Introduction Due to the magnitude of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, and its profound impact on public health and social structures, an emphasis on the behavioral, social, and cultural factors associated with sexual risk…
Introduction Kraepelin and Bleuler first identified oniomania, or the urge to buy, in the early 1900s. Today, compulsive buying is likely a much different phenomenon from what it was when Kraepelin and Bleuler first conceptualized the disorder. In the United…
Introduction There has been considerable debate in the field about whether applying an addiction model could advance our understanding and treatment of compulsive overeating (e.g., Wilson ). Although we agree that an addiction model does not adequately address all of…
Introduction Gambling has become increasingly accessible and socially acceptable over the past two decades, with an increasing number of venues and opportunities through casinos, video lottery terminals, sports betting venues, and online poker and other gambling sites. Although most people…
Introduction Ketamine and phencyclidine are chemically related to each other and have psychotropic effects similar to those of other prototypical hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide. Phencyclidine was developed first as a dissociative anesthetic for animals and humans, but seizures,…
Introduction This chapter focuses on hallucinogens with psychoactive properties mediated through the serotonin system. Although commonly referred to as “hallucinogens,” a lexigraphic disclaimer is warranted, as the experience elicited by these drugs commonly centers on distortion of perception, not true…
Introduction Caffeine is the most widely consumed drug in history. Indeed, caffeine is unusual among psychoactive compounds in being part of the daily diet of most people. With more than 80% of people worldwide consuming caffeine daily, current usage transcends…
Introduction Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) refer to the male hormone, testosterone, and many of its natural and synthetic derivatives. All AASs have androgenic (masculinizing) and muscle-specific (anabolic) effects, but some are relatively more anabolic or androgenic than others. Oxandrolone, for example,…
Types of Inhalants Being Abused Inhalants encompass a wide range of pharmacologically diverse substances that readily vaporize. Unlike most other substances of abuse, which are classified into groups that share a specific central nervous system (CNS) action or perceived psychoactive…
Introduction The sedative-hypnotics and anxiolytics are central nervous system depressants that also have muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant effects and are widely used in psychiatry, neurology, anesthesiology, and general medicine. The most common of these are the benzodiazepines and the new-generation…