Drugs Books

it should be noted that this book is an informative page-turner that will not dissapoint! very unique in it's format of a dialogue between a mother and son; gripping in it's truth and dynamics. the style of writing is highly entertaining which differs from many other books on addiction or books that offer educational information. this book could be enjoyed equally as an informative, sometimes comedic read, or by those in search of insight individually or in academia. Similarly, would be an ideal reference for support of one's self, a family member, or peer. in the near future i would not be surprised to see this book used as a staple resource in psychology and health classes in high school and university institutes across the nation. a true MUST READ!

I put off buying this book, because I knew it would feel as if I were sitting in the Volkmann's living room. Someone else sent me the book and I read it. And, yes, I felt as if I were sitting in their living room. Toren's story is arresting (pun unavoidable). It is side-by-side with his mother's memories and heartily-researched chapters. Of course she wanted to know what happened. And right next to all of her memories of Toren's teen-aged years (interspersed with solid research on teen drinking) is Toren's version itself; often divergent; and always searingly honest. My first reaction was, "Scary stuff." It is. --Those teen years when secrecy and breaking away from parents are so paramount. --When parents are trying so hard to let their teens make decisions. --When ultimately, as Our Drink so aptly points out, parents may have to wait on the other side of a no-man's-land for them to emerge, while their teens grapple with the results of their own choices and their own behavior.

I read this in one sitting. Everyone connected with kids should probably have a copy and read it at whatever pace is comfortable. The dangers of binge-drinking are well-established in this book. I'm not sure binge-drinking is an epidemic or is pandemic, but if not one or the other, it may be perilously close -- among teens and on college campuses. It's not the only factor in youthful alcohol addiction, however, and the research in the book lays this out in easy-to-understand terms. We should all have a look at our heredity when it comes to imbibing.

Good book. Honest. Takes you between mother and son for their views on what happened... and why.

I stumbled across this book at an addictions conference in Montana. I was first mesmerized by the authors (Christina and Toren Volkmann) who have such a strong belief in their work and who have exposed the agony of addiction in such an open and educational manner. The book is a roller coaster ride, from heart-warming to heart-wrenching, every gritty detail of the road to alcohol dependence laid out through raw, fresh storytelling. The plot shifts between the mother-who is forced to hear the terrible news of her 23 year old son admitting himself to a rehabilitation program-and son, who tells gripping, lively stories of the years of his young life abusing alcohol until he comes to a life-changing crossroads. The candor is fascinating. The book also switches gears many times to talk more technically about alcohol abuse and the very latest alcohol and addiction research which is affecting the way our health and addictions professionals will treat and prevent this epidemic. As an educator myself, the readability of this book mixed with the well-researched facts makes this book a very desirable tool in the worlds of psychology, sociology, addictions counseling, public health, and drug and alcohol prevention areas. I feel like we will see this book as a learning resource in academia and counseling and treatment for a long time to come. Even away from academics, the quality of writing in this masterpiece of non-fiction cannot be overstated. It is an exciting page-turner for any age, family member, or friend. A truly amazing piece of work.

Our Drink: Detoxifying The Perfect Family is the personal testimony of a mother and son, and the son's struggle with alcoholism. The first time she learned of her son's sickness was when he telephoned her, just a year out of college and having served the Peace Corps, with news that he'd checked himself into an alcoholism rehabilitation program. Yet the seeds of his addiction had begun long ago; he was binge drinking as early as high school, and managed to keep his worsening dependency hidden from not only his parents, but also himself. In his own words, "I thought the problem with being alcoholic was you just drank a lot. I did that just fine and things were great. No one ever said, 'Dude, you're gonna start losing your money, your memory, and above all, your longevity and tolerance... and when you stop a mean bender you're going to be a fevering, shaky, paranoid, halfwit for a day or two who can't think, sleep, even relax or eat until withdrawals are over...' That page of my D.A.R.E. book must have been ripped out." A gripping, raw, and absolute testimony, highly recommended as an educational tool to show young people the dangers of alcohol and to reveal to parents how easy it is to miss the warning signs.

When I got a copy of this book - having forgotten about Dr. Szasz's breadth of outlook and singular erudition - I thought I was going to read a nice little political tract condemning the current American Drug Prohibition. "Our Right to Drugs" is that, of course, but it is so much more - it is a call to intellectual and political arms.

