This textbook Substance Use and Addiction: How did we get here and how do we recover? was developed to help provide a fundamental understanding of the current state of substance use and substance use disorders in the United States. This entire textbook was developed in a manner to introduce the complex relationship between alcohol and drugs in this country. You will begin by learning some of that history and why substance use remains a major issue to be addressed by current professionals and aspiring professionals such as yourself.

Each chapter was written by working counselors with extensive experience in addiction counseling. The chapters are structured with various sections providing information on the interaction between the most commonly used substances and their effects on the human mind and body. Additionally, there is a chapter on behavioral addiction that highlights various problematic behaviors that impact individuals and family. Throughout the textbook are embedded features such as video, activities, and links to relevant references or items to supplement the text. Additionally, each chapter offers a recollection or specific clinical example in the Author’s/Clinician’s Corner section.

Ultimately, we hope this textbook provides you with a basis for feeling competent about working with individuals who may present with a substance use disorder. Even if you choose not to pursue a career as a specialized clinician or addiction counselor, as a human services or rehabilitation professional it is likely you will encounter individuals with substance use disorders. By having familiarity with the most common classes of substances and a comprehension of various explanations of addiction, you should gain the confidence to assist and empathize with most consumers with substance use disorders.

Rommel Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). As a National Certified Counselor (NCC), Dr. Johnson through his private practice has provided counseling to a wide range of individuals presenting with substance use and mental health disorders for the past 14 years. Dr. Johnson particularly enjoys working with individuals presenting with behavioral addictions. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling. Dr. Johnson earned his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision and holds professional memberships with the American Counseling Association (ACA), the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC), and the Texas Association of Addiction Professional (TAAP). His research interest focuses on bringing awareness about behavioral addictions as well as issues of addiction and substance use in the Black community.

Cameron Ortega is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counseling (LCDC) as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor board approved supervisor (LPC-S). Ms. Ortega has worked in substance use treatment for 10 years in inpatient and outpatient settings as a clinical supervisor and clinical director. Ms. Ortega is currently a lecturer in the School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling at The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley and teaches in the Bachelors in Addictions Studies Program and Expressive Arts Program. Ms. Ortega is a member National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC), and the Texas Association of Addiction Professional (TAAP). Ms. Ortega is also currently on the board of directors for the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals (TAAP), and on the board of directors for Palmer Drug Abuse Program (PDAP) in McAllen, TX. Ms. Ortega’s research interest focuses on attitudes towards harm reduction and clinical supervision for addiction professionals.