Dealing with drug addiction as a biological illness

Drug Addiction in Sri Lanka--a guide to understanding and managing addictions is a timely multi-author compendium written with the objective of providing a comprehensive and balanced view of the problem of drug addiction – with particular reference to Sri Lanka.

The editors – Dr Mahendra Perera, a well reputed practising psychiatrist with much experience in dealing with drug addiction and Dr. Howard Ross-Parker, a senior applied statistician and university teacher – have put together a book whose various chapters draw on the expertise of specialists in various disciplines. Well written in a very readable style, this book clearly explains that addiction should be looked upon as a biological illness. It is in effect a “demon that re-programmes your brain”.

The overarching theme of this book is that addiction is a chronic relapsing illness of the mind that needs to be managed by health focused actions rather than prohibition and punishment. The various authors clearly explain that drug dependence is a medical condition with social implications which (like diabetes, heart disease, obstructive lung disease and other long term medical conditions) can be successfully managed and treated – although it is not easy.

There are chapters discussing what addiction is - with a lucid explanation of the mechanisms in the brain underlying addiction - plus chapters on Drugs and schools, Medical treatments for addiction, Rehabilitation and Helpful Parenting. A series of illustrative case histories provided as an appendix brings home the real life situations to which those of us who have to deal with drug addiction either as health professionals or as friends, colleagues and family members of those afflicted can relate. I particularly liked the eye-catching drawings that marked the start of each chapter.

This is a book that will be of use to those who, at a personal as well as professional level, have to deal with the misuse and abuse of drugs.

It will be a valuable resource for parents, teachers and health professionals in 21st century Sri Lanka as well as other Asian countries.

The book is available at leading bookshops, priced at Rs. 900 and could also be purchased by emailing: drugbook101@gmail.com

It will then cost Rs 1,000, postage included.