This course provides a practical approach to dealing with various crises that present themselves when working with people with problematic substance use and their families. Basic theories in crisis work will be discussed, including an overview of the history of crisis intervention. Various types of crises encountered will be reviewed, specifically emergencies, overdose, relapse, related medical problems, seizures, violence, suicide, rape, sexual abuse, spousal abuse, mental health issues, anxiety, phobias, dissociative disorders, as well as other special concerns that participants may wish to review. Crisis for the helper, issues related to burnout and self-care will also be addressed