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Audience:  General Public
Issues:  A practical guide, based on compelling research, for family members of someone struggling with addiction
Rating: ¶¶¶¶¶

Comments:  Aside from being a guide to help families move a loved one in the direction of change, this guide helps to dispel myths about "what works" and helps family members set healthy boundaries between themselves and the addicted individual.

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If you are only going to read one book before beginning work with alcoholic or addicted clients, this is the one.  I have repeatedly recommended this book to psychology interns and other trainees during my time as a clinical supervisor and lecturer.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is sometimes described as more of a style than a technique, though it is rich and specific in its techniques as well.  When watching a professional conducting motivational interviewing, one is struck by its low-key and nonconfrontational style.  At first glance, MI appears like any Rogerian counseling style.  However, MI is explicitly directional--moving clients away from harmful substance use and other stuck behaviors and toward meaningful change.  Despite its subtlety, MI's impact is impressive.  MI and other motivational enhancement therapies have consistently matched or outperformed more intensive and confrontational approaches that are harder on the counselor (in terms of burn-out) and on the client (by amplifying denial and conflict). 

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Audience:  Professionals and Healthcare Workers.
Issues:  Applying Harm Reduction and Public Health Model approaches to substance abuse treatment.
Rating: ¶¶¶¶

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Audience:  Professionals
Issues:  Evidence-based treatment for alcoholics and drug abusers.
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Comments: BCT is a form of family-involved substance abuse treatment that focuses on the couple and family, not just the individual who is addicted. While the addicted person remains responsible for his or her change, the couple and family are included in the recovery plan. The spouse or partner gains an active role in the treatment, minimizing the sense of helplessness that often comes with being with an alcoholic or addicted person. BCT has received much research support for its effectiveness in promoting sobriety, improving the couple's relationship, reducing violence and risk of violence, and improving overall family functioning.

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