Book Description
Complete book on alcohol addiction in two parts. The first part is written for the alcoholic. Why does the alcoholic drink and how they can beat alcohol addiction for good! The second part is written for the loved one (enabler/rescuer) of an alcoholic. Do you feel trapped with the alcoholic? Do you feel like you are married to a Jekyl and Hyde? You're not alone. You can break free when you stop trying to rescue the alcoholic and rescue you instead! See the chapter preview at Lulu. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Alcoholism Trap - Reviewed by Author Theodocia ~ The Book Attic Reviews
Reviewer:Author Theodocia ~ The Book Attic Reviews

Angie Lewis's book, `The Alcoholism Trap' is written from a heart of experience and genuine love for the person trapped in an alcoholic lifestyle; as the author is a recovering alcoholic. Firstly, she speaks directly to the alcoholic sharing from her own experiences and addressing some of the underlying conditions of the human body and spirit that cause the distorted thinking that leads people to this self medicating cycle. Secondly, she speaks to the family members and friends who in the beginning unintentionally enable or rescue the alcoholic, thereby keeping everyone in this web of dysfunction. The author weaves in solutions for the alcoholic and loved ones in their life; including intervention and the spiritual aspect of asking for God's help as the center balance, and uses Bible text as the stepping stones to recovery and to a new life in Christ.

Angie Lewis's book, `The Alcoholism Trap' gives insight into the mind of an alcoholic and the chaos that ensues. I truly believe that most humans are touched by either alcohol or an alcoholic at some point in our lives. This book is a great resource and I encourage those who have authority to place this book where many can draw from the experience, wisdom, and ministry that Angie and her husband offer. ... Read more

Product Description
OVERSIZED FLIP BOOK. STORY OF ALCOHOLISM AND THE FAMILY. TARGET: GRADES THREE. PICTURE STORY WITH WORDS. BRIGHT COLORFUL ILLUSTRATIONS. A HELP GUIDE FOR CHILDREN WHO HAVE TO DEAL WITH PARENTS SUFFERING AHCOHOLISM. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

THE SECRET HISTORY OF ALCOHOLISM,FAMOUS ALCOHOLICS
I just left my alcoholic husband after 6 years. I sought out and
read many books on the subject to try and understand the alcoholic's behavior. This book was by far superior to any other
in describing the alcoholic's Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde personality.
My family & friends could not believe it when I told them about
how I was treated and the emotional abuse I endured.My husband
was an accomplished "con artist", knew when to lay on the charm.
As I was reading this book, I swore the author knew my husband.
It was him to a tee. I felt validated, it wasn't me that was
crazy after all. I never realized how an alcoholic can destroy
not only his or her own life, but those closest to them as well.

Extremely helpful for those involved with an alcoholic
Anyone who has been romantically involved with an alcoholic or has an alcoholic family member owes it to themselves to read this book.While Graham focuses on famous despots, tyrants, and celebrities, the same attributes are in some degree present in your basic everyday non-famous alcoholic friend, neighbor or lover.If you love an alcoholic you must understand this. Graham points out the dangerous combination of the alcoholics charm, deception, denial and obsession with looking functional and the tendency to underdiagnose the disease.This underdiagnosis, as Graham points out, is partly due to a bias of society resulting from the ability of most people to drink alcohol without becoming an alcoholic as well as not understanding the differences between highly functional early and middle stage alcoholics and late stage lushes and winos.After reading this book I could understand what the relationsip and marriage counselors were saying about the dangers of loving an alcoholic. Alcoholics are experts at deception and manipulation, they have shallow or stunted emotional growth, they are unable to express themselves honestly and directly, and they can tell you they love you while not caring about you at all.Although they may not become a famous writer, actor, senator or spy, they will become a highly successful con artist and if you are unaware of these traits, you could easily become their victim.

A Major Clue to Identifying the Early Stage Alcohol Addict
I must have forgotten that I'd written a review a couple of years earlier, and somehow didn't notice the duplication. I wrote this near the publication of my first book on the subject, Drunks, Drugs & Debits: How to Recognize Addicts and Avoid Financial Abuse. My review is woefully understated and didn't begin to describe how crucial it was in the evolution of my thinking. Perhaps it's because paradigm shifts in thinking take time to digest. With this in mind, here's what I wrote way back in mid-2000:

This is a phenomenally interesting work. James Graham describes the role of ego inflation in explaining behaviors in the alcoholic, something that nobody else had done before. This is extremely important, because it provides what is sometimes the only clue to alcohol addiction in the early stages of the disease-a massively inflated ego. This often results in extraordinary over achievement, even while the personal life is a shambles.

