Working with Substance Misusers

Working with Substance Misusers is a comprehensive and practical handbook for students and those who work with people who misuse drugs or alcohol.

Written by experienced teachers and clinicians, the book introduces:






the substances themselves



theories relevant to substance use and misuse



the skills necessary to work with this client group



the broad range of approaches to treatment



particular problems of specific groups.




Thoroughly revised throughout, it includes nine all-new chapters, including discussion of the social context of substance misuse, the policy context in the devolved countries of the UK, stimulant use, the recovery approach and service user involvement. Each topic has an identified set of learning objectives and the regular Reader Input sections include discussion points, questions, activities, role plays and group exercises. The final part of the book is comprised of case studies and reflective questions to accompany them.

Working with Substance Misusers makes clear the connection of theory to practice and encourages a skills-based, but reflective, approach to work in this complex field. Cutting across professional boundaries, it provides both new and more experienced practitioners with a key text.