Written with easy-to-approach language for beginners in the field, SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING, International Edition, provides a good, practical overview of substance abuse counseling. It addresses key issues early, including the designing of specialized treatments to fit the individual needs of a client. This book also emphasizes the tendency of substance-abusing clients and their families to form a heterogeneous group that must be treated from an individualized perspective. The authors believe strongly that clients differ not only in the specific behaviors and consequences associated with their drug use but also in culture, gender, social environments, physical concerns, mental health and a host of other variables. Using an integrated approach, the authors describe innovative methods for meeting clients' needs through personalized assessment, treatment planning, and behavior change strategies, showing you how to select the most effective ways to help treat people with substance abuse problems.

Author Biography

Robert Q. Dana (Ed.D., Vanderbilt University) is Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the University of Maine, where he also teaches courses on addictions and is a member of the graduate faculty. He has direct responsibility for all campus life programs including Greek Life, Alcohol and Drug Education Residence Life, Counseling Services and campus-wide crisis management services. Dr. Dana spent a substantial part of his career as an addictive behaviors researcher and practitioner. He writes frequently on substance abuse and has conducted numerous studies on epidemiology and etiology of alcohol and other drug abuse. He has served as an extramural reviewer for state and federal agencies and as a journal reviewer for Addictive Behaviors. Gregory A. Blevins (Ph.D., Western Michigan University) is a retired Professor Emeritus from the College of Health and Human Services at Governors State University. He held positions as the Assistant Dean of the college, Chair of the Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health Department and full Professor of Addictions Studies. He completed the Specialty Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Abuse in 1974 and his doctorate in Sociology in 1979. Dr. Blevins is a founder and life member of the International Coalition for Substance Abuse Educators and has served as a trainer for the Bemidji Area Office of Indian Health Services since 1988. Dr. Judith A. Lewis, late, was Professor and Chair of Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health at Governors State University. She retired in 2008. She served as president of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors and was a formative contributor to the substance abuse field for many years.