Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy in the Treatment of Addiction : A Treatment Planner for Clinicians

All opioids have the potential for dependence, although heroin carries the highest risk.

In the UK, there are approximately 250,000 opioid dependent drug users, with around 160,000 in treatment at some point during the course of a year. "Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy in the Treatment of Addiction" is a treatment manual that can be used by clinicians who have little experience of CBT, for treating their clients.

The first two chapters explain how the manual can be used and review the evidence base for CBT as a psychological intervention.

Chapter 3 introduces CBT techniques, Chapter 4 outlines assessment and case formulation and Chapter 5 suggests ways of setting up and structuring clinical sessions.

Chapter 6 examines core topics such as problem solving and lifestyle changes, while Chapter 7 looks at elective topics such as anger and impulse control and relationship problems.

The appendices include therapy worksheets, the daily thought record and drug refusal strategies.

Aimed at clinicians with little experience in CBT, it offers specific guidelines on how to structure sessions and deliver treatment.Topical - NICE guidelines on psychosocial approaches to drug misuse expected late 2008.