The initial chapters of the book are devoted to an in-depth discussion of theoretical underpinnings. Beginning with a detailed overview of the historical-cultural context of adolescent substance use and abuse, the author moves on to explore the latest research into diagnosis, paying special attention to problems created by the use of various types of diagnostic criteria. He next turns his attention to etiological issues, examining all known and speculative biological, developmental, socioeconomic, and other factors that may give rise to substance abuse in the adolescent.
The remainder of the book is devoted entirely to clinical concerns. In addition to discussing, in depth, the assessment, diagnosis, and medical evaluation of adolescent substance abuse, Dr. Bukstein appraises numerous theory-based approaches to dealing with the problem, from traditional approaches grounded in Alcoholics Anonymous and the twelve-step philosophy to the aggressive use of pharmaceutical treatments. He also discusses psychiatric disorders that often exist in tandem with substance abuse in adolescents and explores their role in substance abuse behavior.
A comprehensive review of our current understanding of the causes and cures of adolescent substance abuse, and a rigorous, research-based guide to its clinical assessment, treatment, and prevention, Adolescent Substance Abuse is an indispensable resource for clinical and developmental psychologists, psychiatrists, drug counselors, social workers, and all mental health professionals who work with adolescents.
Of related interest...
TREATING THE ALCOHOLIC: A Developmental Model of Recovery
Stephanie Brown
The landmark book that challenged traditional theories and treatments of alcoholism, Treating the Alcoholic describes a "continuum of recovery" with four central phases: drinking, transition, early recovery, ongoing recovery. It provides a revealing comparison between the principles of AA and psychotherapy and translates AA's twelve steps into psychological terminology, helping therapists, patients, and alcoholism counselors work together more effectively. Firsthand descriptions of the inevitable emotional, physical, and psychological problems that accompany treatment will help recovering alcoholics and their families better cope with the highs and lows of the recovery process. 1985 (0-471-81736-8) 348 pp.
PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTURBANCE IN ADOLESCENCE, Second Edition Irving B. Weiner
Thoroughly updated to reflect contemporary practice and theory, this book is designed to help clinicians do the best possible job of recognizing, identifying, and treating abnormal psychological development in adolescents. It begins with a detailed survey of current theoretical issues in adolescent psychology: normality, abnormality in adolescence, and patterns of psychopathology. Also covered in these chapters are key issues of assessment, classification, and epidemiology. Subsequent chapters cover problems in adolescent patients, including schizophrenia, depression and suicide, school phobia, delinquent behavior, substance abuse, and more. The book's final chapter illustrates the principles of psychotherapy with disturbed adolescents. It considers treatment goals; aspects of initiating, building, and terminating treatment; and the role of parents in the psychotherapeutic process. 1992
