Synopses & Reviews
Review
"Thombs has built upon an already fine text. Each chapter masterfully presents important concepts related to addictive behaviors, while reviewing classic and current research that relates to the material. The book covers a full range of topics related to alcohol and other drug use, including theories of addiction, models of treatment, and, in this new edition, a very solid overview of prevention concepts and approaches. Students and professionals in social work, counseling, psychology, criminal justice, and public health will benefit from this volume."--John D. Clapp, PhD, School of Social Work and Center for AOD Studies and Services, San Diego State University
"This is an excellent book that can be assigned to both undergraduate and beginning-level graduate students in courses on addiction treatment and prevention. Thombs masterfully links theories of addictive behavior, empirical research, and evidence-based interventions in a manner that lends itself well to the organization of most introductory courses. Two new chapters in this edition strengthen an already strong book. A chapter on public health offers an informative overview of public health programs in the United States, as well as a good review of evidence-based prevention efforts. A chapter on comorbidity provides a solid introduction to dual diagnoses, including the epidemiology of comorbidity and a discussion of the effectiveness of integrated approaches to treatment. Students and instructors will find this a highly readable and very practical text."--Meredith Hanson, DSW, Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University
"This third edition continues to be the best available theory text for students pursuing careers in addictions counseling. Thombs does a masterful job of comprehensively reviewing the conceptual models of the field. Unlike many theory texts that are largely irrelevant for preparing addiction counselors, this one shows how each of the addiction-specific intervention models can be applied and integrated into counseling practice. While it is sufficiently accessible for undergraduates, the book's level of scholarship makes it appropriate for graduate use as well. With coverage of the most recent research in the field, this text allows addiction science educators to easily incorporate current scientific findings into their curriculum."--D. Shane Koch, RhD, CRC, CSADC, Editor, Journal of Teaching in the Addictions; Rehabilitation Institute, Southern Illinois University
"Now in its third edition, this book provides a wealth of information to help students and professionals in the field of addictive behaviors. The author offers an excellent overview of theoretical models of addictive behavior, approaches to prevention and treatment, comorbidity, and issues related to the family and the social/cultural context. New material on motivation enhancement and harm reduction are also included. I highly recommend this valuable resource for all therapists and clinical students in training."--G. Alan Marlatt, PhD, Addictive Behaviors Research Center and Department of Psychology, University of Washington
"The third edition of this volume maintains its faithful integration of theory and research in its attempt to explain the complex phenomenon--indeed, conundrum--of addiction. Thombs is clearly committed to expanding the knowledge and clinical repertoire of professionals dealing with a variety of addiction-related concerns. He offers readers a wealth of compelling material derived from theory, current research, and practice, and invites them to formulate their own perspectives to guide their practice. Novice and seasoned helping professionals alike (both generalists and addiction specialists) will appreciate the clarity and balance of this 'must-read' text."--Cynthia J. Osborn, PhD, Counseling and Human Development Services Program, Kent State University
"A timely and comprehensive new edition. There are many approaches to explaining the complex phenomenon of addiction, and this text provides an accessible way for both novices and experts to quickly access a broad range of theories. Despite the diversity of theoretical approaches, the book provides a balanced research overview. I have successfully used earlier editions with addiction counseling students, and highly recommend this book as a primary course text."--Emil Chiauzzi, PhD, Inflexxion, Inc
Review
"Substance abuse has an impact on virtually all aspects of health and psychosocial functioning, making it a key issue for all social service and health fields.
