providing readers of all ages and backgrounds with invaluable information on domestic and international drug trafficking and use. The set provides special coverage of shifting societal and legislative perspectives on marijuana, as evidenced by Colorado and Washington legalizing marijuana with the 2012 elections.

Ecstasy—or MDMA as scientists know it— is a growing trend in North America and around the world. Researchers are looking into the possibility that ecstasy could help patients with anxiety disorders. Meanwhile, thousands of young people are abusing ecstasy to get a high. It's especially popular at parties and raves, where it can be most dangerous, though its use is growing outside of this setting. Ecstasy: Dangerous Euphoria provides information on what ecstasy is, where it comes from, and who becomes addicted. Read on to find out important information about ecstasy abuse and its affect on the brain and body. You'll also learn about how to fight ecstasy addiction and how to lead a clean life.

You're a high school athlete who wants to increase the possibility of a successful college sports career and a shot at the pros. But you know you just don't have all that it takes. Then it hits you: you can do what the pros do (at least some of them)—take steroids! It may sound like a good idea, but Steroids: Pumped Up and Dangerous reveals these drugs' dangerous side effects, both short and long term. Get the lowdown on treatment and the legal consequences of using illegal steroids. Perhaps most important, discover safer ways to achieve the same results.

The government has approved them. You don't need a prescription. You can get them at practically any supermarket. So obviously over-the-counter medications can't be dangerous, right? Wrong. When taken in ways other than directed, over-the-counter medications can be just as dangerous as many illegal drugs. And because there's a false sense of security about the medications—and because they are in almost everyone's home medicine cabinet—the abuse and misuse of over-the-counter medications are on the rise. Abusing Over-the-Counter Drugs: Illicit Uses for Everyday Drugs presents the facts about this alarming trend. You'll learn what drugs are most misused, the effects of misused over-the-counter medications, and what the government is doing to stem the problem. You will also find suggestions on how to get help to stop abusing over-the-counter medications.

You've seen the ads: "Never diet again! Our all-natural treatment magically melts away the pounds!" "Want to boost your athletic performance? Dr. Smith has found the secret to improved stamina and strength with his all-natural formula!" "Need more energy? Our all-natural juice product will give you the pick-me-up you need!" After all, what do you have to lose? If it's all natural, it can't hurt. Or can it? If you have trouble believing these ads, you're right to be skeptical. "All-natural" dietary supplements seldom deliver the amazing results they claim. And just because they're natural, doesn't mean that some of these substances can't cause serious damage to a user's health. Read Natural and Everyday Drugs: A False Sense of Security to find out more.

Having a drug addiction is hard enough. So is having a mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, or an anxiety disorder. Imagine having them both. You'll find out what that's like in Dual Diagnosis: Drug Addiction and Mental Illness. Many people suffer from both an addiction to a drug and another mental illness, making everyday life almost impossible. Dual Diagnosis explores ways to deal with dangerous addictions on top of mental illness. The book covers what addictions and mental illnesses are, diagnosis, and multiple treatment options. You'll also read inspirational stories about people who have suffered with—and overcome-dual diagnosis.

It seemed like an easy answer. If a child was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder—ADHD—give him Ritalin and all would be better. The answer—and the condition—turned out not to be that easy. Recreational Ritalin: The Not-So-Smart Drug provides an overview of ADHD and the drug most often prescribed to treat the condition. This book provides you with a description of other drugs like Ritalin and their effects, good and bad. You will also learn about ADHD and the controversy surrounding its diagnosis and treatment. But Ritalin and other drugs like it have moved out of the classroom and away from their legitimate uses in treating a medical condition. College students and young professionals are now using the drugs to gain that "extra edge" to achieve success. Recreational Ritalin: The Not-So-Smart Drug tells their stories as well. You will also discover how Ritalin abuse is being effectively treated.