Covers a wide variety of topics including: the management of medical complications; the importance of involving the family in the treatment plan whenever possible; the need to watch for signs that other addicting substances may be involved; the need to be alert to the possibility of child abuse or neglect; and the importance for a physician (and presumably other treatment personnel) to be aware of and understand his/her own attitudes toward society's use of alcohol and toward alcohol-dependent patients. It presents a pragmatic guide to the diagnosis and treatment of alcoholism and associated physical, psychological, and social problems.

Advice and treatment by physicians and nurses can substantially reduce substance use and its associated disease and health care costs, yet physicians are often hampered by lack of training and knowledge in this area. Managing Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Problems: A Pocket Guide for Physicians and Nurses is a quick reference for the busy physician or nurse. It summarizes the simplest, most effective and best researched protocols for identifying and treating substance use and its complications. The Pocket Guide helps medical and nursing students, physicians and nurses recognize that substance use problems are medically treatable. This guide will not only demistify the treatment of patients with substance use issues, but will also lead to better treatment outcomes. The Pocket Guide is an invaluable, practical resource with answers for most substance use problems.