Combined with Milam and Ketcham's essential work, "Under the Influence," ego-inflation explains how the early-stage addict is often so "functional" and yet, so destructive of others. Brain poisoning occurs immediately in many cases, resulting in this other-destruction. Yet, the toll on the body can take decades, making alcoholism at this stage almost invisible to the casual observer. Most think of addicts on the street, or the obvious, stumbling drunk. This is not when they are most dangerous. Their behaviors are frequently far worse when they can build up to a .20 per cent blood alcohol level without visible signs of inebriation. While Milam and Ketcham describe the biology behind this, Graham looks at the resulting behaviors, explaining much of the troubles in people's personal and professional lives, current events and even world history.

Graham's work is one of the great, unheralded books on addiction. Highly recommended.

An unsympathetic history of alcoholism
While I don't expect any history book to heap praise on alcoholics, this book goes overboard in heaping hatred and contempt on them.I generally expect a history book to be written in a disinterested voice, this is notso unbiased.If you are concerned about your own drinking, the informationhere may convince you to quit.A word of caution, though...if you everconsidered youself as having an alcohol problem, the author will try toconvince you that abstaining will only PROVE that you are an alcoholic.Inorder NOT to be an alcoholic, you MUST drink some, but not too much.That,to me, is like telling a cigarette smoker that he/she cannot quitaltogether, because that would make you a smoker(!).

Entertaining, butdon't read it as gospel.

Alcoholism as disease, creating abusers and their victims.
Through well-known lives in politics and art, Graham demontratesalcoholism is a disease creating disaster for both abusers and victims.Hefairly convincingly paints alcoholism not as a symptom but a cause ofphysical and psychic pain.Graham intimates but does not state the obviouscollarary that the patient is morally obligated to seek help.Great workfor a layman but I wish he had consulted/cowritten with a psychiatrist. ... Read more

Book Description
A new edition of this classic text on the world's number one drug problem. Written in a clear and lively style by a world authority on alcoholism, the book is aimed at those who have alcohol problems and the people who share their lives. Throughout, it examines the social, psychological, and medical aspects of alcohol problems. The five years since publication of the 2nd edition have seen the conclusion of the massive Project MATCH study - undoubtedly the largest ever research project on the treatment of alcoholism and problem drinking. The new edition considers some of the findings from this project, and the implications they have for treatment methods. Other areas expanded include those on women and alcoholism and a look at recent results from studies into genetic causes of alcoholism. Reviews of 1st and 2nd editions 'Don Goodwin is something of a phenomenon: a physician who can write... clear and compelling, yet interesting, even amusing.' American Journal of Psychiatry'... gives much sound and practical advice on dealing with alcoholics... highly recommended.' British Medical JournalGoodwin is a master of his art... the most lucid account of alcoholism for the layman to appear.' British Journal of Psychiatry'.This book is highly recommended, both to learners and post-registration nurses in all specialties... this is a valuable book; everyone should read it.' Nursing Times'...readable, concise, and thorough.' Annals of the Royal college of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada'Anyone concerned with their own or another's excessive drinking should read "Alcoholism: The Facts". A modest, well-presented book, it is succinct and rarely wastes a word.' The Canberra times ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Reader
I found this book disturbing.The author defines alcoholism most narrowly:basically one must be completely out of control and not functioning on any level to qualify. This book will provide refuge for thefunctioning alcoholic who is looking for a source to support his denial.The author takes "problem drinking" very lightly, suggesting thatit can and does cure itself at the drinker's will.Much of this bookcontradicts everything I have read or heard from all other sources (andcertainly my own experience with a "problem drinker.")Theauthor also seems somewhat hostile to AA, a bias he should have disclosedin the preface. It is hard to believe that this book represents "thefacts," any more than it represents the author's perspective.Readersshould not assume that the author's MD makes him anything more than a humanwith an opinion; and in this case, one that is not broadly accepted.

