A Community Reinforcement Approach to Addiction Treatment

The community reinforcement approach (CRA) to treating alcohol and other drug problems is designed to make changes in the client’s daily environment, to reduce substance abuse and promote a healthier lifestyle. It is of proven effectiveness, and should be more widely used. This is the first book to present research on the effectiveness of the CRA for a clinical readership. It includes the original study comparing CRA with traditional treatments of alcohol dependence, and summarizes other trials with alcohol, cocaine and heroin users. The CRA program provides basic guidelines for clinicians, focusing on communication skills, problem-solving and drink-refusal strategies, and addresses the needs of the client as part of a social community. Combining practical advice on such matters with a scientific survey of CRA in use, this book offers a new treatment approach to all involved with the support and treatment of those with alcohol and drug problems.

• First book to present the evidence for community reinforcement in treating addictions • Contributions from those who have developed the approach • Practical guidelines for clinicians, backed by research evidence

Acknowledgments; 1. Developing the community reinforcement approach Robert J. Meyers and Mark D. Godley; 2. Practice and promise - the Azrin studies Erica J. Miller; 3. The treatment Jane Ellen Smith and Robert J. Meyers; 4. A comparison of community reinforcement approach and traditional approaches William R. Miller, Robert J. Meyers and J. Scott Tonigan; 5. Community reinforcement and traditional approaches William R. Miller, Robert J. Meyers, J. Scott Tonigan and Kathryn A. Grant; 6. Community reinforcement approaches with the homeless Jane Ellen Smith and Harold Delaney; 7. Community reinforcement approach to the treatment of cocaine and opioid dependence Stephen T. Higgins and Patrick Abbott; 8. Community reinforcement and family training (CRAFT) Robert J. Meyers, William R. Miller and Jane Ellen Smith; 9. Summary and reflections William R. Miller and Robert J. Meyers; References; Index.

‘… a comprehensive, highly informative book that is invaluable to individuals looking to be introduced to the history of this approach and learn the therapeutic techniques involved.’ Psychological Medicine

‘It is very rarely that I read a scientific book of about 200 pages in a rather short period of time, that such a book is not only scientifically sound and well written, but in some parts even exciting in such a way that you do not want to stop reading it … Altogether the book is well written.’ Addiction

‘This is a clear, concise, reflective and most interesting book … this book should not be archived, but viewed as an ‘essential read’ by every clinician in this field.’ European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

‘I recommend this book … for addiction specialists who want to review the most effective treatments for their client groups …’. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

‘… this is an easy to read book that presents an evidence base for a psychosocial intervention in the treatment of substance misuse, in a way that is both convincing and appealing. It is worthy of much praise …’. Colin MacRae, University of Birmingham, Medical Sociology News