Women and Addiction

"An exceptional contribution. The breadth and depth of this book are impressive, with coverage of neurobiology, psychosocial models, epidemiology, and much more. The gender gap in the substance abuse literature has long been an issue, and this comprehensive work marks a leap forward. Readers will find much here to challenge old ideas and spark new ones. The 'Key Points' section in each chapter is especially helpful for those who want to quickly learn the gist of the science. Bravo to the editors and contributors for this truly fine work."--Lisa M. Najavits, PhD, Director, Treatment Innovations; Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School

"Finally, a synthesis of research advances on addiction and women, and in a single volume! Scholarly yet easy to read, and written by leading researchers in the field, this is a perfect addition to the bookshelf of anyone interested in addictions. It offers comprehensive, current, and relevant coverage of such issues as hormones, pregnancy, co-occurring psychiatric disorders, and women's unique treatment needs. I highly recommend this book to a broad audience, including treatment professionals, students, basic scientists, and policymakers."--Carrie Randall, PhD, Distinguished University Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Director, Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina

"The once-neglected field of research in addiction and its treatment in women has flourished in the past 20 years, making this book a 'must read' for clinicians. Brady, Back, and Greenfield are leaders in research, clinical practice, and teaching. Their book is the definitive work on the subject, and the most important new volume in addiction psychiatry in recent years."--Richard J. Frances, MD, Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine

- This hefty volume takes stock of the mushrooming research literature, analyzes and synthesizes hundreds of studies, and pinpoints the remaining gaps in the knowledge base....The advanced student or researcher...will be very well served....This handbook would be a useful addition to collections that support academic programs in medicine, nursing, psychology, biology, public health, or social work. --Feminist Collections, 4/4/2009ƒƒ Documents with empirical strength and impunity the biological and psychosocial nuances that differentiate women's addiction and treatment experiences from men's experiences. This powerful compendium provides a thorough review of the literature for researchers and academics, but is also accessible to practitioners and policy makers interested in the need for and implementation of gender specific services....The accumulated knowledge within this volume produces an excellent resource or teaching tool that can be used to inform and enlighten seasoned, as well as incoming, professionals. It is also well suited for graduate coursework in disciplines that foster research within this area or those that have specialized courses on understanding and/or treating substance use disorders such as psychology, social work, nursing, and medical schools....There has been no venue that comprehensively presents the advances in research and treatment exemplified by this volume, making this imperative reading for anyone with interest in improving the lives of women experiencing addiction. --Sex Roles, 4/4/2009ƒƒ Comprehensive in its scope and detailed in its coverage of addiction and women....Editors Brady, Back, and Greenfield have provided a thorough compilation of the research in the area of gender differences, including information on up-to-date research, a historical perspective on research and treatment, and descriptions of approaches to a wide variety of problems and subpopulations. Women and Addiction is a needed resource for both clinicians and researchers in the substance abuse area....This book provides neuro- and biological, social, and subpopulation explanations of the possible paths of the addiction process in women. --PsycCRITIQUES, 4/4/2009