Abstract
The book "Clinical Addictology" is coming after a successful "Essentials in Clinical Addictology" (GRADA, 2008). It is not only an actualised and enlarged issue of the previous publication; the structure has been re-conceptualised, and the content comes broader and deeper both in biological and psychosocial dimensions of addictive behaviour.
The book is divided into six parts. Part One summarises learning on clinical biochemistry and clinical pharmacology of traditional and new psychotropic substances.
Part Two is introduced with a comprehensive chapter on theories of addiction; then, particular views are presented, e.g. genetics, neurobiology, developmental and family factors, psychology and psychopathology, somatic complication of substance misuse and dual diagnoses. Part Three deals with pre-treatment interventions, treatment of emergent states, pharmacological treatment and substitution.
Part Four presents a wide range of psychosocial methods suitable to be applied in treatment of addiction and in aftercare. Part Five is focused on specific areas and specific clientele: tobacco addiction, addiction on processes, gender-related problems, children and adolescents and clients in contact with criminal justice system.
Part Six contains more general topics relevant for clinical praxis: philosophical and ethical aspects, supervision, epidemiology and research. An essential message from the book can be that, whilst there are advantages to be drawn from our growing understanding of the biological basis of addiction, the integrated model can be more productive.
Understanding the broader social and psychological aspects of addictive behaviour can provide a basis for more comprehensive approach to the development of effective interventions.