Synopsis

Recent studies have shown a combination of psychosocial support and medications to lead to better addiction treatment outcomes than talk therapy alone. This practical manual provides an empirically supported framework for managing biopsychosocial treatment of alcohol and drug dependence. Fully compatible with cognitive-behavioral and 12-step models, BRENDA is a collaborative, case-management approach to treatment. It incorporates the use of newly developed medications that target the biological underpinnings of addiction, and maximizes treatment compliance through working with patients in a nonjudgmental manner and enhancing their motivation to change. Illustrated with extended case examples, the book describes how to conduct a thorough assessment, make recommendations for a variety of individualized interventions, and coordinate service delivery with other providers as needed. The approach has been demonstrated effective in more than 80% of alcohol-dependent referrals to the authors' treatment program.

Reviewer: Stephen M. Delisi, MD(Rush University Medical Center)
Description: This is a biopsychosocial model for the evaluation and treatment of patients with chemical addictions. The authors clearly present the model and use both didactic and case presentation formats to instruct readers.
Purpose: The authors' stated purpose is to provide a detailed and comprehensive model for the evaluation and treatment of patients suffering from chemical addictions. They present a flexible treatment approach that has a proven record of efficacy. The authors' goals are important to the field of addiction medicine and the book meets these objectives very well.
Audience: This book is appropriate for any healthcare provider interested in the treatment of patients with addictions. Students, counselors, psychiatrists, and addiction specialists would all find this to be an important reference. The authors are recognized leaders in the area of addiction medicine. They have published extensively in major peer-reviewed journals.
Features: The material is logically divided into two main sections. Section one lays out the foundation of the authors' biopsychosocial model for treatment of addiction. This section uses short, concise chapters to present the theory and details of the model. I found this section particularly well-developed and useful. Section two contains three case presentations that serve to illustrate the authors' model within the context of actual clinical scenarios. Finally, there are two appendixes that provide readers with information on substance abuse-related instruments and the use of pharmacotherapy for alcohol dependence.
Assessment: This is a very useful book for anyone involved in the evaluation and treatment of patients with chemical addictions. The material is presented in a clear and comprehensive manner, and the biopsychosocial model provides a flexible approach to the care of these challenging patients.

Biography

Joseph R. Volpicelli, MD, PhD, Associate Professor and Senior Scientist,University of Pennsylvania

Helen M. Pettinati, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Treatment Research Center, University of Pennsylvania

A. Thomas McLellan, PhD, Senior Scientist, Treatment Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA

Charles P. O'Brien, MD, PhD, Treatment Research Center, University of Pennsylvania