Clinical Work with Substance-Abusing Clients

“A richly designed text and resource tool for graduate counseling students as well as the novice and seasoned professional substance abuse therapist. This book takes a multidimensional approach to assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for today's substance abusing clients with specific emphasis on diverse populations....Dr. Straussner pools experts in the addiction field who offer an easy-to-read clinical guide of systematic strategies and methods for intervening in a world rough with the negative impact of alcohol and other drugs on individuals, families, communities, and the criminal justice system....This book will prove to be an asset to any graduate counseling curriculum, as well as an excellent reference guide for substance abuse counselors and other mental health practitioners.”

—Family Journal (on the second edition)


“Straussner has created an excellent practical reference….The inclusion of material on practice in general and substance abuse settings makes the book applicable to many ers….Each chapter presents a clear conceptual framework that informs practice, and most chapters include case examples. The book includes enough information on different types of substance abuse to communicate how treatment must be adapted for different drugs of abuse.”

—Social Work (on the first edition)


“A comprehensive, readable account of the issues encountered by professionals working with people who abuse substances....this is a welcome core text, relevant to practitioners requiring an introductory knowledge of the issues but also as a resource for experienced workers who specialize in this area of practice.”

—British Journal of Social Work (on the second edition)


“The concise and straightforward manner in which information is presented allows the editor to make the book simple and readable while covering an extensive range of theoretical material. The book can be read in its entirety by students and newcomers to the field or selectively by those interested in particular chapters....I have no hesitation recommending this book to psychiatrists, mental health workers, addiction clinicians, and especially psychiatry residents and medical students as an informative, comprehensive, and clearly and concisely written textbook.”

—Canadian Journal of Psychiatry (on the second edition)


“Much has changed in the addictions treatment field in recent years, and Straussner's third edition superbly reflects these changes. The book includes revised terminology consistent with DSM-5, up-to-date statistics, and new chapter topics that help make this one of the most comprehensive books available. I highly recommend this text to faculty members teaching courses in substance abuse treatment. It is sure to enhance the practices of beginning and experienced clinicians alike.”

—Katherine van Wormer, MSSW, PhD, Department of Social Work, University of Northern Iowa


“Practitioners, educators, and students will find this book to be exceptionally helpful, whether or not substance use disorders are their primary practice area. Straussner has brought together national experts who are at the forefront of this increasingly complex field. New chapter topics include the neurobiology of addiction, trauma-informed care, alternative medicine approaches, and more. Clinical vignettes are included in each chapter. This is a state-of-the-art resource.”

—Melinda Hohman, PhD, School of Social Work (Emeritus), San Diego State University


“A magnificent book. Interweaving empirical information and practical 'how-tos' (where the rubber meets the road), this is the perfect text or desk reference for substance abuse practitioners and nonspecialists alike. The third edition incorporates current definitions, trends in substance use, and intervention directions. It provides a foundation for clinical practice that is second to none.”

—Lori K. Holleran Steiker, PhD, ACSW, School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin


“Straussner has assembled an impressive lineup of experts to cover some of the most crucial issues in treatment of substance use disorders. This is a valuable resource for clinicians in training or practice, particularly since the content has a strong applied focus. The diversity of viewpoints makes the book an interesting read. It will certainly be relevant for many years.”

—Brian Perron, PhD, School of Social Work, University of Michigan


“Straussner captures the most recent developments in the rapidly changing field of addictions, including the implications of DSM-5, evolving evidence-based practices, trauma-informed care, and the neurobiology of addictions. The book's focus on special populations and co-occurring disorders is timely as the field moves toward integrated care. I highly recommend this text for use in the classroom. Students in our addiction counselor training program have found it extremely useful for their work in the field.”

—Darcy Clay Siebert, PhD, School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey


“The book zeros in on the drugs most often abused in recent years and highlights specific intervention methods. Complicated concepts, historical trends, and current theories are explained clearly and concisely. No extraneous information is included—if it's in the book, it's important for the reader to know. I especially appreciate the third edition's expanded focus on family dynamics and interventions. Students in master's and postmaster's programs will find this book readable, informative, and motivating, as will experienced clinicians who want to update their skills.”

—Maryann Amodeo, PhD, LICSW, Co-Director, Center for Addictions Research and Services, Boston University School of Social Work