Rethinking Substance Abuse: What the Science Shows, and What We Should Do about It

While knowledge on substance abuse and addictions is expanding rapidly, clinical practice still lags behind. This state-of-the-art book brings together leading experts to describe what treatment and prevention would look like if it were based on the best science available. The volume incorporates developmental, neurobiological, genetic, behavioral, and social–environmental perspectives. Tightly edited chapters summarize current thinking on the nature and causes of alcohol and other drug problems; discuss what works at the individual, family, and societal levels; and offer robust principles for developing more effective treatments and services.

William R. Miller, PhD, is Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico. A recipient of the Jellinek Memorial Award for alcoholism research, he is fundamentally interested in the psychology of change, and has focused in particular on the development, testing, and dissemination of behavioral treatments for addictions. Dr. Miller's publications include more than 30 books and 300 articles and chapters spanning behavior therapies, motivation, self-regulation, and the interface of psychology with spirituality and religion. He is named by the Institute for Scientific Information as one of the "world's most cited scientists."

Kathleen M. Carroll, PhD, until her death in 2020, was Albert E. Kent Professor of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, and Director of Psychosocial Research in the Division on Addictions. A leader in the field of addiction treatment research, she authored or coauthored over 330 articles in peer-reviewed publications, over 50 chapters in major textbooks, and several books and published manuals. Dr. Carroll was a past president of Division 50 (Addictions) of the American Psychological Association, and received both Senior Scientist and MERIT awards from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the latter being awarded to the top 1% of National Institute of Health investigators.