Oxford Handbook of Addiction Medicine

Abstract

The Third Edition of Addiction Medicine offers unparalleled coverage of addiction medicine practice in a convenient handbook, which is available in hard copy, as a searchable e-book, and in smartphone presentations. It is guided by professional curricula in addiction medicine. Its editors and authors are world renowned authorities combining decades of clinical practice, scientific research, teaching, policy development and implementation, and being engaged by governments around the world and the World Health Organization. Addiction Medicine comprises 27 chapters. • The first four chapters cover the nature of addictive disorders, the epidemiology of psychoactive substance use (and the global burden of disease that results), policy and prevention, and the pharmacology and neuroscience of the major substance groups. • Three chapters then set out the principles and practice of diagnosis and management (including emergency situations). • There follow chapters on brief interventions and digital health approaches (including AI). • Nine chapters cover the major substance groups of alcohol, nicotine/tobacco, cannabis, opioids, sedatives, psychostimulants, dissociative drugs, other drugs, and polysubstance use. Each provides a comprehensive account of the clinical features, diagnosis and management of disorders related to these respective substances. • Three chapters address electronic and behavioural addictions with specific chapters for gambling and on-line/video gaming. • The remainder of the book is devoted to the management of addictive disorders experienced by specific groups (such as those with comorbid mental health disorders) and in specific circumstances and settings, together with a summary of ethical and legal issues. • The final chapter comprises a series of appendices which cover diagnostic criteria for substance use and addictive disorders and practical tools to aid management. Suggestions for further reading are provided after each section and include publications up to end-2023.