Substance Abuse and Dependence

Robert Walker & TK Logan

Substance abuse and dependence are complex problems that are often encountered in a counseling practice. Substance abuse and dependence have been defined as disorders that affect the mind, the body, and the spirit. This entry summarizes the background, definitions of the clinical problem, levels of care and counseling modalities, components of counseling and clinical approaches, and future of counseling for substance abuse. Counseling for alcohol and drug problems can be distinguished from exploratory psychotherapy in its direct focus on attaining abstinence and problem solving around situations that can trigger a relapse or impede recovery. Historically, substance abuse counseling has been the preferred approach in community treatment programs in residential and outpatient settings. In addition, in most treatment settings, the emphasis on a disease model of alcoholism or addiction leads to a counseling approach rather than psychotherapy. Individuals with alcoholism or drug dependence tend to benefit from guidance, assistance with recovery-oriented ...

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