Empathy for the Devil: How to Help People Overcome Drugs and Alcohol Problems

Examining the core skills necessary for effecting change in problematic substance users, this important new book explores practical ways of establishing or improving your practice. It steps beyond clinical, theoretical and moral undertones to the reality of working with substance misuse. Where society, the media and our imaginations are full of the modern day social demons of drug users, it provides positive and reflective support for both experienced and novice workers - or those affected by others' use. It suggests ways ahead to workers stuck in seemingly perennial impasses, as they strive with their colleagues to address multi-faceted and entrenched problems. Increasingly, social policy now demands evidence-based practice, putting ever greater pressure on professionals from all disciplines to grasp the core ideas and skills drawn from research findings. But this research is often too arid and abstract to overlay upon the life of the individual sat before us, and can make the lay person feel even more under skilled. This book bridges this chasm, bringing together a wide range of proven skills in supporting people through change in an open and accessible way. It: invites you to re-consider your own experiences so as to illuminate the key ideas, skills and techniques in addiction work; lucidly explains the latest findings in effective practice; illustrates them with case examples; and, provides optional self-reflective exercises and activities to aid learning and training. "Empathy for the Devil" will give anyone working with people whose lives are affected by drugs or alcohol new ideas and perspectives to address old and intractable problems.

Table of Contents:
Introduction.; On intoxication.; On addiction.; On the helping relationship.; On assessment and care planning.; On motivation.; On preparation.; On implementing change.; On maintenance.; References.

About the Author :
Phil Harris is an independent writer who has worked in direct access drug services for over fifteen years. He has designed and delivered internationally recognised treatment programmes and accredited training courses throughout the UK & Europe. Having worked as a drugs treatment advisor to DST's, Criminal Justice Services and Youth Services, he has also managed several organisations and implemented innovative, practical and effective approaches to addressing people's problems with misuse of drugs and alcohol. He continues to practice in the south west of England.