Counseling Clients with Substance Use Disorders and/or Problematic Behaviors
(Second Edition)
©2026, 718 pages
Paperback list price: $99.95
Cognella Direct Ebook: $84.95
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Author Kevin G. Alderson divides the text into four distinct parts (Part I: General Treatment Considerations; Part II: DSM-5-TR Substance Use and Addictive Disorders; Part III: Summary and Conclusions; and Part IV: Tobacco Use Disorder and Problematic Behaviors), covering the best-known problematic behaviors in separate chapters. Part IV, consisting of eight chapters on everything from problematic internet-related behaviors to problematic work behaviors, is available online for students and adopting instructors. He also incorporates the Entry-Level Specialized Practice Areas criteria for substance use counseling from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP, 2024) and the standards for accreditation of substance use counseling programs by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC, 2022).
This textbook is recommended for counseling, counseling psychology, and social work students at various academic levels, from associate to doctoral studies. It's also an ideal resource for practicing counselors dealing with SUDs and problematic behaviors.
Explore the differences in the tables of contents between the first and second editions.
Kevin G. Alderson is professor emeritus of counseling psychology at the University of Calgary. He is a counseling psychologist registered in Alberta and Ontario with over 40 years of experience treating clients. He has authored 11 books in the discipline and served as the editor-in-chief of the Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy from 2008 until 2020.
Other Cognella titles by Kevin Alderson:Cognella Active Learning is available for this title! Adopting instructors can provide students with dynamic online learning activities that reinforce key concepts from the text, provide engaging educational experiences, and support various learning styles.
Please note: Cognella Active Learning can be bundled for purchase with the text or posted separately. Contact us to learn about bundle discounts.
The Cognella Active Learning content for Counseling Clients with Substance Use Disorders and/or Problematic Behaviors includes:
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Please note: Cognella Active Learning can be bundled for purchase with the text or posted separately. Contact us to learn about bundle discounts.
The Cognella Active Learning content for Counseling Clients with Substance Use Disorders and/or Problematic Behaviors includes:
- 8 additional chapter readings
- 6 Appendices
- 22 case studies
- 22 decks of digital flashcards
- 22 chapter quizzes
- 13 lists of online video resources
To see a full demo, please email us and one of our adoption specialists will follow up with you.
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Cognella Active Learning provides dynamic online content within a custom digital learning environment. Does not include the ebook. Contact us for course adoptions; not available for individual purchase. |
Adopting instructors will receive PowerPoints, test banks, an instructor's manual, and a student guide.
"Kevin Alderson has outdone himself again! This textbook provides everything an addiction counselor needs today. It provides thorough information about SUDs and the most common problematic behaviors presented to clinicians. More than that, it addresses all the standards of the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) and CACREP’s specific criteria for addiction counseling programs. Furthermore, I have never seen an author provide eight chapters for free as a download from the student learning site. Instructors and students alike are provided many other resources at no additional cost. The search for a textbook stops here if you want a Cadillac for the price of a dinner out!"
Ronna Jevne, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, University of Alberta
"Whether you are a current addictions counseling student, professor or practicing professional, Dr. Alderson has crafted a resource that will inform, educate and enhance treatment. There are those books that I refer to as "bookshelf keepers", long after the instruction is done for a resource. This text is one that I commend to you as my addiction colleagues, in the total spectrum of chemical and process addictions, for your bookshelf."
Don P. Osborn, Ph.D., Indiana Wesleyan University
"Professor Alderson has done it again! He's taken two highly complex subjects—substance use disorders and clinical techniques—and integrated them together. This is a comprehensive textbook filled with personal reflections and other tools to foster critical thinking, professional skills, and applied knowledge both in the classroom and in the field. It is an invaluable resource for students, instructors and practitioners that brings theory and practice to life in accessible, engaging ways."
Professor Glenn B White, Ph.D., West Los Angeles College
"I strongly endorse the second edition of Counseling Clients with Substance Use Disorders and/or Problematic Behaviors by Kevin Alderson published in 2025 by Cognella. The textbook is a complete course in Addictions Counseling in one highly readable, clinically relevant resource. The book meaningfully employs clear learning objectives, multiple perspectives, personal reflection, and timely professional and scientific references. The material addresses the 2023 Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP) and the 2022 National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) standards. All the DSM-5-TR Substance Use Disorders and Gambling Disorders are addressed in the text, then problematic compulsive disorders (Internet usage, sexual behavior, shopping/spending, food consumption, and work) and resources are generously included in online chapters and appendices. The book is engaging through the use of curated photographs, case examples, classroom exercises, individual and group activities, and other enriching supplements. New and existing courses could be organized around this integrative work."