The War on Drugs, as Dr. Szasz so carefully shows, is nothing less than a Jihad, a Holy War waged by the forces of reaction and restriction in our society against all those who think that there should be peaceful choice, or self-ownership, or genuine free thought. And like all Holy Wars, this one permits the worst atrocities to be visited on the unbelieving because they are not just wrong - they are evil.

Like many libertarians, Dr. Szasz has little use for compromise; in this case, by those who favor "decriminalization" or "medicalization" of psychoactive drugs. Such people, the author shows, will only end up replacing the current Ayatollahs (cops and ex-generals) with a new Inquisition lead by doctors and psychologists. In the world of physician-monitored drug usage, instead of being evil, anyone who wants to alter his or her own mood will be labeled as "sick" - and instead of being sent to jail, they will be forced into "treatment".

In trying to think of some literary comparison to "Our Right to Drugs", I can only think of Plato's records of certain iconoclastic dialogues about ancient Athenian closemindedness. Truely, Dr. Szasz is our Socrates.

This book is a supremely courageous and truthful book written by one of the great luminaries of the age(s).
This book "cuts to the chase" as regards fundamental constitutional issues raised by laws regulating
the procurement, possession, sale, and use of drugs.

The book's most striking charge (a correct one, at that!) is that a fundamental tyranny overtook this nation about
90 years ago when "Americans" lost their property rights over their own bodies--all in the name of governmentally-controlled "truth in advertising" for drug sales.

However, this "seemingly benign" governmental goal created untold danger for the very people it was meant to
protect. Szasz rightfully puts America's so-called "drug problem" in proper perspective by suggesting that the
admonition "buyer beware" should have sufficed--for drugs, as for almost everything else.

In the most general terms, this book demonstrates that there are no shortcuts to a thorough-going approach to American Liberty and Freedom. Dr. Szasz very clearly, and effectively, corrects those who claim that drug laws be summarily repealed for any reasons other than their moral unacceptability in a free state.

Making proper analogy to the wrongful justification of the slavery of blacks in America (owing to their mischaracterization as property), Szasz makes it clear that the infringement of property rights (both of your body, and substances you might possess) lies at the heart of America's despotic and tyrannical so-called "War on Drugs."

Although he does not (if memory serves me correctly) directly cite the 9th Amendment in defense of all those who would fight this indigenous, governmentally-sponsored terrorism, he could have:

"THE ENUMERATION OF CERTAIN RIGHTS, IN THE CONSTITUTION, SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED TO DENY OR DISPARAGE OTHERS RETAINED BY THE PEOPLE."

"What country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms, remedy is set them right as to facts, pardon & pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is nature's manure." Thomas Jefferson

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Good arguments for drug legalization (and deregulation of prescription drugs), but a little outdated as far as some of his allusions and political terminology go, and not precise enough in his use of the term "legalizers".

He ignores the distinctions between "decriminalization" and "legalization", and lumps all "legalizers" into a single category, as not being "good enough". He does not seem to realize that there is a wide spectrum of beliefs on drugs, ranging from his position, to the position that all drugs should be banned everywhere.

He is uncompromising, and this is politically defeating. Nonetheless, his position is admirable, and his idea of drugs as a "right" similiar to all other "rights" bandied about in political discourse today, is a good one.

Nice philosophy, and one I wish more accepted it, but he's too radical for today's politicians, who are still in the dark ages of social medicine.

Fear of people committing suicide easily, is Szasz's main hypothesis for why we regulate prescription and illicit drugs the way we do in America today.

This book is good for convincing one that drugs should be legalized, but it is no help for accomplishing that feat politically.

This is a fine and brilliant book. Szasz manhandles any pretext for government intervention in medicine and the market for drugs. This is by far the best book on the subject.

I have three kids under the age of 12. One of my biggest fears is facing the challenge of my kids dealing with peer pressure about drugs as they grow up, and worse going down the dark path of addiction. I don't think I am alone. The challenge is to know how to address the issue with compassion, resolve, and with a sobered understanding of the issues, uncontaminated by media hype. This book helped put my mind at ease and gave me some sensible strategies that I think will be of enormous help for me as a parent and for my kids. This book is a must read for parents and caregivers. It will help you and your child face the challenges of smoking pot in a way that upholds your values as a parent and your love for your children. You will be better for it and so will they.

John Forsyth
Author of The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Anxiety: A Guide to Breaking Free From Anxiety, Phobias, and Worry Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and ACT on life, Not on Anger.

