Substance Use Disorders: A Practical Guide

This 261 page paperback is a must for anyone in the field of substance abuse or mental health. The book is small enough to conveniently carry around every day. It is not a textbook as the author notes. However, it contains 3 sections including General Principles of Substance Use Disorders, Substance Review (which covers every drug that any counselor will need to know about, including "club drugs", nicotine, etc.), and Substance Use Treatment. There are a number of appendices which include copies of screening examinations such as the CAGE, AUDIT, MAST, CIWA-Ar, CINA. There are also lists of published resources, certification boards, and useful websites. Throughout this highly readable book there are very helpful clinical vignettes, as well as Key Points and Notes made by the author which enhance one's understanding of the topic being discussed. There are charts and graphs, lists of which questions to ask, etc. As a clinician in a very busy Level One Trauma Center I have found this book to be invaluable. I know of none better, and if any readers do please enlighten me/us as we are always looking for helpful books such as these. Dr Gitlow has done a remarkable job of pullling together much information in a format that is quite user friendly, and reasonably priced as well. I give this guide my highest endorsement and will certainly continue to utilize it almost daily while awaiting a second addition when the time is right to release a new edition...

This amazing little handbook is the perfect quick reference for nurses, physicians, and drug abuse counselors. Thank you, Dr. Gitlow.

What a great book! Finally, a readable, accurate guide--perfect for any medical clinician, his/her patients or the lay public. Dr. Gitlow uses interesting clinical vignettes to illustrate issues that are traditionally very tough to understand. Unlike other addiction/substance abuse books, this book is actually well written and comprehensible!! Whether used as a reference guide or as a textbook, it will serve as a standard in the industry for years to come. No interested party should be without a copy!! Thanks Dr. Gitlow!