Rethinking Substance Abuse: What the Science Shows, and What We Should Do about It [Hardcover]

William R. Miller Phd (Editor), Kathleen M. Carroll Phd (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1572302313 | ISBN-13: 978-1572302310 | Publication Date: February 15, 2006 | Edition: 1

While knowledge on substance abuse and addictions is expanding rapidly, clinical practice still lags behind. This state-of-the-art book brings together leading experts to describe what treatment and prevention would look like if it were based on the best science available. The volume incorporates developmental, neurobiological, genetic, behavioral, and social–environmental perspectives. Tightly edited chapters summarize current thinking on the nature and causes of alcohol and other drug problems; discuss what works at the individual, family, and societal levels; and offer robust principles for developing more effective treatments and services.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is an important contribution to our understanding of how to apply substance use research to treatment, prevention, and policy. Preeminent researchers have written chapters that focus on their respective areas of expertise. Each chapter provides a concise picture of the research activities currently underway in the area at hand and summarizes current findings. All of the important domains of research on substance use problems are covered. McLellan provides a compelling critique of the current treatment system, arguing that it is not capable of incorporating evidence-based practices. Miller and Carroll propose a radical restructuring of the now largely segregated substance abuse prevention and treatment system so that it becomes integrated into the health and mental health systems. All those interested in substance use policy should read this book."--Daniel Yalisove, PhD, Department of Psychology and Addiction Studies Program, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

"Two thought leaders in substance abuse have done a remarkable service for clinicians and researchers: they have put together a distillation of what research has taught about the nature of addiction and its treatment. This volume is well focused, comprehensive, and quite readable."--Marc Galanter, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, New York University School of Medicine

"If you teach about substance use and abuse, as I do, you and your students will greatly value this book. Like other exemplary volumes that review what we know about substance abuse, it offers state-of-the-art overviews of biological, psychological, and social factors in and treatments for substance abuse. But it also does a good deal more. Above all, the book anticipates important future developments and weighs them for their impact on prevention and treatment. Since the editors and contributors are leading authorities on these matters, this is a book that can be taken seriously."--Peter E. Nathan, PhD, Department of Psychology and Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa

"This is a rare book in the addictions field. It assembles the most up-to-date scientific knowledge in the social and biological sciences to advance the field with regard to the etiology, prevention, and treatment of substance use problems. The book provides a new understanding of how scientific principles can be utilized in addressing common human issues associated with addictions. The themes that emerge will be of interest to practitioners in pursuit of transdisciplinary research for purposes of improving interventions and services for alcohol and drug problems."--Allen Zweben, DSW, Columbia University School of Social Work

About the Author

William R. Miller, PhD, is Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico. A recipient of the Jellinek Memorial Award for alcoholism research, he is fundamentally interested in the psychology of change, and has focused in particular on the development, testing, and dissemination of behavioral treatments for addictions. Dr. Miller's publications include more than 30 books and 300 articles and chapters spanning behavior therapies, motivation, self-regulation, and the interface of psychology with spirituality and religion. He is named by the Institute for Scientific Information as one of the "world's most cited scientists."

Kathleen M. Carroll, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine. The author of over 180 journal articles and chapters, her research and clinical interests lie in the area of developing and evaluating behavioral therapies for substance use disorders, and combining therapies to maximize treatment outcome. Dr. Carroll is the past president of Division 50 (Addictions) of the American Psychological Association, and holds both Senior Scientist and MERIT awards from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the latter being awarded to the top 1% of National Institute of Health investigators.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1 edition (February 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572302313
• ISBN-13: 978-1572302310
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #465,331 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. William R. Miller is Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico. Fundamentally interested in the psychology of change, he has focused in particular on the development, testing, and dissemination of behavioral treatments for addictions. He maintains an active interest in pastoral counseling and the integration of spirituality and psychology. The Institute for Scientific Information lists him as one of the world's most cited scientists.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be required reading for criminal justice professionals, March 12, 2007

By 

Helen Harberts (California) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Rethinking Substance Abuse: What the Science Shows, and What We Should Do about It (Hardcover)

A great book that focuses your mind on the real scientific research behind substance abuse, and moves folks away from treatment myths, public misconceptions, and from knee jerk thinking about substance abuse problems. Because a substantial portion of criminal justice is fueled by substance abuse, prosecutors like myself can make better policy decisions if they understand the nature of the disease. Defense counsel can make better decisions that can make a long term improvement in the lives of their clients, probation and parole can understand and react to problems correctly. Treatment professionals can follow the rapidly emerging science that suggests changes in treatment curriculum and strategies to address specific challenges.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars we all should know, February 16, 2009

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sally wright "truth seeker" (western mass. USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rethinking Substance Abuse: What the Science Shows, and What We Should Do about It (Hardcover)

This book is a fascinating gathering together of important scholarship in the "troublesome use" of drugs and alcohol. The collected papers are the outcome of a conference and discussion among researchers in every area of science related to addictions. The articles are precise and full but invite readership at varying levels of being informed by setting out necessary terminology and then summarizing key points at each chapter's end. The sad thing about addiction in our culture is the lack of knowledge, not only among the public but even in the medical profession. This book goes far to correct that gap.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Filled with information, July 1, 2008

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GusEmery "keeping it simple" (Arroyo Grande, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rethinking Substance Abuse: What the Science Shows, and What We Should Do about It (Hardcover)

I'm only half way through this book but I have learned so much. It is filled with informative material, reporting on state of the art addiction information. I'm really glad I spent the money on this book. Its a hard read sometime, difficult concepts are being presented, but even though I'm a lay reader, I am able to fully understand the material.