This book presents a wide-ranging analysis of what can be done to reduce the misuse of psychoactive drugs without compromising appreciation for their therapeutic value. Emphasis is placed on the need to give physicians guidelines for deciding to whom to prescribe, what to prescribe, how much, and for how long. Chapter 1 provides an introduction and chapter 2 gives an overview of changing trends in the use and misuse of psychoactive drugs. Common patterns of inappropriate use in developing and developed countries are identified and different methods for assessing levels of use are critically compared. For each class of drugs, information is provided on dependence liability, therapeutic value, and social benefits. Chapter 3 explores factors that influence prescribing practices. Chapter 4 outlines the principles of rational prescribing as these pertain to patients complaining of life stress, to patients whose complaints are related to disease states, and to "doctor shoppers." Chapter 5 suggests alternatives to psychoactive drugs. Chapter 6 focuses on the role of medical education in promoting rational prescribing and chapter 7 considers the role of continuing education. Sources of information are identified in chapter 8 and chapter 9 looks at information dissemination. Chapter 10 describes assessment of the effectiveness of interventions. The final chapter provides recommendations for institutions concerned with medical education. (NB)