| Abstract: | Abstract In the past two decades, advances in neuroscience research have revolutionized the scientific community's understanding of branehavior connections. Social work is now taking note of this trend. Specialists in substance abuse, addiction, and co-occurring diagnoses are beginning to relinquish long-held beliefs in mind-body dualism in favor of a truly integrated biopsychosocial understanding. This article identifies challenges related to social work and argues that neurobiological knowledge is essential for a biopsychosocial understanding of substance abuse and addiction, other mental disorders, co-occurring conditions, and human behavior. It gives examples of drawing on neurobiological knowledge for practice applications. These include educating users, families, and providers about neurobiological aspects of substance abuse (psychoeducation); using neuroscience research on mental illness and addiction to develop integrated approaches for dually diagnosed persons; and considering a range of medication options to alleviate cravings and reduce relapse. |
