1st Edition

Men, Addiction, and Intimacy Strengthening Recovery by Fostering the Emotional Development of Boys and Men

By Mark S. Woodford Copyright 2012
    248 Pages
    by Routledge

    248 Pages
    by Routledge

    In the substance abuse and addiction treatment realm, males outnumber females two to one. While gender-issues are seen as a key element of women’s treatment, the acknowledgement that males are "gendered beings" who have lived lives full of male-specific developmental challenges is often overlooked. This text takes a developmental lifespan approach to examine the neurobiological and psychosocial factors associated with substance use disorders for males, specifically in relation to emotional growth and awareness, and how these areas, in turn, affect the development of healthy relationships. Theoretical concepts from the field of interpersonal neurobiology, the psychology of boys and men, and the substance abuse and addiction literature are interwoven with practical clinical examples to help elucidate how the notion of fostering emotional development can strengthen the treatment and recovery processes with boys and men. Relevant case examples are included that illustrate work with males of all ages and address a variety of factors associated with culture, ethnicity, race, religion, and sexual orientation. Mental health practitioners will find this a valuable guide to understanding male development in relation to substance use and abuse and providing more comprehensive, gender-responsive counseling and assessment practices.

    Substance Abuse and Addiction in Males: Gender and Development Matters. Educating Boys and Men about Substance Abuse and the Developing Brain. Male Socialization, Substance Abuse, and Self-Regulation. Substance Abuse Counseling with Early Adolescent Males (12 to 18). Substance Abuse Counseling with Late Adolescent Males (18 to 24). Substance Abuse Counseling with Males in Early Adulthood (24 to 34). Substance Abuse Counseling with Males in Middle Adulthood (34 to 60). Substance Abuse Counseling with Older Adult Males (60 and above).

    Biography

    Mark S. Woodford, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Counselor Education at The College of New Jersey.

    "This is a short but rich book that seeks to bridge the gap between psychotherapy, neurobiology and addiction in men and boy," –Therapy Today

    "Dr. Woodford offers us a gender-informed, interdisciplinary, life span developmental approach to substance abuse counseling with men. I am grateful to him for his masterful, integrative book, which will inform the helping professions for many years into the future." - From the Series Editor’s Foreword by Mark Kiselica, PhD, The College of New Jersey

    "This book is a major contribution to the psychology of men because it brings together three salient areas that have rarely been integrated: interpersonal neurobiology, developmental aspects of boy’s and men’s gender role socialization, and substance abuse. I was impressed by the rigor of Woodford’s analysis and excited about the new knowledge presented." - James M. O'Neil, PhD, Professor of Educational Psychology and Family Studies, University of Connecticut; licensed psychologist in private practice, South Windsor, CT.