Addictions Counseling Today
Substances and Addictive Behaviors

First Edition

Kevin G. Alderson - University of Calgary, Canada

Courses:
Addictive Behaviors | Social Work Theory and Practice | Substance Abuse/ Addictions Counseling | Substance Abuse/ Addictions Counseling

December 2019 | 720 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

Winner of the 2020 Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) Counselling Book Award

Enlightening and practical, Addictions Counseling Today invites students into the heart of addictive thinking, offering first-person accounts of what it is like to experience different addictions. The text covers the range of addictions from alcohol, drug abuse, and nicotine to various process addictions, including sex, internet, gaming, social media, and gambling. Also included are the various theories and models of addiction, with a unique chapter on the neuroscience of addiction. Focusing on the new DSM-V classifications for addiction with an emphasis on CACREP and treatment, this provocative, contemporary text is an essential reference for both students and practitioners wanting to gain a deeper understanding of those with addiction.

Learn why teaching addictions is changing and how to adapt your course by watching Kevin G. Alderson's Ph.D. webinar entitled The Pandemic Addiction Volcano here.

Online Resources

Free PowerPoint® slides with video for instructors are available with this text. Test bank questions will be available in August 2020. Contact the author to learn more.

Available Formats

ISBN: 9781483308265 Paperback Suggested Retail Price: $183.00 Bookstore Price: $146.40

Preface

Acknowledgments

For Instructors

About the Author

Chapter 1. Introduction

Introduction

Definitions

History of Drugs, Addictions, and Addiction Counseling

Labeling Theory

Repeating Harmful Addictive Behaviors

Treatment and “Maturing Out”

Becoming a Certified Addiction Counselor

Roles and Settings of Addiction Counselors

Videos

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

Chapter 2. Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling

General Discussion of Ethics (ACA’s 2014 Code of Ethics)

Six Ethical Principles

Ethical Standards

Specific Discussion of Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues

Cottone and Tarvydas’s (2016) Discussion of Ethics in Addiction Counseling

Working With the Legal System and Court-Referred Clients

Special Considerations in Offering Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling

Resolving Ethical Issues

Record-Keeping Standards

Third-Party and Private Practice Reimbursement

Counselor Recovery Status

Resources and Videos

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

Appendix 2A. Confidentiality Agreement With Minors (“Assent”)

Appendix 2B. Initial Clinical Record

Appendix 2C. Subsequent Clinical Records

Chapter 3. Theories of Addiction

Moral or “Choice” Model

Biological and “Disease” Theories

Psychological Theories

Family or “Systems Theory” Models

Sociocultural Theories

Postmodern Theories

Biopsychosocial Model

Resources and Videos

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

Appendix 3A. Answers to Can You Guess Which Theory(ies) Explains the Counselor’s Behavior?

Appendix 3B. Public Attitudes About Addiction Survey

Chapter 4. The Neuroscience of Addictions

Neurogenetic and Genetic Studies

Basics of Neuroscience

The Body’s Nervous System, Neurons, and Glial Cells

Divisions and Structures of the Brain

Neuroscience of Addictions

Neurobiological Theories of Drug Dependence

Developmental Concerns During Adolescence

Behavioral Addictions

Treatment Implications Emanating from Neuroscience

Resources and Videos

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

PART I: GENERAL TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS

Chapter 5. DSM-5, Polyaddictions, and Comorbidity

DSM-5

Polyaddictions

Comorbidity

Resources and Videos

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

Chapter 6. Individual Counseling and Relapse Prevention

Evidence-Based Individual Counseling for Addictions

Beginning Counseling Work With Clients

How Effective Are Psychosocial Approaches in Addiction Treatment?

What Is Evidence-Based Counseling?

