Understanding & Working With Substance Misusers

`Building on the principles of motivational interviewing and a whole systems approach, Araon Pycroft masterfully addresses the complexity of substance misuse. Educators in the helping professions and addiction experts will find Understanding and Working with Substance Misusers a highly informative and thought-provoking resource.' Katherine van Wormer, co-author of Addiction Treatment: a Strenghts Perspective, Professor of Social Work, University of Northern lowa

`In addressing the essentials of understaind substance use and misuse, Aaron Pycroft has provided a comprehensive approach whilst remaining grounded in evidence.' Dr Peter Phillips, City University London

Understanding and Working with Substance Misusers explores the complex nature of addiction and the challenges involved in responding effectively through policy and practice. It examines the biopsychosocial elements of addiction to substance (including alcohol) and, draws together key research findings from these fields to present a new framework for integrating theory and practice.

The book argues that the best way to understand addictions is as examples of `complex self organising systems', which comprise many interacting component parts. In so doing, it addresses the problem of service users presenting with multiple needs (including poly drug use, mental health problems, criminal behaviour, unemployment and relationship difficulties) and the challenges that this poses for policy makers, services commissioners and practitioners alike.

This book fills the need for a text which makes the complex issues surrounding substance misue accessible to both students and practitioners. As such, it fosters a multidisciplinary and critically reflective appraoch to policy and practice.

Aaron Pycroft is a Senior Lecturer Addiction Studies at the University of Portsmouth.