Addiction Essentials: The Go-To Guide for Clinicians and Patients (Go-To Guides for Mental Health)

An up-to-date guide to the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of addictions.;Causes of addiction -- Diagnosis of drug overdose and mental disorders / with Peter J. Pociluyko -- Alcohol, the drink of all ages -- Alcohol and drug interactions / with Mark Evan Goldman -- Drugs that speed us up -- Drugs that slow us down -- Drug use and abuse in adolescents / with Mark Evan Goldman -- Visual and behavioral signs of drug abuse -- Gender and cultural differences in drug use / with Mark Evan Goldman -- Major mental illnesses accompanying drug use disorders / with Peter J. Pociluyko -- Personality disorders and drug use / with Peter J. Pociluyko -- Medications for enhanced treatment of chemical dependence / with Mark Evan Goldman -- Principles of individual therapy / with Peter J. Pociluyko -- Individual therapies for drug use disorders / with Peter J. Pociluyko -- Principles of group therapy / with Peter J. Pociluyko -- Group therapies for drug use disorders / with Peter J. Pociluyko -- Involvement of the family / with Peter J. Pociluyko -- Relapse and relapse prevention -- Appendix: Resources for readers. An up-to-date guide to the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of addictions. Whether it’s to caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol, many of us suffer from at least one addiction. Carlton K. Erickson presents a comprehensive overview of the various types of addictions—covering both substance and nonsubstance addictions such as gambling, Internet use, and video games—and their diagnosis and treatment. This book sheds light upon the biological and environmental factors that cause addiction, reviews the various types of substance and nonsubstance addictions, and offers clinicians and patients hope for recovery. Erickson examines alcohol, drugs that speed us up, drugs that slow us down, and how to recognize addictive behavior—such as exercise and videogame addiction—which may be less obvious. Other topics covered include alcohol and other drug pharmacology, neurophysiology of brain pathways, alcohol and drug interactions, adolescent drug use, drug use differences by gender and culture, and visual signs of drug use. Erickson presents various therapeutic methods for addressing addiction, including pharmacological interventions, individual or group therapy, twelve-step programs, and therapy involving family members. Finally, he reflects on the involvement of family and the risks and consequences of relapse. Written by one of the country’s leading addiction specialists, this accessible, comprehensive book, is a go-to reference for your questions about addiction, and a friendly introduction to the diagnosis and treatment options.