Book Description
Second Edition ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good "Starter" Book...
The book is comprehensive, well-researched, and well-presented. I did learn a lot from the book, and I would recommend this book to other people beginning recovery from SA. The book talks about the ten types/stages of courtship and how sexual addiction can affect an addict, so you can diagnose yourself and where you're having difficulties from the charts. It also talks about how slips are like boulders falling off a hill, and there's a great illustration to explain that and how bottomlines can help you.

What was missing for me, and hence the 4 stars, was the lack of content regarding "Relationship Recovery" part. There isn't much indication on how to go about dating the right way for S&L addicts - for example, if you saw the chart and realized you have problems with "seduction" phase of the courtship, you know you have this, but the book doesn't help you to revert this, or suggest what you're supposed to do with the diagnosis, other than "abstinence".

I would say this is a great resource for Sex Addicts in Recovery, but if you are a Sex AND Love Addict in recovery - this book won't fulfill all your needs. I don't know; perhaps Carnes has written a separate book for Love Addiction that I haven't checked out yet.

I would say I'm about 85% satisfied with the information provided by the book, and roughly 70% satisfied with the purchasing of this book.

Facing Reality
Dr. Carnes is a noted authority and perhaps the premier researcher in the area of sexual addiction.His work goes back easily some twenty years.I have studied with Dr. Carnes and I can say with some authority that this may be his finest work.It is the fruit of much thought and labor.It is reality.Carl Rogers said:"Until we can accept ourselves as we really are we can't change."This book, really a work book, helps the addicted person do just that.But it doesn't stop there.The addict is able to see through the work he does that he is able, through healthy activities, to regain control of his life.This is the second edition.Dr. Carnes demonstrates not only his high standards of authorship, but his humility and ability to accept constructive criticism both from within himself and I think perhaps others, in the changes he has put into this second edition.They are well worth the effort.Dr. Carnes comes at the sexual addiction issue with clarity, research, and above all empathy.His other work "The Recovery Zone,"will I think prove to be as well received as this work.

Roger L. Johnson
M.A, Th.M. LPC
Director, Day Program
Meier Clinics

super workbook in tandem with group therapy
Working through this with group therapy has been wonderful and life changing. Cannot recommend it highly enough. Get Carnes' other books as well. ... Read more

Product Description
From the author of Day By Day, comes the best new book for the chemically dependent in recovery.This book is designed as a basic 24/7 form of support and contains a reflection and positive statement for every hour of the day for 31 days. It is full of the wisdom of the old-timers, 12-Step slogans, and brief, no bull help for the HALT moments. Now you can carry a little bit of fellowship with you wherever you go. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

So Helpful
This book fits right in my pocket and when I feel a little shaky about keeping clean and sober I just take it out and read the meditation for that day and hour.I'm always surprised about how many times it hits the nail on the head and I go on with my day clean and sober!!!

Wisdom for every hour of every day
From John Howard Prin, author of STOLEN HOURS: Breaking Free From Secret Addictions, Syren Books, 2004

This dandy tool belongs in every recovering addict's pocket. I consider it a tool because for anyone who was once captive to addictive urges its small size contains huge pay-offs -- it serves the person seeking sobriety as a combination daily devotional/day planner. Regardless of what time of day or night (or week or month), the POCKET SPONSOR provides pithy advice.

It is divided into 24 brief paragraphs-with-sayings for every hour of each day, Day 1 through Day 31. Like one's sponsor in an AA or other 12-Step group, it provides the guidance and encouragement in writing that the sponsor would usually provide in conversation. Designed as a basic 24/7 form of support, it allows the beginner, or those beginning again, to carry a little bit of the fellowship from their 12-step meetings with them wherever they go.

As a professional counselor and recovering individual myself, I agree with the author when she says, "Anytime during the day that you feel uneasy, find the day and hour and read your message...Again and again, you will discover new passages that are exactly what you need at that moment."
... Read more

Book Description
Self-help organizations across the world have attracted millions of individuals seeking to address addiction problems with drugs or alcohol.This book provides an integrative, international review of research that focuses on how these organizations affect individual members and whether self-help groups and formal health care systems can work together to combat substance abuse. In addition, it offers practical strategies for individual clinicians and treatment systems on how to interact with self-help organizations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Circles of Recovery Indeed!
I have been sober for over twenty years, and for every person I meet in AA, I know ten who should be members but are put off by the slogans, seemingly religious orientation, etc.This is the first book I ever read about other paths to sobriety; a world wide survey of what works and what does not. (For instance, in Poland, far from being anonymous, if you are long term sober, they put you on TV. Why should our often illiterate amd overpaid athletes and rock stars be our only culture heros?)
A first class, helpful book, authoratative - the author is a professor of psychiatry at Stanford -- and very easy to read-- no jargon. Bill Manville ... Read more

