Gender and Addictions: Men and Women in Treatment (Library of Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment)

Rating:
Summary: This book could be rated six stars!
Review: Treatment of adddiction focuses on the acceptance of this serious and health-threatening condition and encourages the commitment to address its presence with a plan of care that includes physical, psychological, emotional, relational and spiritual repair. But one-size treatment does not fit all, and this excellent book addresses the wide range of variations that emerge in treatment of substance abuse and addictions in both men and women. With sensitivity, clarity and astute professional observations, the contributors discuss a range of topics including parenting, AIDS, the high-achieving patient, sexism in Alcoholics Anonymous, gambling, eating disorders and concurrent disorders, such as depression in women and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in men.

Simplistic answers are no longer useful in addiction treatment --we might argue that they even set up patients for failure and discouragement -- and it is time that both treatment adminstrators and clinicians recognize the importance of moving beyond gender sensitivity to gender competence. Without sacrificing depth or range, this book also addresses the importance of the relational theory that has attracted interest among progressive treatment professionals while also offering practical ideas and suggestions for veteran clinicians and newcomers alike. It is also a valuable text for students and educators.