Written with easy-to-approach language for beginners in the field, SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING, Fourth Edition, provides a good, practical overview of substance abuse counseling. It addresses key issues early, including the designing of specialized treatments to fit the individual needs of a client. This book also emphasizes the tendency of substance-abusing clients and their families to form a heterogeneous group that must be treated from an individualized perspective. The authors believe strongly that clients differ not only in the specific behaviors and consequences associated with their drug use but also in culture, gender, social environments, physical concerns, mental health and a host of other variables. Using an integrated approach, the authors describe innovative methods for meeting clients' needs through personalized assessment, treatment planning, and behavior change strategies, showing you how to select the most effective ways to help treat people with substance abuse problems.