Dr. Stephen Southern, Antioch University
Praise for the Previous Edition (Known As "Addictions Counseling Today"):
“Addictions Counseling Today is not only current and based on a thorough literature review, but inclusive and impressive in its ability to capture the perceptions of both the counselor and the addict. Hearing the thoughts of an active user was both powerful and impactful. The application of the stages of change model to goal-setting is invaluable to students who are learning the first steps of treatment planning and relapse prevention.”
Genevieve Weber, Hofstra University
“Addictions Counseling Today is a comprehensive book that provides a thorough overview to addictions and covers a variety of chemical and process addictions clients may present with in counseling. The book is designed to be used as an introductory text that begin building a foundational knowledge base that students can further develop as they continue training as mental health and/or addictions professionals.”
Joshua C. Watson, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
“Addictions Counseling Today gives a thorough research-based approach to addiction, including useful skills and resources for counselors in the clinical setting.”
Betsy St. Pierre, Nicholls State University
“An upper-level addictions counseling text or a wonderful addictions resource book for clinicians.”
Laurie Walker, Yavapai College
“Addictions Counseling Today is refreshing and up-to-date.”
Brenda Edwards, Mercer University/Penfield College
“A great over-all textbook that students can read with ease.”
Scott Tracy, Kutztown University
"Excellent text. Well written and easy to understand. Used to an Independent Study and the student reported enjoying the work we did from the textbook. Will use again."
Professor Darrell L McSwain, Psychology Dept, American International College
Ronna Jevne, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, University of Alberta
"Whether you are a current addictions counseling student, professor or practicing professional, Dr. Alderson has crafted a resource that will inform, educate and enhance treatment. There are those books that I refer to as "bookshelf keepers", long after the instruction is done for a resource. This text is one that I commend to you as my addiction colleagues, in the total spectrum of chemical and process addictions, for your bookshelf."
Don P. Osborn, Ph.D., Indiana Wesleyan University
"Professor Alderson has done it again! He's taken two highly complex subjects—substance use disorders and clinical techniques—and integrated them together. This is a comprehensive textbook filled with personal reflections and other tools to foster critical thinking, professional skills, and applied knowledge both in the classroom and in the field. It is an invaluable resource for students, instructors and practitioners that brings theory and practice to life in accessible, engaging ways."
Professor Glenn B White, Ph.D., West Los Angeles College
"I strongly endorse the second edition of Counseling Clients with Substance Use Disorders and/or Problematic Behaviors by Kevin Alderson published in 2025 by Cognella. The textbook is a complete course in Addictions Counseling in one highly readable, clinically relevant resource. The book meaningfully employs clear learning objectives, multiple perspectives, personal reflection, and timely professional and scientific references. The material addresses the 2023 Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP) and the 2022 National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) standards. All the DSM-5-TR Substance Use Disorders and Gambling Disorders are addressed in the text, then problematic compulsive disorders (Internet usage, sexual behavior, shopping/spending, food consumption, and work) and resources are generously included in online chapters and appendices. The book is engaging through the use of curated photographs, case examples, classroom exercises, individual and group activities, and other enriching supplements. New and existing courses could be organized around this integrative work."
Dr. Stephen Southern, Antioch University
Praise for the Previous Edition (Known As "Addictions Counseling Today"):
“Addictions Counseling Today is not only current and based on a thorough literature review, but inclusive and impressive in its ability to capture the perceptions of both the counselor and the addict. Hearing the thoughts of an active user was both powerful and impactful. The application of the stages of change model to goal-setting is invaluable to students who are learning the first steps of treatment planning and relapse prevention.”
Genevieve Weber, Hofstra University
“Addictions Counseling Today is a comprehensive book that provides a thorough overview to addictions and covers a variety of chemical and process addictions clients may present with in counseling. The book is designed to be used as an introductory text that begin building a foundational knowledge base that students can further develop as they continue training as mental health and/or addictions professionals.”
Joshua C. Watson, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
“Addictions Counseling Today gives a thorough research-based approach to addiction, including useful skills and resources for counselors in the clinical setting.”
Betsy St. Pierre, Nicholls State University
“An upper-level addictions counseling text or a wonderful addictions resource book for clinicians.”
Laurie Walker, Yavapai College
“Addictions Counseling Today is refreshing and up-to-date.”
Brenda Edwards, Mercer University/Penfield College
“A great over-all textbook that students can read with ease.”
Scott Tracy, Kutztown University
"Excellent text. Well written and easy to understand. Used to an Independent Study and the student reported enjoying the work we did from the textbook. Will use again."
Professor Darrell L McSwain, Psychology Dept, American International College
