Social Work Practice in the Addictions [Paperback]

Social workers represent the largest body of addiction and mental health service providers, and there is a consistent need for up-to-date information. Social Work Practice in the Addictions is a comprehensive evidence-based volume. Contributing authors of this volume have been carefully selected to ensure representation of the leading social work addiction researchers. Additionally, researchers from other allied fields, including psychiatry, psychology, and public health, will also be involved to ensure a strong interdisciplinary perspective. Unlike other texts on addiction, this book incorporates ideas of social justice, practice with diverse communities, and ethics to represent the entire knowledge base of social work.This book offers comprehensive, evidence-based and interdisciplinary coverage of social work practice regarding addiction, incorporating concepts of social justice, practice with diverse communities and ethics to span the entire knowledge base of social work.Historical and Contemporary Perspectives.- Epidemiology. Etiology.- Assessment Strategies.- The Language of Diagnosis.- Motivational Interventions.- Recovery, AA/NA, and 12-step facilitation.- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.- A Framework for Integrating Culture, Diversity, and Social Justice in Addictions.- Empirical Status of Culturally Competent Practices.- Adolescents.- Women and Families.- Older Adults.- Alcohol Policy.- Drug Control Policies: Problems and Prospects.- Conclusions and Future Directions.

At the beginning of history, people abused intoxicating substances and grappled with the consequences as best they could. In more recent times, the healing professions made recognizing, understanding, and treating addictions major priorities. Today, social workers are the largest group providing assessment, prevention, and treatment services for persons with addictions, necessitating rigorous, up-to-date information sources concerning the vulnerable and often stigmatized clients they encolã6