Cocaine

Cocaine abuse appears to have grown from a relatively minor problem in the sixties and seventies to a major health problem today. Now, more than ever, there is a need for truly complete, up-to-date coverage of the broad range of cocaine related issues facing today's practitioners. A CLINICIAN'S HANDBOOK is the first comprehensive reference on the theory, research, and treatment of cocaine problems. The editors have expertly collected the very latest research and clinical experience on basic and biomedical issues as well as treatment approaches. The chapter authors-- acknowlegded experts in their respective fields-- provide a wealth of practical information for assessing and treating cocaine abuse. Organized for easy reference, this clearly written handbook is divided into three sections covering basic pharmacologic issues, treatment approaches, and special populations. The book begins by tracing the causes of the cocaine outbreak and illustrating how cocaine is now easily accessible to increasing consumer markets. Chapter 2 provides a fascinating psychological and demographic profile of the cocaine user. Next the medical and biological complications of abuse are cogently described, followed by a detailed examination of cocaine's effect on brain function. The final chapter in this section discusses the clinical manifestations of cocaine dependency and shows how any viable treatment approach must address both craving and euphoria. Practical treatment approaches are discussed in Section II. Clinicians will find a succinct and useful description of emergency treatment of acute cocaine reactions including hyperthermia, pulmonary, neurological, cardiovascular, hematologic, and allergic reactions. Acute psychological reactions are covered in depth. There is also strong coverage of inpatient cocaine abuse treatment procedures, with concrete guidance on how to stabilize a patient and provide successful, individualized rehabilitation services. Clinical guidelines for treating cocaine abusers in outpatient programs are also reviewed. Treatment goals, urine testing, phases of treatment, cocaine recovery groups, self-help groups, family involvement, pharmacologic treatment, psychiatric issues, and other interventions are examined as part of the overall picture. Reviewing the latest information on experimental pharmacologic treatments, this section ends with two chapters on how to treat adolescent cocaine abusers and the cocaine-abusing health professional. The handbook concludes with timely topics of national concern, including cocaine smoking (``crack'') and cocaine in the workplace. This final section also considers how cocaine abuse affects pregnancy and how it interacts with other addictive disorders, in chapters on alcohol problems and pathological gambling. In A CLINICIAN'S HANDBOOK, you will find every vital topic and compelling issue surrounding cocaine. An authoritative handbook for anyone involved in helping victims of cocaine, it is invaluable to psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians, social workers, nurses, drug and alcohol counselors, employee assistance personnel, and students in these fields.