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Behavior Therapy

Motivational Interviewing and Motivational Enhancement Therapy

Transtheoretical Model of Change

Mindfulness Treatments

Brief Interventions

Integrative Therapy

Solution-Focused Therapy

Conducting a Mental Status Examination and Collecting Clients’ Histories

Assessment and Intervention Strategies for Suicide Risk and Prevention

Assessment Strategies for Homicide Risk

Impermanently Ending Our Counseling Relationship With Clients

Relapse Prevention

Common Counseling Mistakes

Generic Addiction Apps

Resources

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

Chapter 7. Couples, Family, Group, and Mutual Support Groups

Couples Counseling

Family Counseling

Group Counseling

Mutual Support Groups

Resources and Videos

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

Appendix 7A. Conflict Resolution

Appendix 7B. Changes Needed and Wanted in This Relationship

Appendix 7C. Common Mistakes Made by Couples and Family Counselors

Appendix 7D. Group Facilitation Roleplays

Chapter 8. Prevention, Evaluation, and Assessment

Prevention

Universal Prevention

Selective Prevention

Indicated Prevention

Mass Media Campaigns

Behavioral Addiction

Parental Strategies for Preventing Addiction

Individual Strategies for Preventing Addiction

Evaluation

Program Evaluation

Prevention Evaluation

Treatment Evaluation

Assessment

Resources and Videos

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

PART II: SUBSTANCE ADDICTIONS

Chapter 9. Alcohol Addiction

Background Information

Working With Diverse Populations

Medications and Other Relevant Physical Interventions

Specific Counseling Considerations

Relevant Mutual Support Groups, Websites, and Videos

Relevant Phone Apps

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

Chapter 10. Cannabis Addiction

Background Information

Working With Diverse Populations

Medications and Other Relevant Physical Interventions

Specific Counseling Considerations

Relevant Mutual Support Groups, Websites, and Videos

Relevant Phone Apps

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

Chapter 11. Opioid Addiction

Background Information

Working With Diverse Populations

Medications and Other Relevant Physical Interventions

Specific Counseling Considerations

Relevant Mutual Support Groups, Websites, and Videos

Relevant Phone Apps

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

Chapter 12. Nicotine Addiction

Background Information

Working With Diverse Populations

Medications and Other Relevant Physical Interventions

Specific Counseling Considerations

Relevant Mutual Support Groups, Websites, and Videos

Relevant Phone Apps

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

Chapter 13. Other Drug Addictions

Background Information

Working With Diverse Populations

Medications and Other Relevant Physical Interventions

Specific Counseling Considerations

Relevant Mutual Support Groups, Websites, and Videos

Relevant Phone Apps

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

PART III: RECOGNIZED BEHAVIORAL ADDICTIONS

Chapter 14. Gambling Addiction

Background Information

Working With Diverse Populations

Medications and Other Relevant Physical Interventions

Specific Counseling Considerations

Relevant Mutual Support Groups, Websites, and Videos

Relevant Phone Apps

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

Chapter 15. Internet-Related Addictions: Internet Addiction, Internet Gaming Disorder, and Social Media Addiction

Background Information

Working With Diverse Populations

Medications and Other Relevant Physical Interventions

Specific Counseling Considerations

Relevant Mutual Support Groups, Websites, and Videos

Relevant Phone Apps

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

PART IV: CONTROVERSIAL BEHAVIORAL ADDICTIONS

Chapter 16. Sex Addiction

Background Information

Working With Diverse Populations

Medications and Other Relevant Physical Interventions

Specific Counseling Considerations

Relevant Mutual Support Groups, Websites, and Videos

Relevant Phone Apps

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

Chapter 17. Romantic Relationship Addiction

Background Information

Working With Diverse Populations

Medications and Other Relevant Physical Interventions

Specific Counseling Considerations

Relevant Mutual Support Groups, Websites, and Videos

Relevant Phone Apps

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

Chapter 18. Food Addiction

Background Information

Working With Diverse Populations

Medications and Other Relevant Physical Interventions

Specific Counseling Considerations

Relevant Mutual Support Groups, Websites, and Videos

Relevant Phone Apps

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

Chapter 19. Exercise Addiction

Background Information

Working With Diverse Populations

Medications and Other Relevant Physical Interventions

Specific Counseling Considerations

Relevant Mutual Support Groups, Websites, and Videos

Relevant Phone Apps

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

Chapter 20. Shopping Addiction

Background Information

Working With Diverse Populations

Medications and Other Relevant Physical Interventions

Specific Counseling Considerations

Relevant Mutual Support Groups, Websites, and Videos

Relevant Phone Apps

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

Chapter 21. Work Addiction

Background Information

Working With Diverse Populations

Medications and Other Relevant Physical Interventions

Specific Counseling Considerations

Relevant Mutual Support Groups, Websites, and Videos

Relevant Phone Apps

Journals and Conferences

Individual Exercises

Classroom Exercises

Chapter Summary

References

PART V: SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Chapter 22. Summary and Conclusions

