Chemical Dependency: A Systems Approach

by C.Aaron McNeece, Diana Dinitto

Comprehensive presentation of substance abuse with the most recent issues in epidemiology, etiology, substance abuse policy, and treatment. The book looksat substance abuse from a systems perspective, It presents all major theories of addiction, as well as the major physiological and psychological results of substance abuse, including fetal alcohol syndrome. Coverage of the latest developments in treatment (including pharmacological approaches), recent research on treatment outcomes, and a comprehensive discussion of etiological theories, including genetics, is included. This edition contains an up-to-date discussion of the most recent trends in designer drugs to help explain the considerable frequency of changes in which drug use patterns occur. Learning Goals Upon completing this book, readers should be able

600 pages, Paperback

First published July 27, 2011

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.