AN OVERVIEW OF PROBLEM-SOLVING AND SOCIAL SKILLS APPROACHES IN SUBSTANCE-ABUSE TREATMENT

This article provides an overview of the problem-solving skills and social skills literature, and discusses some of the ways in which these approaches have been used in various populations, including populations of substance abusers. Although problem-solving and social skills training have shown promise in other populations, there has not been a great deal of empirical research with these approaches in the substance abuse field. It is hoped that the information presented here might stimulate practitioner interest in investigating and applying these approaches as part of treatment for substance-abusing clients.