Mark Stanford Ph.D.
Description
There are a number of impressive publications available on the subject of psychopharmacology, though most are not specifically relevant to the work of
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counselors, psychotherapists and recovery workers. In general, the information is either too technical, seemingly preparing the reader for medical school, or the pharmacy boards, or they are entirely too simplistic, and do not cover the material in a useful way.
In this book, Dr. Stanford shares his 30+ years of experience teaching psychopharmacology, and working with counselors, psychologists, social workers and therapists in clinical behavioral health care settings, in a format which allows counselors and psychotherapists to learn the foundations of psychopharmacology can be an important part of their whole person and integrated approach to patient care.
The purpose for the development of this work is to bring a more reasonable, in-depth, moderately technical review of psychopharmacology of addiction, substance use-related, and co-occurring disorders. Becoming more co-occurring competent, that is, the understanding of the nature and treatment for clients with co-occurring conditions (both addiction and mental health issues) is more the norm for behavioral health programs and clinical staff.
The material presented in this book is focused on current science relating to the basic and essential aspects of psychopharmacology that non-medical clinicians and counselors, as well as the clients they serve, will benefit from. Beginning with basic concepts in pharmacology, then pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic actions, to a drug's "mechanism of action" (how it works), to applying these concepts to psychoactive drugs, both legal (medicines) and illegal street drugs.
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