Martindale: The extra pharmacopeia (29th ed)

Abstract

This compact book contains considerable wisdom presented in a readable and friendly style. It lacks dogma and encourages the reader to obtain a clear perspective of the current state of the art of treating drug users. The book presents sensible treat-ment objectives and harm reduction strategies, and I hope it will play an important role in helping medical students and practi-tioners achieve a more realistic, humane and flexible approach to treating drug abusers. JUDITH GREENWOOD Community psychiatrist, Community Drug Problem Service, Royal Edinburgh Hospital RELAPSE AND ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOUR Michael Gossop (ed) Routledge, London (1989) 305 pages. Price f29.95 The immense amount of information about relapse gathered together in this book will be of most use to those working in the field of addiction. Relapse is not clearly defined. It could be used to describe any recurrent dysfunctional behaviour. If this is indeed the cen-tral problem of addiction then any such behaviour can be classed as addictive. The book therefore includes chapters on eating disorders and on sex offenders. It does not seem to me that much enlightenment has so far come out of this widening of the concept of addiction nor out of the struggle to understand relapse and it was brave of the editor to include a chapter from a contributor who shares that view. I do not wish to be over critical. That people are struggling so hard to deepen their understanding of these problems is en-couraging. The problems are heart-breaking -for the in-dividuals, for those around them and for those who try to help them. It is good news that for those drug addicts who enter treat-ment the outcome is better than we thought. We need to under-stand why some succeed and what gave them the strength to change.