This book contributes to one of the most challenging areas of mental health: substance misuse. Its focus is on the psychopathological experiences associated with it: both the consequences of substance misuse and the existential vulnerabilities that lead to it, even if such a clear-cut distinction is rarely possible. The work brings an innovative perspective to the issue, as it draws on two scientific fields whose association has not yet been fully explored: phenomenological psychopathology and substance misuse studies. The association of these two perspectives could build a greater understanding of this important topic and be of practical help to a wide array of professionals in their clinical practice. The structure of the book is inspired by this overall perspective. Its division into three parts is designed to introduce the reader, in a stepwise manner, to the complexities of the theme, based on the latest advances in the specific literature. The broad objective of this work is therefore to offer a useful instrument for mental health clinicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, undergraduate students of these disciplines, and all substance abuse workers.

This book contributes to one of the most challenging areas of mental health: substance misuse. Its focus is on the psychopathological experiences associated with it: both the consequences of substance misuse and the existential vulnerabilities that lead to it, even if such a clear-cut distinction is rarely possible. The work brings an innovative perspective to the issue, as it draws on two scientific fields whose association has not yet been fully explored: phenomenological psychopathology and substance misuse studies. The association of these two perspectives could build a greater understanding of this important topic and be of practical help to a wide array of professionals in their clinical practice. The structure of the book is inspired by this overall perspective. Its division into three parts is designed to introduce the reader, in a stepwise manner, to the complexities of the theme, based on the latest advances in the specific literature. The broad objective of this work is therefore to offer a useful instrument for mental health clinicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, undergraduate students of these disciplines, and all substance abuse workers.

vThe discipline of phenomenological psychopathology has historically focused on elucidating the ways in which persons with psychiatric illnesses experience themselves and the world. Early pioneers in this field were aware of the impact of uncontrollable life events on the onset and course of severe illness, such as Jaspers’ recognition that environmental events may stimulate or enhance certain “innate potentialities” for the development of a disorder. Furthermore, the role of environment and life events in the development and onset of psychiatric illness has been well-documented. For example, there is a clear relationship between the development of psychotic symptoms and life stressors including adverse childhood events, urban living, and migration. However, relatively little attention (with some notable exceptions) has been devoted to exploring the features of those experienced worlds and how they may impact the trajectory of severe illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, and personality disorders.

This book is a guide for psychologists working with substance users in different healthcare settings, from private clinical practice to larger health institutions and community services. It presents a comprehensive overview of the different aspects involved with substance use disorders from a psychological perspective, from prevention to recovery. The volume offers an integrative view about neurobiological, behavioral and psychosocial aspects related to becoming a substance user; shows how psychological assessment tools can be used to diagnose substance use disorders; describes how different kinds of psychotherapy can be applied in the treatment of substance use disorders; and presents a range of evidence-based clinical and social interventions designed for both prevention and treatment of substance use disorders. Apart from covering the whole range of services related to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders, the volume also shows how these issues can be approached from different theoretical perspectives within psychology, such as: Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology Neuropsychology Existential Psychology Phenomenology Psychoanalysis Analytical Psychology Community and Social Psychology Psychology of Substance Abuse: Psychotherapy, Clinical Management and Social Intervention will be a useful resource for psychologists and other health professionals working with substance users, as well as to undergraduate and graduate students looking for a comprehensive introduction to the psychology of substance abuse.

This book frames how existential theory and intervention strategies can be seamlessly integrated with evidenced-based approaches when treating adolescents. This groundbreaking text begins with an overview of EI theory and provides an exhaustive review of risk and protective factors that contribute to an adolescent's experience of existential anxiety. Other book highlights include a proposed developmental model of existential anxiety in adolescence, and individual chapters devoted to working with adolescents who present with anxiety, depression, substance abuse concerns, and disruptive behaviors. Rich case study descriptions enrich this exciting and impactful approach with empirical support.