I loved this book. It's written in a casual, conversational style, which masks it's underlying sophistication. Lots of great hard data, presented in an accessible way, that will really give parents the tools they need to talk to their kids honestly and accurately about pot. Anyone with kids would welcome this resource.

I have to say, when I saw the publisher (High Times) of A Parent's Guide to Marijuana by Mitch Earleywine PhD, I thought it would be pro-drugs. It isn't. It isn't anti-drugs either; it's that rare beast, a balanced and sensible book about an illegal drug. This book, a guide for parents who want to engage with their children about cannabis without lying, bluffing or lecturing, has a lot to recommend it. It is presented as a dialogue between Dr Earleywine and a group of parents he is working with; while remaining conversational and easy to read, it covers the breadth of scientific literature related to risks (and benefits) of pot. Most impressive is Dr Earleywine's knack for presenting fairly complex scientific ideas in ways that are easy for pretty much anyone to grasp. In doing so, the book invites readers to understand and make their own decisions about the science and what it means for them and their kids. By endorsing the middle ground, Dr Earleywine arms parents to talk about marijuana with their children in a more knowledgeable (and hence more credible) way. He offers general suggestions for talking to children about tricky issues, as well as specific information about pot. The book is short, and, importantly for parents, easy to read in small grabs. I would recommend this book as an excellent resource for those who wish to help their children make safe decisions about marijuana and drug use in general.

Earleywine's new book on the dangers of marijuana for adolescents is accessible in its conversational style, and informative enough to make this reader satisfied she's gotten her money's worth.

Earleywine's studies on marijuana make him one of the country's foremost authorities on the subject. There is no speculation in this work that isn't backed up with hard facts. Although he questions and dispels some popular myths, make no mistake: he is not a marijuana apologist.

Marijuana is dangerous to use during the formative years of adolescence, and Earleywine gives parents the tools to offer this information in a way kids will accept it as viable. Decades of misinformation in drug "education" has left kids suspicious and dismissive of what the experts have to say. It's high time (pardon the pun) there was solid info to impart to our children to help them make the best decision when the time comes to make it.

Not every kid is going to do the smart, reasonable thing, but if I had known this stuff when I was thirteen, I, for one, would not have used.

Mr. Nolen's book is an outstanding manual that is highly essential for all parents of teens. This book is highly organized, straightforward, and comprehensive in the area of drug education. His statistics are extremely reliable, coming from The National Institute of Health as well as The National Institute on Drug Abuse. Professionally,this book has been extremely helpful to me in my work with adolescents in a Northwest Suburban High School District in the Chicagoland area. It has also been helpful to me in parenting my own son. Mr. Nolen's book is informative, honest, and essential for the healthcare professional, educator, and parent for today's youth. Thank you, Mr. Nolen, for a much needed, easy to read, complete book for all of us!!

This book is a tremendous tool in detecting and identifying the use of controlled substances. I raised 6 children and I wish a book as detailed as this had been available. I have given the title of this book to everyone I know. I just want everyone to be informed of how easy it is to identify the many symtoms that drugs and alchol cause, the book provides not only the pictures but a step by step of the warning signs. As a parent I think that there should be more books that are geared to what's happening with our children.

Parents, Teens and Drugs, is one of the best parent training tools on the market today. I have found this book to be very informative and descriptive. This book gets down to the basics of what every parent needs to know about peer pressure and how it is used to manipulate a teenager into using alcohol or drugs. James Nolen has done an excellent job in informing parents of today's dangers surrounding our children with concerns to destructive types of behavior. I finally can now talk with my two teen boys about the negative affects that drugs have on one's life, and with this information they will be able to make the right choice to abstain from such destructive behaviors. I can't thank the author enough for getting envolved with parents, and helping us fight against alcohol and drug use. Thank You. ....

Parents, Teens, And Drugs presents an objective and highly informative examination of the timely subject of teens and illicit drug use designed specifically for concerned parents. Author Billy Nolen draws upon his extensive experience in law enforcement to demystify the "secret language" of drug use amongst teenagers, while explaining the common effects and symptoms of drug abuse in clear, concise, accessible, "reader friendly" text ideal for non-specialist general readers concerned with helping their adolescent son or daughter deal with the issues of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, amphetamine, etc. Parents, Teens, And Drugs is "must" reading for concerned parents and a very highly recommended addition to public library, community center library, and parent counseling center reference collections.

