Short description:

This volume argues that addictive problems among different age groups require different interventions and theoretical conceptualizations. Contributors focus on etiology and course, prevention and early intervention, integrated treatment and policy issues.

Topics explored include treating substance abuse problems in offenders, early detection of alcohol and drug problems, the codependency movement, recovery patterns and issues related specifically to women.

Long description:

Leading scholars, researchers, and clinicians in the field of addictive behavior provide an examination of drug dependency from a life span perspective in this authoritative volume. These experts argue that addictive problems among adolescents, young adults, those in mid-life, and the elderly require new forms of intervention and different theoretical conceptualizations. Organized around four general topic areas: etiology and course, prevention and early intervention, integrated treatment, and policy issues across the life span, Addictive Behaviors Across the Life Span thoroughly delineates such timely issues as treating substance abuse problems in offenders, prevention and early detection of alcohol and drug problems, the codependency movement, recovery patterns, and women's issues. Among the other topics covered are biopsychosocial perspectives on the intergenerational transmission of alcoholism to children of alcoholics, comparative effects of community-based drug abuse prevention, adult marijuana dependence, and reducing the risks of addictive behaviors. Addictive Behaviors Across the Life Span is essential reading for academic and research psychologists, social workers, addiction counselors, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals involved in direct treatment.

Table of Contents:

PART ONE: ETIOLOGY AND COURSE
Children of Alcoholics and the Intergenerational Transmission of Alcoholism - Ken J Sher
A Biopsychosocial Perspective
A Lifespan Perspective on Natural Recovery (Self-Change) from Alcohol Problems - Linda C Sobell et al
PART TWO: MODELS OF PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION
Comparative Effects of Community-Based Drug Abuse Prevention - Mary Ann Pentz
Early Identification of Addictive Behaviors Using a Computerized Lifestyle Assessment - Harvey A Skinner
Etiology and Secondary Prevention of Alcohol Problems with Young Adults - John S Baer
Treatment for Problem Drinkers - Mark B Sobell and Linda C Sobell
A Public Health Priority
PART THREE: INTEGRATED TREATMENT OF ADDICTIVE PROBLEMS
Recovery Patterns in Adolescent Substance Abuse - Sandra A Brown
The Offender Substance Abuse Pre-release Program - Lynn O Lightfoot
An Empirically Based Model of Treatment for Offenders
Adult Marijuana Dependence - Robert S Stephens and Roger A Roffman
A Comprehensive and Integrated System for Treating Alcohol and Drug Problems in Alberta - Leonard Blumenthal and J Robert Hunter
PART FOUR: POLICY ISSUES
Harm Reduction - G Alan Marlatt and Susan F Tapert
Reducing the Risks of Addictive Behaviors
Women's Issues in Alcohol Use and Cigarette Smoking - R Lorraine Collins
The Codependency Movement - Judith R Gordon and Kimberly Barrett
Issues of Context and Differentiation