A superb and accessible look at a debilitating disorder.
Goodwin's accessible, effortless style, which he used so well in previous editions, carries the reader nicely through the intricacies of one of the world's most popular drugs and its associated disorders.Excerpts from literature and case studies provide a superb feel for the phenomenology of addiction.Numerous entertaining quotes appear from everyone from Kissinger to Humpty Dumpty.Goodwin provides a thorough look at alcohol itself, the problems associated with excess consumption, common theories designed to account for these problems, and many of the available treatments.Through simple explanations of the correct interpretations of available data, Goodwin not only provides a great deal of meaningful information, but he teaches the reader to become a good consumer of research.This book is refreshingly scientific and lacks the horribly moralistic tone many books on this topic take. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Down to earth
This book is one of the best written for anyone who has any family history of alcoholism. It covers the material in a smooth non preaching manner. A delight to read. I've been recommending this book since the day it came out. Well done and well worth the time invested.
Patrick ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The best study in the field of literature and addiction
John Crowley's study of alcohol and gender in Modernist fiction is, I think, the most aware of the numerous books which are considered fundamental reading in this field. Where Tom Dardis' _The Thirsty Muse_ istoo limited in its scope and completely fails to acknowledge the arean ofgender within the context of alcohol and addiction, Crowley's scholarshiptakes the woman alcoholic into consideration, by including a chapter onDjuna Barnes. Too, some of the other texts within this area, like Gilmore's_Equivocal Spirits_, Newlove's _Those Drinking Days_, and Goowin's _Alcoholand the Wirter_ fail in their attempts to provide a comprehensive orinclusive anaolysis of the ways that alcohol has functioned in the livesand the works of twentieth century writers.

Certainly, Crowley'saddressing of gender within this field is not unproblematic. ProvidingDjuna Barnes as a mere foil to his dicussion of the masculinity andhomosociality he discusses London, Hemingway, and Fitzgerald seemsdismissive of the important issues women's writing and women's alcoholismprovoke. Nonetheless, Crowleys seems light years ahead of the predecessors.

The book itself is easy reading, his prose style critical and literarycritic-esque enough to garner professional respect while still remaininglively and interesting and non sleep-inducing.

A sound analysis, placing key modernist writers in context
John W. Crowley deals competently with the historical shift inunderstandings of alcoholism, from the temperance-led view of moral deficitto the illness concept of the `alcoholism movement'.Whilst covering someof the same ground as Tom Dardis' s seminal work `The Thirsty Muse', thisbook nevertheless raises some interesting insights into the lost generationof American writers and their antecedents.Possibly it is most compellingwhere it considers the context of the era, as characterized by thecollective post traumatic stress precipitated by the Great War and theunique restrictions of the Prohibition years.What Crowley adds to thiswell-worn ground is his linkage to socially constructed gender roles inturmoil - though his account is not unproblematic in its approach. `TheWhite Logic' usefully rehearses the prevalent psychoanalytic view of thattime in discourses treating alcoholism as a dysfunction of repressedhomosexuality.Indeed, Crowley almost alludes to male alcoholism as a`feminised' or emasculated space.He also highlights the extremes sociallyallocated the female drinker, the either/or paradigms of (un-sexed) lesbianor (over-sexed) slut.Rather than developing this aspect of the argumentfarther, the book falls foul of its own trap in its inclusion of only onefemale writer - Djuna Barnes - arguably selected as representative of boththese polarities.

`Drunk narratives' by WD Howells, Jack London and JohnO'Hara - plus the obligatory Hemingway and Scott Fitzgerald works - aredeftly utilized.The author's selection oftexts does appear to hamper afruitful line of inquiry into the rise and drink-related decline of eachindividual writer's creativity.O'Hara's `Appointment at Samarra', forexample, is a first novel, whilst `Tender is the Night' is a later workfrom an established writer in thegrip of his addiction and already on acreative downward spiral. The most commendable chapter is chronologicallythe last.Crowley's method of inflecting literary text with biographicalcontext is at its best here in his examination of Charles Jackson's `TheLost Weekend'.It marks the ascendance of the `illness concept' whichstill remains dominant, largely due to the medicalization of alcoholism andthe prevalence of Alcoholics Anonymous, post World War II.Crowley alsotraces the increasing willingness of Hollywood to engage with narrativespromoting alcoholism-as-illness. This is a strategy which of courseaccelerates after the successful transition of Jackson's novel to screen in1945 - but with its ending changed to accommodate Hollywood's appetite forupbeat resolution.