I sat down and read it through completely, and was amazed at the knowledge, and well researched detail that you have presented. Notable, are the medical and technical knowledge together with the care and real concern for Parkinson's sufferers, which is shown by compassionate practitioners in many fields.

This has to be the definitive book on this subject, giving hope, support and the tools with which to live as creatively and with as much dignity as possible. I do not just wish you well with it's publication, but am lost in admiration!"

This may not be as headline-grabbing or sensationalist as foetal grafts or human cloning, but has the advantage of markedly improving the lives of those with this unfrotunate illness.

This resource book is an essential user-friendly compendium and tool-kit. By following the various practical strategies described patients with PD can be helped and encouraged to improve their quality of life, function as best as they are able, reduce symptoms and minimise the distressing side-effects of drugs.

I have read the whole book, which I found a super help for both Doctors and Healthcare Professionals as well as for Patients and Carers. Honestly I haven't read such a detailed and multidisciplinary book so far. Eminent medical and allied healthcare professionals have contributed to the information in the book and all statements are backed up by scientific references.

This is just a brief overview of how I see the whole book which is modern, comprehensive, practical and I think it really is "The way forward!"

There are all the possible medical chapters involved including diagnosis, the difference between young and older onset, treatment (very comprehensive and good).

I find it wonderful that all the chapters are also translated into non-medical language in addition to medical text, with practical aspects given for and by Patients, Carers, Nurse Specialists, etc.

All possible Tests are explained including PET and SPECT and other (Biochemical) laboratory tests.

Surgery is written in the best multidisciplinary and complex way I have ever read. Super!

Even Anaesthesiology and Podiatric Surgery are involved.

I very much enjoyed how much stress and volume is given to Nutrition, which even included recipes and dietary recommendations for healthy food, gaining or losing weight, overcoming problems with chewing, swallowing, etc. I didn't know about Glutathione, which is mentioned, with the references too.

A lot of space is given to sexual life in PD. This is great and provides a lot of information, which is very useful and new for me too.

Also Traditional Chinese Medicine aspects are mentioned including Acupuncture. I found this interesting since it is not my field and I appreciate it.

Depression and other psychiatric problems are explained and ways for management provided, not only medically but also from the psychologist's point of view.

All the health care professionals including PD Nurse Specialist, Physiotherapist, Speech and Occupational Therapist, etc. have their brief articles. Their role is explained and the need for them pointed out. Aspects such as communication are nicely written.

Other problems such as Osteopathy and problems that occur especially in Older People are mentioned, which is very useful.

A lot of Exercise is described with pictures, which is very practical.

Even Patients' and Carers' Points of View are not omitted!

To repeat what I said before - this is just a brief overview of how I see the whole book which is modern, comprehensive, practical and I think it really is "The way forward!"

This book is helpful for psychiatrists who treat patients with substance dependence. The major pluses are: it is informative, interesting and easy to read. A good book for lay people as well.

A doctor gave me this book, and now I understand alcoholics and drug users better than I did before I read the parts of the book that interested me. I'm interested in the brain and although I didn't understand the entire chapter, came away glad I had made the effort. But to those without much interest in science, the brain chapter may not hold much appeal. The chapters on the psychology were easier and the cases made a lot of sense. The recommended websites are great. I decided to give the book 5 stars because I liked having access to how the professionals do it. Also, the chapters pack are short but packed.

I had not been looking for a book on alcohol and drugs but the review for this book that appeared in the NEJM was very positive. I'm glad I came across it. The book's approach to giving professionals some information on why people use excessively, but more on what might be done about it, all in a way that is easy to digest makes it a book I am happy to have on my shelf.

I'm a doctor who likes books that contain information from both the medical literature and from clinical experience. This book also gives clinical examples in some chapters. It is reasonably laid out so I did not have trouble finding information. I found the bullets at the beginning of the chapters a good way to know what the most important information was in each chapter. I think I'll use the pharmacology chapter most.

Excellent Excellent Excellent, its been a long time since I actually read a hard cover book ( I usually prefer them in paperback or on audio tape) but I read Patriot Future and I couldn't put it down. It was like reading the Hunt for Red October before Tom Clancy got famous

A timely, prophetic vision of America's possible future. Filled with heart pounding action, the book's characters are 3 dimenionsional. Matt Sheridan's pain,anger,love are made suprisingly real to the reader. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for Johns' next book

It's one of those books that, once you start, you can't stop reading. I found the setting to be all TOO plausible. Sheridan's character is a cross between Bruce Willis in Die Hard and Keanu Reeves in Speed. Lots of action, but with a human element that I also enjoyed. A great beach book, but it only lasted one day!!!

