Addictive behaviors are closely linked to mental health, requiring integrated approaches for assessment and treatment. This book examines the psychological, biological, and social aspects of substance use and behavioral addictions. It explores comorbidity with mood disorders, trauma, and personality disorders. Evidence-based interventions like motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and harm reduction strategies are presented. Readers learn about prevention programs, relapse management, and recovery models. Legal and ethical issues are also discussed, including stigma and policy frameworks. This text is valuable for professionals in addiction counseling, psychiatry, and public health.
Simona Kovac is a behavioral health consultant and researcher who focuses on co-occurring disorders and substance misuse. She has worked with rehabilitation centers and public health agencies to design intervention protocols and relapse prevention frameworks. She has also served as a peer reviewer for several addiction science journals. Her scholarly output includes empirical studies on motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapies, and harm reduction strategies. She is passionate about reducing stigma and improving access to integrated care for dual-diagnosis patients.