Book Description

Addiction Recovery Tools: A Practical Handbook presents verified recovery tools with a methodical "when and how" approach for each available tool. Including both Western and Eastern methods, the book catalogs the motivational, medical-pharmaceutical, cognitive-behavioral, psychosocial, and holistic tools accessible in a wide variety of settings and programs.

The contributors, all experiences addiction recovery specialists, present comprehensive descriptions of each tool as well as practical aidsworksheets, lists, scales, guidelines, and interactive exercisesto help the practitioner incorporate the tool into practice. Further instructional resources are supplied for training, continuing education, and career enhancement.

Book Description
Now in paperback with updated photos and additional interviews, The Harder They Fall reveals the intimate thoughts, feelings, regrets, and beliefs of celebrities in recovery.Among those profiled are comedian Richard Pryor, musicians Grace Slick, Dr.John, and Chuck Negron, actors Malcolm McDowell and Mariette Hartley, and athletes Dock Ellis and Gerry Cooney.Addiction devoured their pride and accomplishments until each found the courage to ask for help, the honesty to face their disease, and the strength--ultimately--to rebuild a life of extraordinary success.Here, legendary Los Angeles publicist Gary Stromberg gives readers an up-close look at fame and addiction, as told by the stars themselves.These are stories of greatness rebuilt--one day at a time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Exploring Addiction and Recovery From Celebrity Stories
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (2/06)

In "The Harder They Fall," publicist Gary Stromberg and author Jane Merrill write stories about twenty-one celebrities and their experiences with addictions.Strombergbegins with his own story about how he got addicted and how hard he had to hit bottom before he could climb up on top again.

What really made this book refreshing is that the stories are written about celebrities from a variety of walks of life.They are not just movie stars or musicians, they are also athletes, politicians, writers and even a cowboy.In spite of the difference in their backgrounds, a common thread runs through the lives of these people. The substance abuse usually began as they became famous.Some of these people even thought that they could use the drugs or alcohol as their muses.As they crashed and burned, they had to go into recovery.In most cases, there were relapses.Then the real healing began and as they healed their inner selves, they made peace with their demons and found a better way to live.

This book is really well written.The first thought that came to my mind as I was reading it, was that, "This is a really good book."That is a simple statement, and I know that the authors could have phrased it much better because they write so well, but the bottom line is, I really enjoyed this book.

People who are interested in stories about celebrities will enjoy it.But, I think that a person struggling with an addiction or a person who knows someone close to them that is struggling with an addiction will get the most out of these stories.The reason I feel this is because that the underlying theme is one of hope.These people hit bottom and in many cases they also had to deal with the humiliation of having the public involved in their private lives.But they manage to overcome their addictions and rise above them to become even better, stronger people than they were before.

The authors also mention celebrities that they would have liked to include in the book, but were unable to, because they are dead as a result of their substance abuse.The most famous one was Elvis.The chapter mentioning these people provides a sobering eye opener to what can happen if you do not go into recovery.

Mariette Hartley ends her story with a powerful quote from a woman that was her spiritual advisor, "One's deepest wounds, integrated, become one's greatest powers."This quote sums up the outcome of people that survive addiction and make it through recovery.I highly recommend this book.

A compendium of autobiographical accounts of self-help and recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction
The collaborative work of Gary Stromberg & Jane Merrill, The Harder They Fall: Celebrities Tell Their Real-Life Stories Of Addiction And Recovery is a compendium of autobiographical accounts of self-help and recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction told by a range of readily recognized men and women who range from singer and songwriter Paul Williams, to comedian Richard Pryor, to actor Malcom McDowell, to musician Alice Cooper, to U.S. Congressman Jim Ramstad, and sixteen others. All of these stories are revealed with candor, insight, humor, humility, and hope. The Harder They Fall is a unique anthology and should be available to everyone (especially those struggling with their own addictions) in the community through their local public library.

