Substance Use and Abuse: Everything Matters

by Rick Csiernik

Substance Use and Abuse provides both students and practitioners in the field of addiction counselling with a foundational knowledge of psychoactive drugs. With its emphasis on the bio-psycho-social components of addiction, this text is essential reading for both beginning and experienced addiction counsellors and social workers. Among the critical topics discussed are concepts and theories of addiction, the major types of psychoactive substances, treatment options and resources, and numerous prevention strategies. The book concludes with an informative chapter on the legal, ethical, and practice requirements for becoming a competent addiction counsellor. This thoroughly updated second edition reflects contemporary issues and recent advances in the field of addiction counselling. New sections examine fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and solvent abuse syndrome, drug treatment courts, various new drugs including bath salts and synthetic cannabis, and emerging treatment options such as internet counselling, narrative therapy, and e-cigarettes. Substance Use and Abuse is a timely and much-needed resource for both students and counsellors seeking to treat individuals dealing with addiction.

496 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Galit Rodan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no doubt that Csiernik is extremely knowledgeable on the subject but his ability to communicate his knowledge here is poor. The book would really benefit from more editing. There are examples that don't seem to prove the point he implies that they do; paragraphs that contradict each other; ideas that aren't properly explained; unnecessarily convoluted diction...it's a frustrating read. This is the textbook that accompanies my Intro to Addiction course and I'm thankful I actually took three courses in this program prior to this one that explained the concepts far more clearly because if this is where I started I'd be completely lost.

[Lorry-ann Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is well written with excellent information and a well rounded social perspective on substance use in Canada. There is some great historical and global information as well. It would be great for 3rd or 4th year undergraduate students to more advanced students. It does need updating to reflect the recent legalization of marijuana and the opioid crisis.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative. Thank you for referring to addiction as biopsychosocial. I am sick of being told that I am diseased for life.

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeping it for the "chapter" on individual drugs. At 100 pages, it's basically a sub-book - a mini-encyclopedia, really. I think that would be a better title for the book: "Substance Use and Abuse: An Encyclopedia" since I don't think that it was ever establishd that "everything matters."

[Kathryn Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great imformative book on the subject of addiction. Also a Canadian author giving us addiction from a Canadian stand point.

[G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a book for my course. I enjoyed while learning. I wish all books could be this enjoyable learning tool.