This reference guide is aimed at educating the layman about drugs and how patients can help themselves by their use of drugs and communication with their doctors. It explains drugs in relation to the body and recommends positive action by patients. The drugs are arranged by illness, giving trade names of drugs used, a summary of effects and side effects, a list of questions to ask the doctor, notes on self-management with the object of restricting intake and bringing treatment to a rapid close, alternatives to taking drugs, and case histories. There are illustrations clarifying some relevant aspects of drug use, or of the disorder in question.