Highly recommended.Beautiful and Courageous stories.
You don't have to be interested in reading celebrity stories to enjoy this book. I highly recommend it. I found the book really hard to put down. Because there are so many great short stories, I was able to get a broad view of the disease's nature.Also, I am very impressed with the honesty and vulnerability of the people who shared their stories.They are very human, beautiful and courageous.

Great Idea for a Book, and Very Well Executed
It seems like you can't pick up a newspaper or turn on a television without hearing of some new celebrity being involved with drugs. Why with all of their success does it take drugs for them to get through their lives? And in the news you don't hear about followups. What happens to these people after they get out of their court ordered treatment (or jail)?

In this book the authors have managed to get an extraordinary collection of people to talk about their lives under drugs and how they were able to beat their habbit. In each case it was clearly a struggle, it was not easy, but they managed.

I say the collection of people is extraordinary because it contains far more than just the musicians that seem to get all the press. It includes sports figures, writers, comedians, and actors. The stories leave me with a feeling of both sadness and hope. That these people can not only accomplish what they did but that they are now will to share their experiences with the rest of us speaks great things about them.

Highly recommended.

What a book!
Gary Stromberg really tells some very compelling stories of some of the biggest names in pop culture.This book offers hope, some laughs and great insights into an insidious disease that effects millions.I highly recommend this book!
... Read more

Product Description
Gary Blanchard, a licensed addictions counselor, presents a positive approach to treating addiction. Based on Gary's Positive Path Recovery program, the book presents practical ways to build recovery and to maintain a sober lifestyle. The book contains a number of exercises to help build recovery skills and to help people stay focused and successful in recovery. ... Read more

Book Description
Mr. Shulman has developed an enhanced understanding of kleptomania, based on an addiction model. It offers the best hope we have today for effective treatment of this baffling disorder.@ - Dr.David August, D.O., Lewes, Delaware

Any therapist, judge, probation officer, or any professional who deals with shoplifters needs to read this book. Mr. Shulman=s understanding of and personal experience with this behavior makes this book an invaluable tool in helping to understand and rehabilitate people who shoplift. Winona Ryder should read this book.@ - Judge Richard Halloran, Wayne County Circuit Court, Detroit, Michigan ... Read more

Customer Reviews (38)

Best info I've found on shoplifting!
Dr. Shulman has done an exemplary job of defining the REAL HIDDEN reasons why people shoplift and the BEST way to recover.He dares to share his own story of how he became a recovering shoplifter, and how he has turned his "mess" into a "message" to help others with similar problems.I appreciated his honesty and genuine empathy for people who shoplift, and his rational approach to the "cure."Anyone who has ever shoplifted or who loves someone who shoplifts needs to read this book NOW!

Helful and Heartfelt
I found this book to be very honest, heartfelt and helpful.Anyone who is either suffering from or interested in the affliction of shoplifting should read this book!

An enlightening and user-friendly book
As there is little out there on shoplifting addiction, I found "Something for Nothing" to be a very helpful guide to why people shoplift and what can be done to help them. I found the 4 stories in the book, especially the author's own story, enlightening and moving. I appreciated the statistics, the theories, and the exercises as well. I admire Mr. Shulman for his devotion to his own recovery as well as to his efforts to help others, especially by writing this book and starting a support group. I wish there was a group where I am from but it seems there are so few. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to understand shoplifting addiction and how to get help.

Disappointing Read
I purchased this book after reading an article in the Detroit news and looking at the author's website. Because I have a daughter with a shopping and shoplifting problem I thought this book would provide me with some help in understanding the dynamics surrounding the behavior from a mental health perspective. I should have looked closer at the book and realized that it is a personal story and not a self-help book.The points provided in the book are repeated over and over and there is just alot of "fluff" in the book.I expected more indepth information on studies, hopeful treatments, legal standpoints, intensive treatment options, etc.the book did not address any of this. It barely scratched the surface of addressing questions and concers about the acts.

