St. Bonaventure University

A new book by Dr. Chad Luke, associate professor of counselor education at St. Bonaventure University, serves as a guide for professionals working to help those struggling with substance use issues.

“Substance Use and Misuse: A Helper’s Guide to Neuroscience-based Treatment” equips helping professionals with the knowledge needed to work effectively with individuals who misuse substances and also underscores the skills and attitudes necessary to be successful with clients struggling with misuse.

Luke began his counseling career working in a substance treatment program in a downtown rescue mission, then in a treatment center for adolescents with substance use and other issues. Later, first in private practice and then in college counseling and administrative roles, he continued to work with those whose lives have been deeply impacted by substances. In recent years, he has served in consultative, supervisory, and training roles related to mental health, with a special interest in substances.    

“It’s been a painful gift to walk beside those struggling with addiction,” Luke said. “Consistently lacking, in my view, was a training text that addressed substance use disorders in science-based and humanistic ways.” 

The book uses the lens of neuroscience to focus the art of helping, providing professionals with rich research, practical examples, and material on the interplay of the brain, the nervous system, and substance use.

“Research shows that scientists, medical providers, mental health workers, and clergy can both appreciate the neurobiological basis of addiction while also maintaining bias toward these individuals,” Luke said. “Neuroscience literature establishes that all addictions are both chemical and behavioral. This book addresses the connection between biology and behavior, and then how helpers can and must take action to help.”

Opening chapters provide readers with essential historical, social, and political context, a review of ethics and culture in substance use and treatment, and critical information about neuroscience essentials and how drugs affect the brain. Additional chapters cover the dimensions of substance misuse, the neuroscience of helping, and the processes of screening, assessment, diagnosis, and referral. 

Readers learn about relevant theories and models of substance misuse, treatment approaches, motivational interviewing, and brain-based mindful interventions. Chapters cover co-occurring disorders, treatment beyond relapse prevention and termination, treating marginalized and minoritized populations, and more. 

While the book is aimed at undergraduate and graduate students, Luke’s conversational writing style makes it accessible to all readers. Published by Cognella Academic Publishing, the book is available here: https://titles.cognella.com/substance-use-and-misuse-9781793584182.

This is Luke’s eighth book. Other titles include “Neuroscience for Counselors and Therapists: Integrating the Sciences of Brain and Mind” (2nd ed.), “Neuroscience for Child and Adolescent Counselors,” “Essentials of Career-Focused Counseling: Integrating Research, Practice, and Neuroscience,” “Practicum in Counseling: A Developmental Guide,” and “Counseling Children and Adolescents: Cultivating Empathic Connection.”


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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure University is a community committed to transforming the lives of our students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a lifelong commitment to service and citizenship. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #6 for value and #14 for innovation by U.S. News and World Report (2024).