This revised edition of a seminal work offers an integrated psychosocial and spiritual framework for understanding and preventing drug abuse. Originally published in 1985 and updated in 1989 as Alcohol and Drug Abuse, it incorporates two decades of research to illuminate why substances become substitutes for unmet needs and which populations—particularly youth and the marginalized—are most vulnerable in an age of unprecedented access and global trafficking.

Exploring the far-reaching impact of illicit drug use, the book reveals how consequences ripple beyond the individual—undermining families, weakening communities and burdening national infrastructures through crime, overdose, lost productivity and educational setbacks. Emphasising primary prevention, it examines roles and responsibilities at every level, from personal choices to societal policies, and highlights how both prevention and recovery engage profoundly spiritual dimensions.

Grounded in the Bahá’í teachings, this narrative equips advocates with a holistic perspective on substance abuse. By integrating empirical findings with spiritual insights, it fosters a deeper appreciation for collaborative strategies that nurture resilience, restore balance and guide communities toward lasting well-being.