Introduction The impact of licit (i.e., alcohol and nicotine used legally) and illicit (including nonmedical prescription) drug use, abuse, and dependence in the United States is well documented in the general population. Overall, a 2006 survey reported that an estimated…
Introduction Substance abuse is being increasingly appreciated for contributing to overall mortality and morbidity in the United States. Yet, at the same time, substance use continues to be criminalized, especially for African Americans. Disparities in morbidity and mortality across ethnic…
Introduction Adolescent behavioral health problems are on the rise worldwide, particularly for impulse control disorders (ICDs) including substance abuse, delinquency, obesity, and HIV/sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) for genetic and environmental reasons. Contributing to these developmental issues are children growing up…
Acknowledgments This work was made possible by grants from the National Center for Research Resources (P20 RR016479) and the National Institute of Mental Health (R15 MH077654). The author thanks Dr. Parthasarathi Nag for helpful comments on an earlier version of…
Introduction In the past two decades, computer simulation and computer-aided design have made dramatic progress in all areas of development of complex engineering systems. A prime example is the Boeing 777 jetliner, which has been recognized as the first airplane…
Introduction In recent years, the mathematical representation of physiological systems and its use in computer simulations have come of age. Initially restricted to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics studies, they are now used in many different fields of medicine (e.g., diabetes and…
Introduction The 12-step model to the treatment of addiction is the most popular therapeutic model in the United States, and most adherents of the 12-step approach consider spiritual growth singular with recovery. This chapter offers a critical review and discussion…
Introduction Stereotypes and judgments about people with substance misuse problems are extremely prevalent and negative. The content of these stereotypes varies, with examples including “people who use drugs are immoral,” “alcoholics are unreliable,” or “addicts are dangerous.” These negative evaluations…
Introduction Comorbid substance use disorders (SUDs) and other psychiatric disorders (dual diagnosis) in individuals who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are common. Prevalence rates of such dual diagnoses vary significantly across reported studies,…
Introduction The effects of chronic ingestion of alcohol and other substances of abuse vary considerably and depend on the concentration and dose, together with various other factors, such as nutritional status, gender, and ethnicity. The present chapter analyzes the main…