Management of the Addicted Patient in Primary Care

This book assists primary care physicians in managing patients with addictive illness. Logically organized into easily accessible sections, it is one of the only books available on the subject. The introductory section gives background and rationale for acquiring the requisite knowledge and skills. Following a presentation of addiction "basics," the majority of the book focuses on providing insight and developing practical skills that can be readily implemented in an office-based setting. Case presentations illustrate frequently encountered situations. Invaluable descriptions of the underlying psychosocial processes and a brief introduction to chronic pain in addiction are provided. The importance of community-based recovery support systems is considered. Criteria for referral are detailed as well. The final portion of the book offers clinical "pearls" that further aid the reader in treating this difficult patient population.