Overall, `The White Logic' is a comprehensive survey -perceptive and accessibly written. It runs the risk though of leavingthe reader with a somewhat reductive impression-distilling modernismitself to a privileged class monologue, in the spuriously heroic pursuit of absolution through dissolution. ... Read more

Book Description
This book, called a “landmark in the fields of alcoholism and homosexuality,” is enormously informative and well organized, with numerous practical and useful suggestions and guidelines on the treatment options available for gay people with alcohol problems. Leading professionals analyze approaches that are being implemented in providing services for this group of men and women, and describe programs and treatment protocols that have had reasonable measured success in different parts of the country. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A rare memoir that is not self-indulgent or self-pitying
So many memoirs by survivors of extremely disfunctional families are simply impossible to read because of the author's overwhelming desire to wallow in self-pity. This memoir is insightful and clear, hiding nothing, but the tone is never pitiful. This would be a great book to use in a classroom learning about memoir, and also a good book for therapists to use with patients learning how to deal with their own "bad deals" as children. I usually read a book and pass it along to my mother and sister; but I'm keeping this one and buying separate copies for each of them. ... Read more

Book Description
Most Americans believe that the only way to control the devastating addiction of alcohol is total abstinence. But now those views are being challenged and the means of treatment re-examined. Alternatives to Abstinence offers an unconventional perspective on the 50 million Americans who struggle with alcohol. It raises intriguing questions: Is alcoholism a disease or a behavior? Is it possible that for some, alcoholism can be treated with moderation rather than abstinence? Are Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs the only way to sobriety? According to a growing number of researchers and others who have struggled with alcohol, the long-held views of AA and other 12-step programs are only helpful to a small segment of the population. Abstinence, these experts and recovering alcoholics say, may be the only remedy for some people, but not necessarily for others. Alternatives to Abstinence addresses the controversy surrounding controlled drinking while weighing the positive benefits of behavioral modification techniques with problem drinkers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

For god's sake, don't commit.
Bit of a tedious read. Mostly obvious. Very cautious and circumspect at times. It could be a feel good book for those afraid to enter the bleak world of abstinence but its not.Heather's new book might be titled: "Smoke one cigarette a day in relative safety".

Well-researched, dispassionate
This relatively recent compilation of treatment methods for alcoholism is a well-researched summary of alternatives to the popular AA-style abstinence method. The book has an agenda, as will any work on this subject--Ogilvie asks why, in a world where medical treatments are increasingly being tailored to fit the individual, treatment methods for alcoholism other than complete abstinence are so controversial. A very useful resource.

At Last!
Sometimes it seems like 12-step programs have taken over the world! Their adherents zealously insist that the 12 steps/AA is the ONLY way to cope with alcoholism. This book presents a welcome escape from the tyranny of 12 steppers. In a thoughtful, balanced way, the author reports that there really are other answers for alcoholics, answers that might suit some of them much better than abstainence programs do. She carefully examines all sides of the abstainence argument and details a variety of alternative programs. In addition to the very readable narrative, the book contains an extremely valuable appendix that describes more than a dozen different programs/organizations and gives contact information for each as well as a list of therapists who offer moderation training.

Great look at options other than AA
I liked this book because it describes different options than the only one I knew about before I read the book -- Alcoholics Anonymous. As a person who is not particularly religious, the idea of giving up drinking completely AND beginning a new religion at the same time was never going to happen. Now I have some ideas to help me try to cut back, and see if that will work for me. If not, maybe I'll try one of the other groups mentioned in the book. Easy to read, too! Also liked all the web addresses for help and research.

Great look at options other than AA
I liked this book because it describes different options than the only one I knew about before I read the book -- Alcoholics Anonymous. As a person who is not particularly religious, the idea of giving up drinking completely AND beginning a new religion at the same time was never going to happen. Now I have some ideas to help me try to cut back, and see if that will work for me. If not, maybe I'll try one of the other groups mentioned in the book. Easy to read, too! Also liked all the web addresses for help and research. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Real help for the problem of alcoholism
Alcoholism is an insidious, life threatening diseaseand all who live on a merry-go-round with an alcoholic loose unless someone has the courage tostop it. This book really tells you how. ... and luckily you don't have to wait until the alcoholic
wants help. ... Read more

Book Description
ALCOHOL ABUSE REVOLUTION is the first book to explore the fascinating world of alternative medicine to reduce alcohol craving and consumption and prevent alcoholism. Commonsense tips, nutritional supplements and Western, Homeopathic, Chinese and Ayurvedic herbal remedies to curb drinking desire, elevate mood and promote physical, mental and spiritual balance so one no longer feels the need for alcohol are investigated.This revolutionary book finally adds a natural medicine school to alcohol abuse prevention and treatment and is a breakthrough for drinkers, alcohol abuse and healthcare professionals! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

this book sends an important message . . .
that message is we have to start thinking out of the box when it comes to
alcohol abuse treatment. i gave this book to a friend of mine who has a
drinking problem but was dead against stopping or going to AA. he was
receptive to this book because it gave him some organic alternatives to
drinking less. in other words it got him started doing something about
his drinking.

some people just need a little shove to do something about their drinking
and this book provided that little shove.

