A. Ender Altintoprak
Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
Suicidal Behavior in Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Dependence. Hauppauge, New York: Nova Science Publishers, 2010, 540 pages.

Alcohol and drug dependencies are chronic diseases. They often follow the course of relapsing and remitting pattern. Addictive disorders represent a significant burden to the individual who suffers from them and to society. Although multiple medications have been investigated for treating addictions, only a few have shown acceptable safety and efficacy and are approved. On the other hand, for a successful treatment outcome and a long remitting period, rehabilitation and prevention programs must be added to treatment process. In many societies the people suffering from dependence are still stigmatized and have no access to treatment and rehabilitation. However, dependencies are preventable and treatable diseases, and effective prevention and treatment interventions are available.