Using role plays, clinical scenarios and reader activities to aid understanding, this is a textbook for all professionals working in the field of substance abuse for the first time.

Understanding and Working with Substance Misusers explores the complex nature of addiction and the challenges involved in responding effectively through policy and practice. It examines the biopyschosocial elements of addiction to substances (including alcohol) and, draws together key research findings from these fields to present a new framework for integrating theory and practice. The book argues that the best way to understand addictions is as examples of "complex self organising systems", which comprise many interacting component parts. In so doing, it addresses the problem of service users presenting with multiple needs (including poly drug use, mental health problems, criminal behaviour, unemployment and relationship difficulties) and the challenges that this poses for policy makers, services commissioners and practitioners alike. This book fills the need for a text which makes the complex issues surrounding substance misuse accessible to both students and practitioners. As such, it fosters a multidisciplinary and critically reflective approach to policy and practice.

It has long been recognised that clients with addiction problems need a skilled and thoughtful response when they come into contact with social services. However, students often find that policy and the law surrounding working with drug, alcohol and substance misusers can be complex and often unclear. This fully-revised third edition will help students cultivate the skills required to work effectively with clients and service users who misuse drugs and alcohol. There are clear introductions to the law and to social policy in this area, while the author considers how a holistic approach can be effective when working with this particular client group. Case studies and reflective exercises are used to draw out these key skills. The book also features sections on anti-oppressive practice with a focus on service user empowerment. With this third edition comes new material on social work practice with alcohol misusers, making this book even more essential reading for students and practitioners who want to engage with clients who struggle with addiction.

Here, leading international contributors outline holistic and specialist approaches to policy and practice, and highlight the shift in emphasis from immediate risk minimization of substance misuse to long-term recovery, the importance of prevention and the pivotal role of workforce development.

Drug use is a major challenge for public services, healthcare professionals and policy-makers all over the world. This book offers a complete overview of the issues associated with substance misuse from an interdisciplinary perspective. It begins by providing a reference guide to the different psychoactive substances, looking at the biological and psychological impact of their use. Key issues in the effect drugs have on society are then addressed, before outlining methods of recovery and therapy. Chapters include: Reflective questions to challenge readers’ assumptions Case studies to help students understand the impact of substances on individuals Links to further resources to expand readers’ knowledge It will be valuable reading for those studying on degrees in criminology, health, nursing, social work and counselling.

An accessible guide to providing effective support to substance users. The book uses transactional analysis to provide models for understanding substance use, assessing clients, intervention and treatment. Counseling techniques such as motivational interviewing and relapse process work are included, and case studies feature throughout.

Copy – Web Catalog: Emerging Perspectives on Substance Misuse addresses theoretical, practice and policy issues with regard to the problematic use of alcohol and illegal drugs. Comprises chapters from some of the most internationally well-known academics and practitioners representing a range of different specializations and perspectives in the field Presents a wide range of emerging evidence-based perspectives Includes content relevant for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers who work with individuals or policy related to drug and alcohol misuse Areas covered include - gender and substance use, working with children and families of substance misusers and the emerging recovery movement