Understanding Why Addicts Are Not All Alike

In this work for students and professionals in substance abuse treatment, Fisher (Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies, the U. of Nevada-Reno) makes the case for differentiating interventions and treatment based on subtypes of addict populations. The author hopes to challenge common assumptions of professionals in the field and to move the field in the direction of earlier intervention, longer treatment, and more effective management of treatment and post-treatment recovery. The book begins by describing five subtypes identified in the 2001-2002 National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). The author then presents a framework of three subtypes of addicts: addicts who fit the classic disease model of addiction, those with antisocial personality disorder, and the understudied group known as functional addicts. Cases demonstrating each subtype are based on interviews with real clients telling their own stories. The author makes radical recommendations such as residential drug-consumption facilities and peer recovery support networks for antisocial addicts. Appendices review classes of drugs and major treatment approaches and strategies, and list print, Internet, and organizational resources. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Gary L. Fisher, PhD, is professor in the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies at the University of Nevada, Reno, NV.