This well-respected text on substance abuse is intended primarily for courses in social work. The text takes a comprehensive look at substance abuse from a systems perspective, which makes it particularly appropriate for social work students who are accustomed to a “person-in- environment” perspective. The text covers all major theories of addiction, as well as the major physiological and psychological results of substance abuse, including fetal alcohol syndrome. Most of the commonly used screening instruments are reprinted in full, and state and federal policies regarding control of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are discussed in detail. Separate chapters cover ethnic minorities as well as gays and lesbians, dually diagnosed (alcohol and drug abuse), the elderly, and women. The text reflects the latest developments in treatment and research, including the most recent findings on genetic causes of alcoholism.