Gary L. Fisher – författare

The National Drug Control Policy has failed its two major functions (supply reduction and demand reduction) due to faulty assumptions regarding nearly every aspect of the alcohol and drug fields, charges author Fisher. Yet in spite of overwhelming evidence of this failure policy makers have strongly resisted discussing major changes to the assumptions that underly current policy, because of political pressure, bias and philosophical intransigence, he adds. Fisher discusses controversial topics and defends uncommon approaches in chapters focused on subjects including legalization, harm reduction, the futility of supply reduction, the problem of underage drinking and effectiveness of treatment and prevention. He proposes a new national policy for drug control, including elimination of the war metaphor, inclusion of alcohol in the mandate, conceptualization of addiction as a public health problem, utilization of harm reduction principles to guide policy and discontinuation of approaches that isolate drug and alcohol problems from their connection to broader social issues such as poverty.In this work, the premises of the current National Drug Control Strategy are challenged, and both Democratic and Republican administrations across the last 10 years are critically examined. Statements of the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Strategy are critiqued. Major points include that there is no evidence the NDCS has achieved any of its goals, that harm reduction should be its guiding principle, and supply reduction should not be part of the national strategy.

A new understanding of substance abuse explores treatment issues based on subtypes of addicts, with a special focus on antisocial personality disorder and functional addiction.Professionals in the treatment of substance abuse have long recognized the dismal success rate in addressing this pervasive problem. A fresh view of addiction may offer long-sought answers. Intervention and treatment strategies can be made more effective, maintains veteran addiction educator and psychologist Gary L. Fisher, through identification of addict subtypes. That is the goal of Understanding Why Addicts Are Not All Alike: Recognizing the Types and How Their Differences Affect Intervention and Treatment.The book provides an in-depth, research-based analysis of three specific subtypes of substance abusers: addicts who fit the disease model, addicts with antisocial personality disorder, and functional addicts—those who lead otherwise successful lives. Particular attention is paid to the latter two groups, which have not been adequately studied previously. Characteristics of the three subtypes are illustrated through case studies that clearly demonstrate how subtype impacts prevention, intervention, and treatment. Most important, the book recommends practical intervention and treatment strategies that will enable concerned parties to identify—and help—each of these distinct groups.

"The scope includes behavioral addictions such as eating disorders, gambling and compulsive shopping. Preparation of the profession is heavily featured in numerous articles on standards, training, ethics and professional organizations. An emphasis on expectations and current practice make this set and excellent resource for those preparing for work in their fields. Therefore, this title is highly appropriate for academic libraries."—John R.M. Lawrence"This comprehensive resource makes a great companion to works such as Edith M. Freeman′s Substance Abuse Treatment (Sage, 1993), Gary L. Fisher and Thomas C. Harrison′s Substance Abuse (4th ed., Allyn & Bacon, 2008), and most of the works in Guilford′s "Substance Abuse" series. Highly recommended for research and academic libraries."—Library Journal"Reflecting the recent explosion in the knowledge base of all aspects of the alcohol and drug abuse field, the Encyclopedia of Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery presents state-of-the-art research and evidence-based applications. The Encyclopedia′s approximately 350 A-to-Z signed entries focus on the information that addiction treatment and prevention professionals and allied health professionals need to effectively work with clients."—John R.M. Lawrence—Library JournalReflecting the recent explosion in the knowledge base of all aspects of the alcohol and drug abuse field, the presents state-of-the-art research and evidence-based applications. The Encyclopedia′s approximately 350 A-to-Z signed entries focus on the information that addiction treatment and prevention professionals and allied health professionals need to effectively work with clients. —John R.M. Lawrence—Reflecting the recent explosion in the knowledge base of all aspects of the alcohol and drug abuse field, the presents state-of-the-art research and evidence-based applications. The Encyclopedia′s approximately 350 A-to-Z signed entries focus on the information that addiction treatment and prevention professionals and allied health professionals need to effectively work with clients. FeaturesProvides comprehensive and authoritative coverage of such areas as the neurobiology of addiction, models of addiction, sociocultural perspectives on drug use, family and community factors, prevention theories and techniques, professional issues, the criminal justice system and substance abuse, assessment and diagnosis, and moreFocuses on concepts of addiction and treatment practices, but also addresses commonly used and abused drugs, including recreational, prescription, and over-the-counterOffers a Reader′s Guide that lists topic categories with specific entriesPresents cross-references at the end of each entry to help readers locate related information in other entries, as well as Further Readings for those who wish to pursue topics in more depth Includes an appendix listing of58 different drugs and substances with corresponding relevant entriesThe Encyclopedia of Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery is intended for use by pre-service and in-service addiction prevention and treatment providers and allied professionals in the fields of criminal justice, counseling, social work, public health, nursing, medicine, other health care professions, education, and family studies.