Originally published in 1992 as The Facts About Drug Use, this updated edition contains new information about the effects of alcohol and recreational, mood-altering drugs on the body. The multiple causes of drug use and the options available to those dependent on drugs as a way of life are thoroughly described. Knowledge of the adverse effects of mood-altering drugs and why and how they are used excessively is a centerpiece of this book. It presents ways to identify persons at risk and identify problems that the addicted encounter in attempts to become drug free. This book enables those with little or no background in science or health care to understand the complex issues surrounding drug use. It provides current, reliable information on methods for dealing with dependency upon alcohol and central nervous system depressants, hallucinogens, heroin, nicotine, marijuana, caffeine, amphetamines, designer drugs like Ecstasy, and steroids. This comprehensive volume discusses: who typically uses drugs and the reasons why they do; how to classify mood-altering drugs; how to identify and treat drug dependency; areas of special concern such as multiple drug use, AIDS and drug use, drugs and pregnancy, drugs and sports, and drug testing technology. Chapter by chapter, this book seeks to help readers develop a better understanding of the effects of mood-altering substances and the reasons many continue to use them despite serious consequences. Two appendixes provide drug use reporting sources and a glossary listing common street names for drugs. (Contains over 600 references and an index.) (GCP)