This is the only book on shoplifting addiction that has helped me
After seeing Mr. Shulman and the topic of shoplifting addiction featured on Prime Time Live and The Early Show recently, [...]. It was a godsend! I'd been looking all over for help and finally I have hope. I appreciated Mr. Shulman's honesty in telling his story of recovery from this addiction. The other stories in the book were helpful as well. This book has something for everyone--theories, statistics, exercises, resources, and even how to apply the 12 Steps to recovery from shoplifting addiction. I applaud Mr. Shulman for his bravery and for being a pioneer in this field with little understanding and little compassion. I can see in the most recent reviews what I and others are up against. I highly doubt that these reviewers have even read his book as it does, indeed, include mention of the 12 Steps and certainly does not make excuses for anyone who steals. I doubt noteworthy programs like Prime Time Live and The Early Show would have featured theft addiction as legitimate topics if they didn't believe Mr. Shulman was onto something. I am still reading this book and intend to read it over and over again. I encourage anyone truly interested in this problem to read it and judge for yourself. Thanks, Mr. Shulman. For the first time, I feel hope that there is someone who understands me. ... Read more

Product Description
800 METERSA Journey of Addiction, Recovery and Redemption.Mikael Luman had it all: good friends, a loving family and an outstanding future as an athlete. But his spiral into drug addiction destroyed everything Mikael valued. He traded college athletics for a world of strippers and good times, highs and lows, raves and week-long parties all fueled by ecstasy, nitrous oxide, cocaine and methamphetamines. In and out of jail, no longer possessing even a driver s license, the one-time star runner now ran from the law and from the demons that drove him. Even a son born out of wedlock could not break Mikael s addiction. He dealt and manufactured drugs, was kidnapped and shot at. He watched his friends ruin their lives. Yet even at his lowest moments, Mikael believed that he had a special calling and that the hell he was living was for a reason. His wild ride ended with an arrest and a prison term, where he slowly got back in touch with reality, his purpose in life and the son he d hardly known. Now, Mikael s told the whole story in an honest, frank and sometimes humorous memoir that only someone who s survived the criminal lifestyle of drug addiction can tell. Married with a daughter, he wants to use his experiences to bring nationwide awareness to the need for drug treatment programs that are not just reactive but proactive.Mikael Luman broke out of the prison of addiction, but many more will not. His inspiring book is a must-read for parents, educators, addicts and young people who think,It will never happen to me. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A Great Tool for Teachers and Coaches!
How could Mikael Luman, a talented young man from a loving and stable family, end up risking his unlimited potential for drugs and a criminal lifestyle? Reading 800 Meters- A Journey of Addiction, Recovery and Redemption will help the reader understand how unhealthy and poor choices are often symptomatic of deeper and unresolved issues. In this case, Mikael's fear of failure and the loss of his athletic career led him to dangerous choices. Ultimately, these decisions led to a life of addiction and crime.

Most importantly, his story ends not with sorrow but redemption. In an honest, humble and courageous manner Mikael reflects on his journey and is now dedicated to helping young people embrace a lifestyle that is free of addiction and full of possibilities.

As a high school teacher and coach for 25+ years, I heartily recommend this book for my fellow professionals. Read this and you will understand the dangers that await some of our students-athletes. Share Mikael's story with those entrusted to your care as it is inspiring and transforming!

destruction of a life
Life turns quickly, sometimes too quickly.This story, this true-life story shows us how a person who has everything going for them can fall into a hellish and lonely life of addiction and destruction.Mikael's story begins in high-school but soon spills into the party life and into the underground drug scene that became his world.His demons followed him, haunting him and destroying relationships with his best friends and even his family.His drug deals became larger, his friends became shadier.The lonelier he became, the more he used drugs to fill the pain.Money, drugs and women became his new family.This story follows Mikael through his fall into hell.The drugs and the violence are often unreal and when the bullets fly you are left asking yourself how this could be a true story.You absolutely can not put this story down until you reach the final and painful conclusion.I hate to sound cliche, but this is a must read.

800 Meters
What a GREAT book!!! It was impossible to put down. Even though it was hard and painful to read my son's story, his book is full of personal advise on avoiding and learning from life choices.His true story will bring inspiration and hope to all of us who are in one way or another affected by drug use.It was wonderful to read and know that Mikael is doing something positive with his experiences to make the world a better place. This book is just the beginning of Mikael's mission.

Miracle
This is a must read.Everyone of us will be affected by drug use; whether it is a loved one, a parent, a sibling, a child, a friend, or ourselves.It is empowering to know that someone, like Mikael Luman, could break away from this cycle of addiction, turmoil, and pain.Although this may shock those who have not been affected by drug use yet, it is uplifting to know that through the right programs, support, determination, and love people can break free and use their experiences to help others.