Introduction to Addictive Behaviors, Fourth Edition, provides a comprehensive overview of current theories about addictions and their prevention and treatment. It appeals to a broad audience, ranging from advanced undergraduate and graduate students to practicing mental health and substance abuse treatment professionals."--Nancy M. Petry, PhD, Professor of Medicine, Calhoun Cardiology Center, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
"This book continues to be the seminal work for professionals and students learning about the major theoretical approaches for explaining and treating addiction. The fourth edition includes new chapters on the controversies surrounding behavioral addictions, ways to link theory and practice, and motivational factors in personal change, as well as updated statistics and empirical findings. I have used this text successfully in my substance abuse counseling theories course, and believe it is the best available on the topic. It's a great teaching tool for both undergraduate and graduate students."--Jessica L. Sniatecki, PhD, CRC, Department of Health Science, The College at Brockport, State University of New York
"I have taught undergraduate courses on the psychology of addictive behavior for several years, and this book is a perfect fit as the primary textbook. It is by far the most well-researched and reader-friendly book on the market. The fourth edition is up to date and includes three new chapters. I'm looking forward to using it with my next class!"--Christopher J. Correia, PhD, Department of Psychology, Auburn University
"The fourth edition of Introduction to Addictive Behaviors provides a timely update to this classic textbook. With its clearly written, well-organized presentation of complex topics, this 'must-adopt' text is the book of choice for introducing students and practitioners to theory and research on addictions. I highly recommend it as an introductory text for undergraduate and graduate courses on addictive behavior."--Timothy J. O'Farrell, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
Review
"The text is well written, lucid, economical in style....Good value for the money."--Journal of Substance Use (on the second edition)
Review
"Bridges the gap between theory and practice...The book is well referenced and makes an excellent training text. Review questions to clarify and reinforce major points are included."--Addiction (on the first edition)
Review
"Succinctly reviews and critiques the major behavioral science theories of alcoholism and other addictions....An outstanding introduction to theories of addiction."--Choice (on the first edition)
Review
“This is a great introduction to addiction. Written by distinguished authors, it provides different paradigms for conceptualizing alcohol and drug use and has a solid research foundation. It is a very useful resource for students and professionals alike.”--
Doodys Review ServiceSynopsis
This widely adopted text offers a balanced review of major contemporary perspectives on substance abuse and addiction, including disease models; psychoanalytic, conditioning, cognitive, and family systems formulations; and social and cultural foundations. Written in a lucid, accessible style, the volume emphasizes applications to the helping process and facilitates learning with case examples, review questions, and end-of-chapter summaries.
Synopsis
This widely adopted text introduces students and practitioners to major contemporary models of addiction. Assuming no prior knowledge in the field, the book shows how theory and research can offer a roadmap for effective intervention. It presents multiple perspectives on the causes and mechanisms of substance use problems, reviews their strengths and limitations, and examines their implications for helping people change their behavior. Evidence-based treatment and prevention strategies are described.
Pedagogical Features Include:
*Accessible style and clear organization.
*Concise end-of-chapter summaries.
*Review questions in every chapter.
New to This Edition
*The latest research on prevention and treatment, including current data and revised discussions of genetic influences, family treatment models, and many other topics.
*Updated for DSM-5.
*Chapter on behavioral addictions.
*Chapter on promoting motivation and autonomy.
*Chapter on evidence-based practice.
About the Author
Dennis L. Thombs, PhD, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Behavioral and Community Health at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. He is past president and Fellow of the American Academy of Health Behavior. The focus of his scholarship is addictive behavior, with special interests in the epistemology of addiction and in alcohol and drug use during the period of emerging adulthood. In recent years, his research has focused on analyzing drinking practices and their consequences in natural settings. Dr. Thombs is Managing Coeditor of the American Journal of Health Behavior.
Cynthia J. Osborn, PhD, is Professor of Counseling and Human Development Services at Kent State University in Ohio. Her clinical background focused on treating adults with co-occurring disorders (addiction and mental illness). Her teaching, supervision, and scholarship focus on addictions counseling, particularly evidence-based practices such as motivational interviewing. Dr. Osborn is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and has extensive experience in the clinical supervision of counselors-in-training and professional counselors.
Table of Contents
1. Conceptualization of Addictive Behavior and the Need for Informed Practice
2. The Disease Models
3. Public Health and Prevention Approaches
4. Toward an Understanding of Comorbidity
5. Psychoanalytic Formulations
6. Conditioning Models and Approaches to Contingency Management
7. Cognitive Models
8. The Family System
9. Social and Cultural Foundations
10. The Controversial Science of Behavioral Addiction
11. Promoting Motivation and Autonomy for Personal Change
12. Linking Theory, Evidence, and Practice