Managing Substance Use Disorder

Abstract

This practitioner guide reviews screening, assessment, and treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs). It is designed to accompany Managing Your Substance Use Disorder: Client Workbook and A Family Guide to Coping with Substance Use Disorders. The latter guide was added because each person with a SUD affects the family and concerned significant others. The information and strategies that the authors present can be used with clients who have any type of SUD. The guide focuses on strategies to reduce or stop substance use and change behaviors that challenge recovery. The information presented is derived from research, clinical, and recovery literature and from the authors’ extensive experience developing and managing a large continuum of clinical services, providing direct care, conducting quality improvement initiatives, participating in clinical trials, and teaching all disciplines in a large medical center and the community. This guide discusses professional approaches and attitudes toward individuals with SUDs, assessment, diagnostic formulation, psychosocial and pharmacotherapeutic treatments, and mutual support programs. It provides an overview of the recovery and relapse processes and practical strategies to address issues associated with SUDs. This guide is for practitioners from any discipline who encounter individuals with SUDs in addiction, mental health, psychiatric, private practice, or other settings such as social services and the criminal justice system. Even medical practitioners who do not specialize in addiction treatment can benefit from the information in this guide because individuals with SUDs are found in all types of healthcare settings.