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Substance Abuse

A Reference Handbook
by David E. Newton
Substance Abuse: A Reference Handbook. ABC-CLIO. (Contemporary World Issues). 2010. c.300p. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781598845099. $55. REF
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An update to Pedro Ruiz and others' 2007 Substance Abuse Handbook and an informative source of background information to William R. Miller and Kathleen M. Carroll's 2010 Rethinking Substance Abuse, this guide is divided into eight chapters. Readers will find a historical overview, a survey of controversial issues, international perspectives, 21 popular and cult figure profiles, relevant primary documents, and a directory of organizations. Newton (DNA Technology) presents chapters as essays with subheadings, making heavy use of statistics. However, his prose is lively and informative. Intended as a subject overview and accessible to lay readers, it is most at home in general collections.
Gr 9 Up—A comprehensive look at the physical, historical, cultural, and legal aspects of drug use including information regarding drug regulations in foreign countries and the drug culture in the United States. Chapters include "Background and History" (offering a survey of legal and illegal substances); "Problems, Controversies, and Solutions" (testing, legalization, etc.); "Worldwide Perspective"; and a "Chronology," "Directory of Organizations" (with descriptions and web addresses), and annotated lists of additional print and online resources. Of the 21 biographical sketches, two thirds of the subjects featured are American. "Data and Documents" and other chapters include charts and tables with statistics, the most recent of which date from 2008. A glossary and serviceable index are included. In-text citations with complete reference lists at the end of each chapter make this a valuable resource for those researching or debating drug-, alcohol-, and tobacco-related topics.—Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA
Reviewed by Patricia N. McClune , Oct 01, 2010
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