Combining the latest post-COVID-19 pandemic insights and research from the field with experiential teaching and learning methods, Counseling Clients with Substance Use Disorders and/or Problematic Behaviors (known as Addictions Counseling Today in its first edition) immerses readers in both the theory and practice of substance use counseling today. The second edition of this text is chock-full of practical class and individual exercises, roleplay scenarios, as well as discussions on working with diverse populations.
Author Kevin G. Alderson divides the text into four distinct parts (Part I: General Treatment Considerations; Part II: DSM-5-TR Substance Use and Addictive Disorders; Part III: Summary and Conclusions; and Part IV: Tobacco Use Disorder and Problematic Behaviors), covering the best-known problematic behaviors in separate chapters. Part IV, consisting of eight chapters on everything from problematic internet-related behaviors to problematic work behaviors, is available online for students and adopting instructors. He also incorporates the Entry-Level Specialized Practice Areas criteria for substance use counseling from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP, 2024) and the standards for accreditation of substance use counseling programs by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC, 2022).
This textbook is recommended for counseling, counseling psychology, and social work students at various academic levels, from associate to doctoral studies. It's also an ideal resource for practicing counselors dealing with SUDs and problematic behaviors.
Explore the differences in the Table of Contents between the first and second editions here.
Praise for the Previous Edition (Known As Addictions Counseling Today):
"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