Books in Understanding Disease series

Ecstasy is an illegal hallucinogen and stimulant most often used in pill form. It contains the chemical MDMA, which is very similar to methamphetamine. Popular among teenagers and young adults, Ecstasy intensifies physical sensations and perceptions and produces heightened self-esteem and sociability. During use, the amount of serotonin available in the brain increases, but afterward, the drop in serotonin leads to feelings of depression. Ecstasy also has dangerous physical effects such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and involuntary muscle tension. This new book delves into the effects of using Ecstasy, from the initial pleasure to the dangerous aftereffects.

Although drinking alcoholic beverages is legal for those 21 years and older in the United States, alcohol is a dangerous drug when misused or abused by those of any age. One of the most commonly used drugs among teens and adults, alcohol affects areas of the brain that influence pleasure, impulses, and coordination. Though moderate, social use of alcohol can have a beneficial effect on health, drinking to excess can lead to headaches, nausea, severe memory loss, or even death from alcohol poisoning or accidents. Long-term abuse of alcohol has devastating effects on one's health and can be fatal to the user. Alcohol explains all sides of using this powerful social lubricant.

In cancer, cells grow and divide without normal controls, causing abnormal growths called tumors. Tumors that start in the brain can be particularly dangerous, invading brain tissue and sometimes causing disability and death. In order to help readers understand this fearsome disease, the book first explores the normal structure and function of the brain and explains the kinds of tumors that can form in the central nervous system. The author discusses how brain tumors are detected, diagnosed, and treated, describing basic and cutting-edge therapies that are currently being used and developed. The final chapter covers the steps involved in rehabilitation and recovery, and provides support and guidance for those recovering from brain tumors.