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.

Rick Csiernik is a Professor at King’s University College, Western University. He has authored and edited several Canadian Scholars textbooks: Wellness and Work (2005); Responding to the Oppression of Addiction (co-edited with William S. Rowe, 2017, third edition); Substance Use and Abuse (2016, second edition); and Homelessness, Housing, and Mental Health (co-edited with Cheryl Forchuk and Elsabeth Jensen, 2011) . He has written more than 95 journal articles, and some of his research interests include addiction, Workplace Wellness, social work, and spirituality. He has consecutively been included on the King’s University College Honour Roll of Teaching, and is a recipient of the Instructor Appreciation Award at McMaster University.

Rick Csiernik's profile page

"Substance Use and Abuse presents a comprehensive look at the current field of addiction from a uniquely Canadian perspective. This foundational text delivers the big picture of our broad addiction continuum and supports it with a wealth of detail for further reflection. A valuable resource in the classroom and beyond."— “Christie McGaghran, Program Manager, Addiction Education Program, Centre for Continuing Education, McMaster University

"This is a very detailed Canadian publication that captures the overall subject of substance use and addiction. Whether you are a student, educator, frontline worker, or other professional working in the helping fields of addiction treatment, counselling, or prevention, this book is for you. The format of this book is well-organized not only to provide accurate information for the student or educator but also to act as a handy quick reference tool for the experienced frontline worker."— “Tom Gabriel, EFAP Consultant, Crisis and Addiction Counsellor, Toronto Police Association