What's wrong with a beer now and then? Or a glass of wine with dinner? For most people—of legal age—there's absolutely nothing wrong with having an occasional drink. But for others, those with drinking problems, there's no such thing as an occasional drink. For them, one drink leads to another and another and another. . . . Alcohol Addiction: Not Worth the Buzz provides you with important information about alcohol addiction (alcoholism) and other drinking problems. You will learn about the...

In the United States and Canada, millions of individuals have problems with substance abuse. In some cases the problems are relatively minor, but in others, that abuse leads to addiction. Addiction is a serious and costly disease. In Addiction Treatment: Escaping the Trap, you will learn some definitions important in the study of addiction treatment. You will also learn about the history of addiction treatment, including the work and continuing influence of the Washingtonians, the Emmanuel...

Almost 40 percent of people living in the United States have an addiction to alcohol, drugs, or some form of tobacco. These addictions cost Americans hundreds of billions of dollars every year. Clearly, addiction is an enormous problem. Addiction in America: Society, Psychology, and Heredity takes a look at what leads people to a life of addiction—the social, psychological, and hereditary factors that might make an individual susceptible to addiction. This book provides you with an overvie...

Not long ago, Ireland was a country dealing with poverty and violence. Today, it has turned around and is now a peaceful nation. Ireland became a member of the EU in 1973. Its history also includes the Catholic Church, the potato famine, and long struggles for freedom. While Ireland's economy is currently doing poorly because of the global recession, it is working hard to recover. Discover more about this exciting, modern nation!

With more than 170 million people, Nigeria is Africa's most populous country. Military leaders have ruled Nigeria for much of its history as an independent country, and it was not until 1999 that a civilian government was restored. However, this has not ensured peace. Conflicts have broken out between Muslim extremists and other Nigerians over the imposition of sharia, a series of religious rules and laws that Muslims are supposed to follow. Sharia carries penalties that most observers con...

You're a high school athlete who wants to increase the possibility of a successful college sports career and a shot at the pros. But you know you just don't have all that it takes. Then it hits you: you can do what the pros do (at least some of them)—take steroids! It may sound like a good idea, but Steroids: Pumped Up and Dangerous reveals these drugs' dangerous side effects, both short and long term. Get the lowdown on treatment and the legal consequences of using illegal steroids. Perha...

Statistics on drug use show that abuse is decreasing. That's the good news. But there's bad news as well: the abuse of prescription drugs is increasing. Among the most abused prescription medications are painkillers, something many people have in their medicine cabinets. In Painkillers: Prescription Dependency, you will find out what pain really is—and what it isn't—as well as the history of pain. The book also provides up-to-date information about painkillers and how they are abused. Spec...

Although Belgium is a small country, it is a big player in Europe. It was a founding member of the EU back in 1952. Today, Brussels, its capital city, is one of the EU's centers. Despite being divided between French and Dutch speakers, Belgium is a strong country with a lot going on culturally and politically. Discover more about this exciting, modern nation!

Ever since Germany formed in 1871, it has been a major world player. It was even a founding member of the EU in 1952. Although Germany's 20th-century history was often dark, it is now one of the most prosperous and stable countries in the world. It has struggled during the global recession, but it has also been a leader in facing the EU's economic difficulties. Discover more about this exciting, modern nation!

You've seen the ads: "Never diet again! Our all-natural treatment magically melts away the pounds!" "Want to boost your athletic performance? Dr. Smith has found the secret to improved stamina and strength with his all-natural formula!" "Need more energy? Our all-natural juice product will give you the pick-me-up you need!" After all, what do you have to lose? If it's all natural, it can't hurt. Or can it? If you have trouble believing these ads, you're right to be skeptical. "All-natural"...

It seemed like an easy answer. If a child was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder—ADHD—give him Ritalin and all would be better. The answer—and the condition—turned out not to be that easy. Recreational Ritalin: The Not-So-Smart Drug provides an overview of ADHD and the drug most often prescribed to treat the condition. This book provides you with a description of other drugs like Ritalin and their effects, good and bad. You will also learn about ADHD and the controvers...

Almost everyone has trouble sleeping once in a while. Sometimes your mind keeps racing with new ideas long after your body is ready to shut down for the evening. Other nights, life's problems follow you to bed and prevent you from getting a good night's sleep. But an occasional night of insomnia needn't justify addiction to sedatives and other sleep-inducing medications. Sedatives and Hypnotics: Deadly Downers reveals the long history of sedatives and hypnotics. You'll discover how these d...