Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

Challenging Myths, Assessing Theories, Individualizing Interventions, 2nd Edition

This second edition of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs: Challenging Myths, Assessing Theories, Individualizing Interventions is dedicated to the pioneers who helped make the first edition so successful: Christine Boyle, Sondra Burman, Irene Bush, Patricia C. Dunn, and Katherine M. Wood. A special note of recognition is directed to Eileen Corrigan, who served as principal investigator for a Rutgers University five-year (1990–1995) Faculty Development Grant from the Public Health Service, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which served as a stimulus for faculty interest in the study of substance dependence and abuse. The sign of a good teacher such as Eileen is the far-reaching influence of her or his knowledge. Although Eileen died shortly after publication of the first edition, the majority of authors contributing to this second edition were influenced by her knowledge and enthusiasm for the topic, either as her colleagues or her students.

Special thanks are given to everyone who in a variety of ways contributed to this volume. Not only did the authors from the first edition and the current authors contribute to this volume, but numerous students, clients and consumers, and colleagues also added significantly to the depth and breadth of the discussion by raising questions, debating issues, analyzing theories, suggesting alternatives, and, perhaps most important, stimulating the authors to move forward with their work.

As editor, I offer my personal thanks and appreciation to my colleagues who gave their valuable time and wisdom to making this volume come to life. To Laura Blankertz, Raymond Bolden Jr., Steven Granich, Langdon Holloway, Lloyd L. Lyter, Sharon C. Lyter, Gwenelle Styles O’Neal, Michael D. Paulus, and David I. Siegel, you’re the best.

To my husband, Arthur C. Huntley, MD, who served as self-acclaimed assistant editor, chief critic, and major source of support, an A+.

I greatly appreciated being selected for sabbatical leave during fall 2008 by West Chester University of Pennsylvania to devote more time to the completion of this second edition. Without the extra time, this volume would have been an insurmountable challenge. Many thanks also go to the staff of NASW Press, in particular, Sarah Lowman, senior editor, for their patience, expertise, and support. None of your efforts went unnoticed.

Greatest thanks and admiration go to the many individuals who struggle daily with the challenges posed by alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. They are the heroes and driving force behind this book. I truly hope the work presented here does justice to their daily struggles and unique needs.

Ann A. Abbott, PhD, LCSW (NJ), LCSW (PA)
—Editor