Counselling People on Prescribed Drugs

For any helping professional who is working, or wanting to work, with clients taking prescribed drugs, this book is a must. In a practical and comprehensive manner, Diane Hammersley clearly describes the uses and limitations of psychotropic drugs, their effectiveness, and effect on the counseling process. She then lays down guidelines for assessment, drug withdrawal, and the appropriate counseling approaches to consider while clients are still taking drugs or are withdrawing from drug use. She also explores more complex problems--such as overdosing, psychotic episodes, and antisocial behavior--and suggests when and how to counsel and when to refer on. Providing a sound theoretical base and factual information--backed up by useful case examples--this book is a must for clinicians, counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals working with clients who have been prescribed drugs.