Substance Abuse Treatment and the Stages of Change: Selecting and Planning Interventions » (1st Edition)

Gerard J. Connors, PhD, is Director of the Research Institute on Addictions at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Coauthor of a textbook on drug use and abuse, Dr. Connors has published over 100 scientific articles and book chapters in the area of alcoholism and addictive behaviors.

Dennis M. Donovan, PhD, is Director of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute at the University of Washington, where he is also Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychology. His more than 120 publications include Assessment of Addictive Behaviors (coedited with G. Alan Marlatt) and Changing Addictive Behavior (coedited with Jalie A. Tucker and G. Alan Marlatt).

Carlo C. DiClemente, PhD, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Dr. DiClemente is the codeveloper of the stages-of-change model with James Prochaska. He has authored numerous scientific articles, books, and book chapters examining the process of human behavior change and the application of this model in a variety of problem behaviors. His recent publications include Group Treatment for Substance Abuse: A Stages-of-Change Therapy Manual (coauthored with Mary Marden Velasquez et al.).

This volume synthesizes the latest theory and research on the process of addictive behavior change, helping the clinician more effectively conceptualize and address the needs of particular clients. It offers concrete guidance for tailoring interventions to clients with varying levels of motivation or readiness to change, describing what works--and what doesn't work--at different points in the recovery process. All aspects of addictions treatment are covered, from assessment to intervention and relapse management. Practical recommendations are provided for applying the stages of change model to clinical work with individuals, groups, couples and families, and for addressing the special needs of women and dually diagnosed clients. Ideal for practicing clinicians, the book is also an invaluable text for graduate-level courses.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Marcella McGuire, MS, RN, CSADC(Rush University Medical Center)
Description:This book describes the stages of change as they apply to clients with substance abuse disorders. It provides a clinical framework for each stage of change and suggestions for the clinician to use to motivate the client during each stage.
Purpose:The purpose is to provide clinicians with a better understanding of their clients' perspective, since the initial assessment is usually arranged by someone other than the client. How to develop a therapeutic alliance is discussed in detail.
Audience:The audience for the book would include mental health professions students, mental health professionals, clinicians, and teachers.
Features:There is a generous reference list, each chapter has a crisp summary, and a fresh discussion of denial. The authors describe various facets of denial which help develop a better understanding of how to engage the client.
Assessment:Although the subject matter is not new, the presentation is well organized. The case studies are useful, but unfortunately they are geared toward an older group.