This is must read!!!
This is a must read. Some stories should be left untold, but the writer of this books gives you all the details. The life of Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll. Not so much rock but alot of Rollin'. Every parent should read this book and realize it only takes one bad choice and you can change a life forever. This book gets really crazy towards the end and I don't know how Mikael Luman is alive today! Sometimes jail is the only solution. This is by far my favorite book of the year. ... Read more

Book Description
This book is valuable and different in that the author's inner perspectives explore some of the personal, internal battles and issues the addict faces during the surrender to addiction then recovery. It is important to know that an active addict or one going through recovery interprets his newfound horizons in unique ways as addiction to cocaine opens up strange new worlds.That a person who has earned or possesses all the trappings of success can allow cocaine to seemingly unconscionably bring on ravages of degradation to his life is phenomenal. The slide into hell with cocaine counters everything precious and known to us. For an individual to escape the forces of cocaine addiction calls for an understanding of that roadmap in order for him to stand a chance at recovery, especially that the greatest enemy lies within the mind.Some issues discussed here pertinent to a recovering addict are: links between mind, body and soul; regaining life's lost values; pleasure and depression levels of cocaine; making the mind master the crucial moments of pre­determination.This writer has surrendered then resurrected from the ravages of cocaine addiction going on nineteen years. He has recounted that secret inner-battle and war. Recovering cocaine addicts do at times feel possessed, invaded and being controlled. The addict must understand that years or months free from the drug may only be an innocent deception, as the battle to overcome it may take years of practicing a healthy lifestyle. Having awareness of the pitfalls of recovery may help addicts defy the high failure rate.To rehabilitate and resurrect oneself from cocaine is a time of challenge and internal wars as denial of cocaine's ultra-orgasmic pleasure requires superhuman mystical, emotional, spiritual and physical strength developments of their own. The pleasurable consequences of addiction seem to suppress, overcome then swallow the meaning of life itself.With millions worldwide addicted to cocaine, and praying for a way to salvage their infected lives, this book could present a glimmer of inspiration for the hopeless. In many cases of cocaine addiction, all the addict needs is a direction toward possible cure, and then a fire of recovery begins to ignite. ... Read more

Book Description
This entertaining and practical book points out a basic fact about changing harmful addictions - that many people need to develop a devotion to a healthy, positive addiction - to which they can cheerfully "just say yes!"

Based on thousands of observations made by the author during 23 years of active participation in the addiction recovery and treatment field, this ground-breaking new book describes five naturally-occurring stages of change on an Addiction Recovery Learning Curve that many people with the most serious harmful addictions will usually have to go through on the long road to lasting recovery.

Addiction, Progression, & Recovery illustrates how harmful addictions often develop gradually with many identifiable signs and symptoms emerging over time in a series of progressively worsening stages, and it clearly describes the lifelong learning process normally followed by people who successfully make the difficult transition from active progression into permanent recovery.

In this pioneering work, Dale Kesten introduces readers to the FACE to FACE Unified Addiction Recovery Model. This promising new developmental learning model offers a realistic and individualized approach to addiction treatment. It can help clinicians simultaneously assess, educate, motivate, and empower clients to eventually control or stop harmful addictive behavior by reframing their past, present, and future experiences as an honest and open-minded series of "Formal Addiction Control Experiments and Failed Addiction Control Experiments."

This innovative new model is not based on any abstract, academic, scientific, or partisan theory about how people might or should be able to change harmful addictive behavior. Rather, it accurately describes the natural and readily observable process by which most people actually do change or ultimately fail to change such behavior in the long run. ... Read more

Book Description
What is addiction? How do you know if someone is addicted? Are some people more prone to addiction than others? Are some drugs more addictive thanothers? How can you help someone who doesn't want help? UnderstandingDrugs of Abuse is designed to bring the everyday reader face-to-face withdrugs of abuse and addiction. Through frank, no-nonsense explanations ofthe stimulants, depressants, psychedelics, and inhalants, this accessibleguide will help the reader to understand how drugs of abuse affectthinking, behavior, perceptions, and emotions. It also examines theeffects addiction has on the addict's family. Understanding Drugs of Abuse demystifies the treatment process by explaining what types of treatmentare available, what actually happens during treatment, and what patientsand their families can expect during the treatment process. The book alsodescribes the recovery process and will help people identify good recovery as well as recognize poor recovery and the warning signs of relapse.Perhaps most important, Understanding Drugs of Abuse explains how friendsand family can intervene when someone they love does not want help.Because the use of prescribed medications by people with substance usedisorders can be misunderstood or even be dangerous, this book presentspractical information about medications and recovery. It also explores the unique problems of adolescents who are addicted, as well as people withthe dual disorders of a psychiatric and substance use disorder.Understanding Drugs of Abuse will also help the reader understand the role of genetics and other influences on addiction to alcohol, the most widelyabused drug of all. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Only drug abuser's should be able to talk about drugs!
This book was not at all useful and really boring. Take a bunch of medical research and add a dull author who obviously doesn't know anything about drugs except what he heard> terrible writing and fiction all over the book.HOW COULD SOMEONE TALK ABOUT RECOVERY AND ABUSE IF THEY HAVEN'T EVEN TRIED IT! tHIS BOOK SHOULD BE CALLED"THE BASIC RULES OF HYPOCRISY AND THE DULL AUDIENCE WHO IS EASILY BRAINWASHED"