Unique Book!
This is one of the most interesting books I've read about alcohol abuse - it really offers a different take on problem drinking and how to fix it. It's the first book I've found which discusses how different alternative medicine approaches have treated alcohol abuse for centuries - long before AA came along.
Homeopathic, Chinese and Ayurvedic and western herbs are covered - explaining how each of these systems views alcohol abuse, how it develops and the best ways to treat it.Another major theme of the book is balance. If one's life is a balance of physical, mental and spiritual components, the less need there is for alcohol.Truly a fascinating read and helpful to me personally.
... Read more

Book Description
One Man's Take On Beating AlcoholismA man's heartfelt and selfless journey inside the self for the benefit of others .. A search and discover mission to find the deepest hidden truth .. A life-changing experience you won't forget! Alcohol:the Forbidden Fruit. Alcoholism: seldom spoken; characterized by denial as lives crumble.One Man's Take on Beating Alcoholism delivers first-hand an inspiring journey from the heart and soul of one man - Tyrone Patrick Fahey - as he documents his enduring struggle and ultimate triumph over alcoholism.One Man's Take on Beating Alcoholism shares with you his struggle step-by-step, through adversity, good times and bad times. A brave man's fascinating exploration into self, where he finds the ability to rediscover and recreate a life long forgotten.Stop searching for the magical light to life's meaningful vision.Dare to dream. Candid, funny and straight from the heart of a man who has had well over a hundred attempts at kicking the booze,which lead to a life-changing discovery and an approach that has enabledhim to reach out to others and provide valuable supportto those combating the disease of alcoholism.Tyrone Patrick FaheyRaised in Sydney, Australia, Tyrone Patrick Fahey, at the age of 40, is a successful businessman and musician. Founder and Commander-in-Chief of alcoholicarmy.com, Tyrone continues to share his extraordinary discoveries and life-changing experiences as an alcoholic, encouraging fellow combatants of the disease to move "Forward As One" and with a wish to "Make a Difference." ... Read more

Book Description
"Alcoholism and Other Drug Problems" offers a balanced and comprehensive account of the nature, causes, prevention, and treatment of the nation's number one public health problem. This edition of Royce's award-winning text, "Alcohol Problems and Alcoholism," has been extensively updated throughout by Royce and his coauthor David Scratchley, with new chapters on drugs other than alcohol to reflect the most recent research in the field.Part I, "Alcohol and Other Drugs," examines the nature and impact of alcohol as a drug and discusses historical and contemporary cultural attitudes toward drinking in America. A new chapter on the effects that other drugs can have on the user and on the family, and treatment methods, has been added to this section. Part II, "Addiction," describes the patterns and symptoms of this complicated phenomenon. The authors also use new data to illustrate the impact that addiction can have on special groups such as children, minorities, and the elderly. Part III, "Prevention and Intervention," looks at the various techniques that have succeeded or failed in curbing drug abuse. Finally, Part IV, "Treatment and Rehabilitation," surveys the range of available treatment approaches with chapters on various twelve-step programs and new information on drugs and the law. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Amazing statistics
I haven't read the entire book but have skimmed through it. I am amazed at the statistics recorded by the authors and how they are able to show the problems associated with alcohol and drugs from a medical standpoint. The authors treat alcoholism as a disease, which I have no problems with, but this doesn't mean that an alcoholic doesn't have any responsibility. They point out that alcohol-related problems costs our nation more than any other drug. Obviously the number of drunk-driving incidents shows that something is wrong in our culture.

I liked a number of things about the book, including the sociological aspects (a great history of alcohol in America is included as well as the cultural groups alcohol has most affected) and the section onprevention and intervention. Anyone who has been affected by alcohol--whether there is an alchoholic in the family or you yourself are addicted to it--ought to look through this book for a sobering look at what I feel is a genuine social epidemic.

Excellent detailed book on alcoholism
This book goes into more depth on alcoholism than any other I have found. This recent edition also includes information on other drugs.For anuanced discussion of causation, disease concept, family effects, this isthe book to buy. ... Read more