This book is a great read with very interesting characters and a storyline lifted from the front pages of today's papers. Regulated political correctness in this alternative history society (a la Robert Harris) is an all too believable phenomena, and "jazz" another name for any of the number of trendy drugs that are sold on our streets today. Matt Sheridan is an interesting (and slightly quirky) character. He's not quite your regular tough cop character, he has a strong presence without being stereotypical. I'm not going to ruin it for you or anything, but the ending is really terrific.

I was one on statin drugs for 5+ years, allowing the statin to do all the work. Eventually I began having muscular and fatigue problems and desparately needed to make life style changes. With the help of Dr. Vitko's book and my own commitment to improved health I am moving toward a more medicine free life. I read the book in a day, which is unusual for me as I am easily distracted - but not this time. When you're holding something this good it's hard to lay it down. This is all I ever wanted to know about safely lowering cholesterol without medicines and supplements. If you ever get serious about controlling your own health this book is a must read for you!

I was't even looking for a book like this (even though I should have been), but saw it at my Dad's and picked it up. I could not put it down! I ordered it and am sure that reading it will result in longer, healthier lives for my family. Dr. Vitko is right on the money! His plan is simple and logical. It reminds us of what is right for our bodies. Unfortunately, corporate America has engrained unhealthy eating into our lives, and this book will inspire you to get away from that pattern. He points out how our health system is anything but "healthy" and our government sure isn't going to fix it, only we can fix ourselves. Everyone needs to read this book, not just those with high cholesterol!

Dr Vitko's book made good sense to me and his diet was easy to follow. In just a few weeks, I was able to reduce my cholesterol by 33 points!! If you want results, I recommend that you buy this book!!

Having high cholesterol, angina, and a heart doctor pushing for invasive surgery, I needed to look for alternatives. Dr. Vitko's book not only gave me hope, it gave me answers. He delivers on his promise to show you how to lower your cholesterol in three weeks without drugs, but the book has so much more information on how to live longer, healthier & feel great while you doing it.

Learning that diet can lower cholesterol without drugs is not exactly new information to me, but finding out that blood viscosity plays a major role in this scenario was a major eye-opener. Dr. Vitko explains blood viscosity in easy-to-understand terms and why it can be as important as cholesterol in your health picture. He gives you the causes and he gives you solutions to high blood viscosity.

His book is also candid & frank about the monopoly the medical profession has on our national health care & it's direction. This chapter is a "must read" if you think our government is seriously looking for answers to our health problems.

If you have a serious cholesterol problem & are willing to take responsibility for your own health, I highly recommend this book.


George Bruss

Mount Dora, FL, USA

I still cannot believe I got the original Edition published in 1975! It's more than a textbook or a reference!

This book is a must-have if you plan to be in the field of pharmacokinetics.

Since both of the authors have retired, I write them here.


Page| Line| Wrong| Right| Remark
76| Eq 2.77| k0| k02|
82| Eq 2.93| V0| Vc|
91| Eq 2.136| A1=| A2=
108| Eq 2.231| (Cannot express here)
213| Eq 5.67 + 1st line| tjme| time
250| Eq 6.45 + 3rd line| (Cannot express here)
310| Eq 7.139| VB=| VB
319| Eq 8.1 - 6th line| CV > CA| CV < CA| Corrected in reprint
332| 18th line| decrease| increase
360| Eq 9.9| VB=| VB
426| 26th line| )s| )/s
438| C.14 - 3rd line| C.13| C.11

This is the well-known book to ALL the pharmacokinetists and clinical pharmacologists.

This book is not easy and there have been many new concepts and findings since the publish of this book.

But, anyone who want to know the very basic and behind ground of pharmacokinetics (that is to say, who want to go to the bottom of the pharmacokinetics), should read carefully and study this book.

We now long for the next edition of this book.

This book does a great job explaining drug class pathophysiology, as well as outlining nursing considerations, and implementation. A very well rounded approach for nurses and nursing students!

This is a great book that will help you understand pharm as well as patho. I use it for both subjects

Helpful and easy to follow text. Illustrations, graphs, and charts very helpful.

This Pharmacology book is a very easy reading. Each chapter is only 5 to 7 pages long. At the end of each chapter are wonderful study questions that cover all important aspects of the chapter. There is also a great website you can go to for other study questions and NCLEX questions for nurses.