Substance Use Disorders in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Clients

Sandra Anderson's book is a great resource for any social worker or clinician working with substance use disorders and the LGBT population. Her work provides a comprehensive review of contemporary assessment and substance abuse treatment research literature, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, and how those modalities apply in working with LGBT clients. The case studies are particularly helpful, making Anderson's work a great resource for new clinicians or those new to working with LGBT clients. -- Rodger L. Beatty, University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health Substance Use Disorders in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Clients is one of the first books to present an exhaustive, current, and relevant look into the impact of substance abuse on LGBT clients as well as clinical implications for working with members of this population and their loved ones. -- Brian J. Dew, Georgia State University, and past president, Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues in Counseling (ALGBTIC)

Internalized homophobia, alienation, poor support structures, and high levels of depression all contribute to substance abuse among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, with social activity at bars and clubs reinforcing addictive behavior. The threat of bias in treatment programs also prevents many from seeking help. An essential resource for human service professionals searching for the latest research on these unique issues, this volume features both state of the art practice methods for treating substance use disorders and up-to-date analyses of sexual orientation and gender identity issues, heterosexism, and the ethical challenges of working with the LGBT community. Sandra Anderson discusses practice with individuals, couples, families, and small groups, as well as practice at the program level. Drawing on case studies with her own clients and from social service agencies that treat LGBT clients, Anderson emphasizes evidence-based treatment models, including motivational enhancement therapy, contingency management, the matrix model, and community reinforcement. Packed with recommendations for effective practice, this singular volume confronts the obstacles faced not only by clients with addictions but also by the LGBT population as a whole.