Author Description

"Over the last few years there has been an increased interest in identification and treatment of substance use disorders, due at least in part to the widespread drug overdose epidemic. Clinicians and the lay public have gained a greater understanding of the need for treatment of substance use disorders and the consequences of avoiding treatment. In addition, there has been a growing understanding of substance use disorders as medical or mental health disorders, rather than character flaws or merely illegal activities. This book builds on this nascent understanding and presents epidemiology, basic science, and treatment from the perspective of a clinician who wants to gain knowledge and background to work with this patient population. The overall theme of the book is to discuss evidence-based rather than anecdotal or unproven treatments. Section 1 begins with the epidemiology, etiology, and neurobiology of substance use disorders, including preclinical data. Section 2 discusses pharmacotherapy for substance use disorders, focusing on FDA approved medications. Section 3 focuses on other evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders including behavioral therapies and ends with potential future treatments"--