From the Author
I wrote this book for two broad audiences and purposes. First, it is intended to provide useful information to lay but informed readers who want to understand the drugs of abuse and the addiction and treatment processes. Second, it can be used as a textbook in a university addiction studies program and as a reference guide to the drugs of abuse and the processes of addiction, treatment, and recovery. One of the things that fueled my interest to write the book is the fact that there are many poorly-researched and highly-opinionated books on substance abuse-related issues. I made an intense effort to ensure that this book was research-based, heavily referenced, objective, and helpful.

The first half of the book focuses on the drugs of abuse, how they work, and how they affect biological, psychological, and social functioning. It was written in part to answer such frequently-asked questions as "How does this drug work?" and "Is this drug addictive?" The second half of the book provides a good description of the addiction process, and walks the reader through the treatment and recovery processes. It also provides additional attention to such issues as individuals with coexisting psychiatric and substance use disorders, genetics and alcoholism, and adolescent addiction. Throughout, this book helps the reader to understand that addiction, treatment, recovery, and even relapse are all dynamic biopsychosocial processes.

From the Author
I wrote this book for two broad audiences and purposes. First, it is intended to provide useful information to lay but informed readers who want to understand the drugs of abuse and the addiction and treatment processes. Second, it can be used as a textbook in a university addiction studies program and as a reference guide to the drugs of abuse and the processes of addiction, treatment, and recovery. One of the things that fueled my interest to write the book is the fact that there are many poorly-researched and highly-opinionated books on substance abuse-related issues. I made an intense effort to ensure that this book was research-based, heavily referenced, objective, and helpful.

The first half of the book focuses on the drugs of abuse, how they work, and how they affect biological, psychological, and social functioning. It was written in part to answer such frequently-asked questions as "How does this drug work?" and "Is this drug addictive?" The second half of the book provides a good description of the addiction process, and walks the reader through the treatment and recovery processes. It also provides additional attention to such issues as individuals with coexisting psychiatric and substance use disorders, genetics and alcoholism, and adolescent addiction. Throughout, this book helps the reader to understand that addiction, treatment, recovery, and even relapse are all dynamic biopsychosocial processes. ... Read more

Book Description

Addictions specialist Dr. Ruben explodes myths of romantic love and exposes sex for what it really is—a power hungry craving on everyone's mind. The book graphically reveals secrets of sex addicts and nonsex additions. It explicitly tells why people want sex, how they get sex, and where they get sex. Rapid cures are given for curiosity seekers turned addicts. Easy-to-apply steps convert sex addicts into sex lovers in days, not months.

ASK HIM: What drives average people to be sex maniacs? How does it consume their lives? Is sex like food—do you need it? How much and how little do you need sex before you, too, get addicted? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

OVERLY SIMPLISTIC
First let me say that there are a few good points in this book, but if your looking for a book that will help you understand sex addiction and heal from it,there are much better choices! This book is overly simplistic and incredibly superficial. It's take on sexual addiction, I believe, will only frustrate someone that is looking for legitimate reasons and solutions to problem sexual behaviour.It also trivializes the idea of love.I definitely wouldn't buy this book again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Mike D. brings his healing prayer seminar to print.
This is a wonderful book for all people in recovery. You'll learn a proven method of prayer and meditation that you will return to again and again. I always faltered when trying to meditate-but this program helps me stay inthe process and the benefits include an improved conscious contact with myhigher power. Thanks Mike D. for this wonderful book. ... Read more