A Metaphor for Addictions

Risk Factors

Protective Factors

Counseling Considerations

What Counselors Bring to the Table

References

Epilogue

Appendix A. CACREP Addiction Counseling Standards

Appendix B. Generic Preparation and Action Strategies

Appendix C. Relapse Prevention Handouts for Clients

Appendix D. Mental Status Examination

Index

“Addictions Counseling Today is not only current and based on a thorough literature review, but inclusive and impressive in its ability to capture the perceptions of both the counselor and the addict. Hearing the thoughts of an active user was both powerful and impactful. The application of the stages of change model to goal-setting is invaluable to students who are learning the first steps of treatment planning and relapse prevention.”

Genevieve Weber

Hofstra University

“Addictions Counseling Today is a comprehensive book that provides a thorough overview to addictions and covers a variety of chemical and process addictions clients may present with in counseling. The book is designed to be used as an introductory text that begin building a foundational knowledge base that students can further develop as they continue training as mental health and/or addictions professionals.”

Joshua C. Watson

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

“Addictions Counseling Today gives a thorough research-based approach to addiction, including useful skills and resources for counselors in the clinical setting.”

Betsy St. Pierre

Nicholls State University

“An upper level addictions counseling text or a wonderful addictions resource book for clinicians.”

Laurie Walker

Yavapai College

“Addictions Counseling Today is refreshing and up-to-date.”

Brenda Edwards

Mercer University/Penfield College

“A great over-all textbook that students can read with ease.”

Scott Tracy

Kutztown University

Excellent text. Well written and easy to understand. Used to an Independent Study and the student reported enjoying the work we did from the textbook. Will use again.

Professor Darrell L McSwain

Psychology Dept, American International College

drupal

Excellent text. Well written and easy to understand. Used to an Independent Study and the student reported enjoying the work we did from the textbook. Will use again.

Professor Darrell L McSwain

Psychology Dept, American International College

August 12, 2021

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Key features

KEY FEATURES:

Addresses every accreditation standard for addiction counseling as outlined by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs ([CACREP], 2016), providing students with a text suitable for several courses in a CACREP-accredited addictions program.
Inside an Addicted Person’s Mind feature illuminates thinking patterns and processes that are common across addictions and provides students with a first-person account of what it would feel and be like to have the addiction.
Challenging Your Assumptions About This Addiction feature helps students become aware of their assumptions before reading the chapter, showing that they must learn to approach the content in an unbiased way.
Author-created Personal Reflections provide reflexivity, or "bracketing," of the author's personal experience and preconceptions of addiction.
Roleplay Scenarios and How Would an Addiction Counselor Help This Person? exercises provide opportunities for classroom roleplays, group discussions, and personal reflection.
Counseling Scenario practice exercises help students learn from other counselor’s errors by reviewing a scenario where a client sees a counselor with the addiction but encounters a counselor who makes several mistakes in working with the client.
Working with Diverse Populations sections in the addiction chapters focus on work with sex differences, adolescents, ethnically/racially diverse clients, disabled clients, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) clients.
Practical Individual Exercises and Classroom Exercises can be voluntarily completed or assigned, increasing students’ knowledge and skills in working with addictions.
Chapters 9 through 21 are stand-alone chapters, making this an ideal resource for students after they graduate and counseling practitioners (counselors, social workers, psychologists, physicians, psychiatrists), whether they are trained as addiction specialists or more generally.
A separate, unique chapter on the neuroscience of addictions is included to provide students with the latest information on studies of addiction and the brain.
The primary behavioral addictions are covered in separate chapters, providing students with a broader understanding of the different types of addictions individuals may live with.