Treating addiction as a human process

"From his initial contribution of identifying the self-medicating function of abused substances, to the continued elaboration and refinement of his work focusing on the addict's ego deficits of self-regulation and self-care, Edward Khantzian's ideas have become the standard in the field of addictions treatment. Shifting the focus from a pleasure-seeking to a pain-relieving approach to their patients' substance use enables clinicians to engage in a more positive, compassionate psychotherapeutic relationship, unhampered by countertransference feelings of contempt and condemnation." "Dr. Khantzian examines his patients' internal worlds, revealing vulnerabilities while uncovering resiliency and strength. This book, provides a depth of understanding of substance use disorders and an increased hope for recovery."--Jacket.