Opioid Use Disorders (OUDs): A Comprehensive Guide for Mental Health Professionals

By Kevin G. Alderson and Samuel T. Gladding, this evidence-based guide is a valuable resource for busy mental health professionals working with clients struggling with opioid use disorders (OUDs). The book sheds light on the devastating global impact of opioids and provides practical information and resources that can be immediately applied to addiction treatment.

The authors’ pragmatic, strengths-based approach focuses on building a collaborative counselor-client working alliance to achieve client readiness for change, moderation, and abstinence. This comprehensive guide covers:

• Current research on risk and protective factors
• OUD assessment and diagnosis
• Ethical and legal issues specific to addiction work
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Physical and psychological interventions for pain management
• The importance of interdisciplinary care

The book also explores counseling approaches and treatment options for diverse populations, including:

• Women
• Youth
• People of color
• LGBTQ+ individuals
• Veterans
• Older adults
• People with disabilities
• Individuals in the criminal justice system
• Rural residents