Book Description
Millions of alcoholics and addicts recover through spirituality. In The Soul of Recovery: Uncovering the Spiritual Dimension in the Treatment of Addictions, author and journalist Christopher D. Ringwald tells how and why they seek and achieve these transformations.Ranging as far back as the Washingtonian Total Abstinence Society in 1840, Ringwald illuminates the use of spirituality within a wide range of treatment options--from the famous Twelve Step-style programs to those tailored to the needs of addicted women, Native Americans, or homeless teens not ready to quit. Focusing on the results rather than the validity of beliefs espoused by these programs, he demonstrates how addicts recover through practices such as self-examination, meditation, prayer and reliance on a self-defined higher power. But the most compelling evidence of spirituality's importance comes from those directly involved in the process. Ringwald traveled across the country to visit dozens of programs and interview hundreds of addicts, alcoholics, counselors, family members, doctors and scientists. Many share moving stories of suffering, survival, and redemption.A homeless man, a surgeon, a college student, a working mother-each describes the descent into addiction and how spirituality offered a practical, personal means to recovery. Ringwald also examines the controversies surrounding faith-based treatment and the recovery movement, from the conflict between science and spirituality, to skepticism about the "new age" brand of spirituality these programs encourage, to constitutional issues over court-mandated participation in allegedly religious treatment programs.Combining in-depth research with powerful personal accounts, this fascinating exploration of spirituality will provide a fuller understanding of the nature of addiction and how people overcome it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The real deal on Addiction Recovery
As a recovering alcoholic and addict for 19 years and a professional worker in the field for 16 years, this book was so refreshing to read. Most people who work with addicts will tell you that until they achieve some sort of "spiritual experience" often through a faith based program such as AA, NA, etc. they never achieve long-term contented abstinence. Even though the author is outside the field of addiction and is primarily a journalist, he does an astonishing job of surfacing the issues that are the "elephant in the living room" of addiction treatment and recovery. With all due respect to the medical and psychological research and literature, none of it speaks as clearly as this book about what "causes" recovery from addiction.

San Francisco Chronicle review
...In his recent book, "The Soul of Recovery: Uncovering the Spiritual Dimension in the Treatment of Addictions," journalist Christopher Ringwald takes a sober and well-documented look at some of the unquestioned claims of the burgeoning recovery movement.

Many recovering addicts say they felt a "spiritual emptiness" or a "God- sized hole" in their souls and tried to fill it with alcohol or other drugs.

"The drug distorts clear thought and often makes the person feel ecstatic, invulnerable, godlike," Ringwald writes. "Then, in the final throes of an addiction, counselors and addicts report, life condenses to a self-centered round of getting, using, and recuperating before starting over."

...

What makes "The Soul of Recovery" (Oxford University Press, 2002) stand out from the pack is the way Ringwald approaches the recovery movement as a journalist, not as an evangelist or protagonist. He understands the power of spirituality in treating substance abuse, yet still asks some hard questions about the wisdom handed down from "Bill W." and "Dr. Bob."

Ringwald, who covers legal issues for Newsday, devotes a chapter to another treatment philosophy called "harm reduction," which, unlike AA, does not see total abstinence as the only way.

Counselors in this faction say that "abstinence for many merely increases the luster of the forbidden fruit."

"When certain alcoholics relapse even slightly, their remorse can be so severe -- thanks to the lessons about 'one drink will get you drunk' -- that they go on a tear to blot out the shame."

Ringwald cites studies showing that many nonabstinent alcoholics can reduce their consumption substantially by being taught how to moderate their behavior,

or by alternating between periods of abstention and drinking.

This kind of thinking challenges the medical model of the for-profit recovery industry, where total abstinence is seen as a kind of First Commandment.

"Harm reduction challenges the most basic of substance abuse treatment assumptions: the disease concept," Ringwald writes. "Whether advocates say so or not, their emphasis on resolving conditions -- poverty, housing or other illness -- first, rather than halting the drug abuse, argues for alcoholism or addiction having some origins outside the person."

In the end, Ringwald notes that the two camps really want the same thing -- to create a social environment where addicts have more to live for than the next fix. Both treatment styles seek to change addicts' spirit by connecting them with something larger than themselves.

... ... Read more

Book Description
Find fresh perspectives on the treatment of addictions and effective methods for helping recovering alcohol and drug abusers in this valuable book!

Addiction in Human Development provides practical strategies based on theories of human development for working with clients recovering from alcoholism and drug addiction. An understanding of these theories will help therapists and addictions counselors recognize stages of recovery and better select appropriate interventions for every phase of treatment of addicted clients.

