This book is intended for high school and college courses in which personal issues related to addictive problems and substance abuse are a significant focus; the readings and exercises may be of use in teaching such a course as well as helping the student. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to drug and alcohol abuse. It examines recent developments and societal trends, defines prevention, and identifies high-risk groups. Chapter 2 explores both research and theories on drug use. Chapter 3 examines how drugs work, exploring such topics as the chemical transmission of nerve impulses; absorption, distribution, and elimination; tolerance and withdrawal; and drug interactions. Chapter 4 focuses on decision making, examining such issues as attribution, self-efficacy, interpersonal influences, and decision-making skills. Chapter 5 addresses cultural influences on decision making. Chapter 6 focuses on chemical dependence by exploring the disease, behavioral, sociological, and psychological models of dependence. This chapter also examines the development of chemical dependence, the identification of an addicted person, and intervention techniques. Chapter 7 looks at co-dependence; chapter 8 examines recovery, relapse, and non-addictive lifestyles; and chapter 9 considers prevention of addictive problems. Each chapter includes a debate or discussion topic, exercises for further study, and suggested readings. Some chapters also include self-examination topics and a list of recommended films. A resource list and references are appended. (NB)