Methamphetamine (METH) abuse has become a major public health problem world-wide, as demonstrated by increases in the number of emergency room visits, substance abuse treatment episodes, and arrests attributable to METH manufacture and abuse. However, there are currently no pharmacological treatments for the wide range of symptoms associated with METH abuse. One of the reasons for this problem is that our knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development of METH-induced psychosis and dependence is limited. This book presents a review of the recent findings on METH abuse in humans. First by describing the background and physiological effects of METH in humans. Next, by discussing the clinical findings on METH abusers derived using brain imaging techniques (single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)). Finally, by reviewing the potential therapeutic approaches for the treatment of METH abusers.

The word "substance" can refer to a drug of abuse, a medication or a toxin. "Polysubstance" Abuse/Dependence means that a person abuses or depends upon more than one substance, with one usually being that person's favorite or "drug of choice." It is important to note that we are not only referring to illegal drugs; over the counter or prescription drugs are often abused as well. The more commonly abused drugs today are cocaine, marijuana, inhalants and heroin. Substance exposure that can cause substance related disorders include heavy metals (e.g., lead, rat poison containing strychnine, certain pesticides, nerve gas, antifreeze, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide). The medications, both prescriptive and over the counter, that may cause substance related disorders include anesthetics, analgesics, anticonvulsants, antihistamines, blood pressure and heart medication and muscle relaxants. This new and important book presents state-of-the-art research in this field.

This distinctive and timely text examines the most prevalent substance and process addictions and focuses on current research and evidence-based treatment strategies. Major substance addictions discussed include alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, methamphetamines, and prescription drugs. Complete chapters are also devoted to the most frequently cited process addictions, making this text unique. Behavioral addictions covered in this text include pathological gambling, sex disorders, disordered eating, work, exercise, shopping, and Internet/gaming. Each chapter contains a listing of student learning outcomes, a case study with reflective questions, techniques for assessment and diagnosis, inpatient and outpatient treatment approaches, and resources for further study. With its emphasis on treatment strategies, this text can be used by practitioners as well as by professors in the classroom in introductory courses in addictions or in subsequent courses that focus on treatment strategies. *Requests for digital versions from the ACA can be found on wiley.com. *To request print copies, please visit the ACA website here. *Reproduction requests for material from books published by ACA should be directed to publications@counseling.org

Amphetamines—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition is a ScholarlyEditions™ eBook that delivers timely, authoritative, and comprehensive information about Amphetamines. The editors have built Amphetamines—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition on the vast information databases of ScholarlyNews.™ You can expect the information about Amphetamines in this eBook to be deeper than what you can access anywhere else, as well as consistently reliable, authoritative, informed, and relevant. The content of Amphetamines—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition has been produced by the world’s leading scientists, engineers, analysts, research institutions, and companies. All of the content is from peer-reviewed sources, and all of it is written, assembled, and edited by the editors at ScholarlyEditions™ and available exclusively from us. You now have a source you can cite with authority, confidence, and credibility. More information is available at http://www.ScholarlyEditions.com/.

Amphetamines—Advances in Research and Application: 2013 Edition is a ScholarlyEditions™ book that delivers timely, authoritative, and comprehensive information about Methamphetamine. The editors have built Amphetamines—Advances in Research and Application: 2013 Edition on the vast information databases of ScholarlyNews.™ You can expect the information about Methamphetamine in this book to be deeper than what you can access anywhere else, as well as consistently reliable, authoritative, informed, and relevant. The content of Amphetamines—Advances in Research and Application: 2013 Edition has been produced by the world’s leading scientists, engineers, analysts, research institutions, and companies. All of the content is from peer-reviewed sources, and all of it is written, assembled, and edited by the editors at ScholarlyEditions™ and available exclusively from us. You now have a source you can cite with authority, confidence, and credibility. More information is available at http://www.ScholarlyEditions.com/.