Chemical Dependency: A Systems Approach

by C. Aaron McNeese, Diana M. DiNitto, C. Aaron McNeese

Provides complete coverage of chemical dependency from aetiology, epidemiology and treatment to regulation and prevention. The text uses a systems approach that links the individual with familial, community and environmental factors influencing drug use.

Genres: Psychology

413 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1993

Reviews

[Elle · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book provides a survey of current theories about addiction and of the evidence-based, culturally sensitive practices available to treat it. However, the text is muddy, as if the mass of information had not been understood before being written about, and it does not provide much substance about any of what it covers, limiting its practical usefulness. Evidence-based practices will constantly change, and the text cannot be blamed if the field itself lacks coherence in its theories. However, providing a slightly fleshed out index of such theories and practices is vastly overpriced at $127.

What value the text did provide lay in its thesis that chemical dependency is a cultural construct. Whether one is considered to have substance use disorder issues has everything to do with how substance use affects any individual's roles and relationships. When the text touches on this, and the importance of context, it is at its best.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a textbook. A decent place to start.