The Group Therapy of Substance Abuse

Gain a practical perspective on group therapy as a treatment for addiction!

As more and more researchers and clinicians recognize group therapy as the primary psychosocial intervention in the treatment of substance abusers, there is a growing need for a comprehensive resource that places the wide range of theories and ideas about the treatment into practical perspective. The Group Therapy of Substance Abuse is the first book to bridge the gap between substance abuse treatment and group psychotherapy by presenting expert analyses that address all major schools of thought. The book includes clinical examples and specific recommendations for treatment techniques, reflecting a variety of viewpoints from the leading clinicians, scholars, and teachers in the field.

Because of its therapeutic efficacy and cost effectiveness, group therapy has come to play an increasingly important role as the psychosocial therapy of choice for an ever-increasing numbers of patients with substance abuse disorders. For ease of use, The Group Therapy of Substance Abuse is divided into several sections, including a discussion of the basic theoretical approaches on which most group treatments of substance abusers are based; the uses of group treatment approaches in specific treatment settings; and the uses of group treatment with specific patient populations.

The Group Therapy of Substance Abuse also includes diverse perspectives on:

• interpersonal and psychodynamic approaches to therapy
• cognitive behavioral methods
• outpatient, inpatient, and partial-hospitalization groups
• network therapy and 12-step groups
• treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual, adolescent, and elderly abusers
• therapeutic community groups

Essential for professionals who treat substance abusers, The Group Therapy of Substance Abuse is also an excellent textbook for scholars and students in the mental health field. The book adds depth to the practicing (and soon-to-be practicing) clinician's understanding of how best to address the complex problem of addiction.