Substance Use in Society: A Biopsychosocial Approach

Substance Use in Society: A Biopsychosocial Approach is current (completed at the end of 2024) and comprehensive in its discussion of substance use and presents complex concepts through case studies and real-world applications while being mindful of and sensitive to important differences across culture, race, gender, geography, and age.  The goal was to write a book that authentically and accurately presents information and does so in a more conversational tone, instead of like lengthy instructions for assembling furniture like so many other science textbooks, at worst, or like a long annotated bibliography, at best.  The book has been classroom-tested at numerous colleges/universities. Feedback from students, professors, and those with lived experience was used to create a disarming and genuine presentation of the material in a passionate and non-judgmental tone.   

As the name implies, the book focuses on how substance use is an interdisciplinary area of study, treatment, and prevention as well as uniquely influenced by lifespan, thus helping learners appreciate that substance use is not static/acute but dynamic/enduring and heavily influenced by complex and cooperating biopsychosocial variables.  Numerous professionals in the field and those with lived experience provided commentaries for the book, again, helping to elevate contemporary issues and address ongoing controversies in the field.  Breaking up complex and difficult topics throughout the book with case studies and expert commentaries help students stay engaged and connect the science to their own lived experience. Furthermore, pedagogically important summary information is placed in lists, tables, and charts, enhancing understanding and accessibility.  Each chapter starts with a summary and specific learning objectives and ends with a conclusion along with keywords, a case study list, practice questions, as well as an ethical reflective question, three discussion questions, and one activity (all with expectations for grading).    

Of course, the book comes with all the needed supplemental materials like test banks, PowerPoint presentations, videos, a searchable current article list, an instrument list (questionnaires/assessments), a list of important websites in substance use, and a complete online course development kit.  The book can be customized for your specific course as needed.  The best part is that I partnered with an internationally recognized publisher who agreed to keep the pricing very competitive, making it an affordable option for faculty and students. 

Chapter Focus:

• Chapter 1 reviews a brief history of substance use and addiction and discuss general principles of substance use disorders. It will also explain the differences between use, use, dependence, and addiction.
• Chapter 2 focuses on the biological and neurobiological basis of why drugs are abused. Abused drugs will be discussed in terms of their impact on the ecosystem, neurophysiological, and neuroanatomical systems.
• Chapter 3 examines the pharmacology of abused drugs, including a focus on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
• Chapter 4 reviews the impact of drugs during pregnancy, including a focus on fetal and postnatal effects. Additionally, it will explore the impact of abused drugs during early through late adolescent development. We will also consider drug abuse issues unique to the elderly.
• Chapter 5 explores how drugs can serve as perceptual stimuli. Also, we will review how environmental contingencies serve to reinforce compulsive drug use—a focus on classical and operant conditioning.
• Chapter 6 reviews the pharmacological effects of drugs known to depress brain function, such as inhalants, alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and explores how these substances affect neurocognitive functioning.
• Chapter 7 reviews the pharmacological effects of drugs known to stimulate brain functions, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription stimulants, and nicotine, and determines how these substances affect neurocognitive functioning.
• Chapter 8 reviews the pharmacological effects of marijuana, painkillers, and hallucinogens and how these substances affect neurocognitive functioning.
• Chapter 9 discusses etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of substance use disorders. It will also explain how to use this information to make informed decisions about patient treatment plans.
• Chapter 10 explores the relationship between drug-using individuals, their families, and their communities—a public health perspective on substance use. We will conclude with an examination of substance use prevention strategies.

Unique Features of the Textbook

• Affordably priced comprehensive resource for students, faculty, and professionals

• Easy to read, succinct writing style with ample use of summary tables of key content

• Materials have been classroom-tested by over 1000 students and numerous health care professionals, and those with lived experience.
• 20 invited, professional commentaries from nationally recognized experts in substance abuse
• Special focus on adolescents, early adult age group with personalized, non-judgmental presentation style (best practice approach)
• Latest diagnostic criteria throughout
• Special focus on emerging drug trends (e.g., vaping, synthetics, marijuana, opioids, etc.)
• Summary table of neuropsychological consequences for major drug classes
• Assessment/evaluation section for each chapter with a challenging ethical/reflective question, three discussion questions, and a practical exercise—each with its own evaluation criteria.
• Five in-text multiple-choice questions per chapter with answers provided in the appendix
• Each drug is summarized in a table format for quick review
• The history of key drugs is discussed
• Seventy-one detailed, culturally diverse case studies are provided and tied to key concepts and applications
• Extensive and up-to-date references (over 650 references most from the last 2 years)

Accompanying Instructor Resource Package Includes:

• PowerPoint slides for each chapter (over 733 slides total)
• Over a 1000 test bank items (about 40 true and false, about 40 fact-based and about 40 conceptual/applied multiple-choice questions per chapter)
• An annotated web guide to the top substance abuse resources on the internet
• Suggested readings PDFs available
• A course map is available for making this course available online
• And much more