Addiction in Human Development shows how a developmental perspective is particularly appropriate to the treatment of alcohol and substance abusers and the patterns involved in their addiction. Disruptions in clients’childhood or adolescent development, stemming from their own or a parent?s drug abuse, can influence their present recovery process. This informative book also describes the developmental course of addiction and provides tools designed to interrupt addictive patterns. In addition, stages in the developmental process of recovery are identified to help therapists select appropriate interventions.

Some of the topics related to human development and addiction covered in this insightful volume include developmental deficits and developmental arrest in recovering clients, delayed reactions to sexual abuse and other childhood trauma, stages in recovery from alcoholism or drug addiction, developmental issues in the professional?s own life, and multi-problem families with a multigenerational history of substance abuse. Applying these developmental strategies to work with addicted individuals will significantly improve communication and rapport between helping professionals and recovering addicts and lead to more success in alcohol and drug addiction therapy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Honest struggle of an eloquent man
This book describes all aspects of a sensitive and intelligent man's struggle against alcoholism. Despite all the relapses in the past and possibly the future, the only sensible thing to do is to keep searching for a way to release the self of this constant preoccupation. This man is always questioning and evaluating, choosing his words carefully and always aware of the consequences his addiction has on the people around him and of course on his own life.
Very useful account for people struggling with addiction and everyone interested in them, out of professional or personal interest. ... Read more

Book Description
In this book leading experts in the field of addictions report on keyaspects of addictive disorders. They focus particularly on relapse, the long-term course ofaddiction to drugs or alcohol, and interventions to prevent relapse and promote recovery.A critical and highly complex public health problem, addiction is seen today as havingbiological, psychological, social, and cultural aspects. This important volume bringstogether the major perspectives on addiction, treatment, and recovery along with thecurrent findings of clinical and scientific research. The contributors explore a wide range of topics, including craving and emotional factorsin relapse, pharmacotherapies, adolescent treatment, outcome research and treatmentcareers, clients in the criminal justice system, the self-help movement, and such healthservices issues as managed care and linkages to other systems. For those working withaddicted patients and those making policy decisions that affect treatment and itsavailability, this book is an essential reference. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

All of the lights change colors: Relapse and Recovery
In the detective novel the LONG GOODBYE, by Raymond Chandler, his hard-boiled detective, Philip Marlowe describes recovery from alcoholism as the lights changing colors and drinking friends become less fun and that the process takes 3 years.Raymond Chandler, who had personal experience with alcoholism, had great insight into the processes of relapse and recovery and he would have loved the subject of this review, RELAPSE AND RECOVERY IN ADDICTIONS edited by Frank M. Tims, Carl G. Leukefeld and Jerome J.Platt.Chandler appreciated the truth and RELAPSE AND RECOVERY IN ADDITIONS tells the truth about relapse and recovery. The book is a well balanced and comprehensive volume that sums up the contemporary research on relapse and recovery. As workers in the addictions are aware, the processes of relapse and recovery are complex and multi-determined. Similarly, RELAPSE AND RECOVERY IN ADDICTIONS appreciates the complexity of the task and covers the biological, psychological, social and cultural approaches to understanding,predicting and treating relapse and recovery in addictions. This book is no misguided attempt to seek simple but incorrect solutions but rather a realistic appreciation of the very complex conundrum that is treating addictions. The book provides a clear conceptual framework for understanding relapse and recovery, reviews the extant research on recovery and relapse and also describes the current status of the search for effective interventions. The volume is really quite eclectic in the range and depth of topics addressed, most likely reflecting the good judgment, wide knowledge and very even-handed approach of the editors to scientific findings.Interestingly, the authors who have contributed chapters are leading researchers in the field of addictions and the author list includes such addictions superstars as Robert L. Hubbard, M. Dougles Anglin, George DeLeon, Richard Schottenfeld, Harvey Siegal, Barry S. Brown, Patrick M. Flynn, Thomas R. Kosten and D. Dwayne Simpson, among a number of others.In closing, this book is an exceptional work and is destined to be seen as a contemporary classic and an essential reference for information on relapse and recovery. No serious student or researcher in the addictions should be without this book. I am sure that Raymond Chandler would have purchased a copy and perhaps reading the book would
have helped allow his lights to have changed colors a little quicker. ... Read more