Full Description
"This book takes an integrative approach to the understanding of drug use and its relationship to social-cultural factors. It is lucidly and powerfully argued and constitutes a significant achievement. The authors sensibly argue that in order to fully understand and explain drug use and abuse it is necessary to take into account different levels of analysis, reflecting distinct domains of human functioning; the biological, psychosocial, and cultural-historical....Overall, this book represents an exceptional achievement and should be of interest to drug clinicians and researcher as well as social scientists and students."
--Professor Tony Ward, University of Melbourne
Substance use and abuse are two of the most frequent psychological problems clinicians encounter. Mainstream approaches focus on the biological and psychological factors supporting drug abuse. But to fully comprehend the issue, clinicians need to consider the social, historical, and cultural factors responsible for drug-related problems.
Substance Use and Abuse: Cultural and Historical Perspectives provides an inclusive explanation of the human desire to take drugs. Using a multidisciplinary framework, authors Russil Durrant and Jo Thakker explore the cultural and historical variables that contribute to drug use. Integrating biological, psychosocial, and cultural-historical perspectives, this innovative and accessible volume addresses the fundamental question of why drug use is such a ubiquitous feature of human society.
provides an inclusive explanation of the human desire to take drugs. Using a multidisciplinary framework, authors Russil Durrant and Jo Thakker explore the cultural and historical variables that contribute to drug use. Integrating biological, psychosocial, and cultural-historical perspectives, this innovative and accessible volume addresses the fundamental question of why drug use is such a ubiquitous feature of human society. Addressing issues important to prevention, treatment, and public policy, the authors include
A comprehensive, historical survey of drug use
An exploration of the evolutionary basis of drug-taking behavior
Historically and culturally based explanations of drug use and abuse
Inclusive approaches that complement mainstream biopsychosocial perspectives
Designed for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students in psychology, counseling, sociology, social work, and health departments, Substance Use and Abuse: Cultural and Historical Perspectives will also be of significant interest to drug clinicians, researchers, and social scientists.
Contents
Preface
1. What Needs to be Explained and How Should We Explain It?
Introduction
Levels of Analysis & the Multidisciplinary Nature of Psychoactive Drug Studies
Towards an Integrated Model of Substance Use & Abuse
Overview
Endnotes
2. The Nature & Scope of Substance Use & Abuse
Introduction
What Is a Drug?
Who Uses Drugs?
Taxonomy of Drug Use Contexts
The Harms & Benefits of Drugs
From Use to Abuse
Summary
Endnotes
3. An Evolutionary Perspective
Introduction
The Nature and Role of Evolutionary Explanations
Has Drug Use Been Selected For?
Drugs & the Brain
Drug Use, Sexual Selection, and Life History Theory
From Use to Abuse
An Integrated Evolutionary Model of Substance Use
Summary
Endnotes
4. Drugs in History
Introduction
What Can History Tell Us about Substance Use and Abuse?
A Brief History of Drugs
Summary
Endnotes
5. The Forces of History: Explaining Patterns of Use and Abuse
Introduction
The Functions of Drugs in Historical Perspective
Pharmacology
New Forms, New Modes, New Substances: The Impact of Technological Change on
Drug Use
New Forms, New Modes, new Substances: The Impact of Technological Change on Drug Use
Availability
Economic and Political Factors
Legislation and Public Policy
Social Factors
A Complex Web: Multiple Influences on Patterns of Drug Use
Summary
Endnotes
6. Drugs and Culture
Introduction
Conceptual & Methodological Issues
Indigenous Patterns of Drug Use
Drugs & Multiculturalism
Summary
Endnotes
7. The Role of Culture: Explaining Patterns of Use
Introduction
Drugs and Culture
Culture and Drugs
Social Structural Factors
Integrating Cultural Explanations
Explanations
Summary
Endnotes
8. Conceptualizing & Treating Substance Use Problems: A Cultural-Historical Perspective
Introduction
The Pre and Early History of Addiction
Treatment for Alcohol & Drug Problems in the Nineteenth Century
The Changing Face of Drug Addiction: 1914-1960
The Alcoholism Movement
Contemporary Developments
Culture & Classification
Implications
Endnotes
9. Prevention, Treatment & Public Policy
Introduction
Prevention
Assessment
Treatment
Legal Sanctions, Regulations, & Restrictions
Harm Reduction
Conclusion
Endnotes
References
Author Index
Subject Index
