Addictions Books

I do drink more than I should but I have no intention of quitting. I have been taking my vitamins like advised in this book. I can't say I feel any better or worse. I think the point is to NOT get sick, that would be the only way to know if it's working.
As for the person who said they have a drinking problem and need to abstain, the authur makes no qualms about the fact the book isn't suppossed to address these kind of problems. It is only to help you to drink as healthy as you can, if you choose to drink.
i'm glad I bought this book.

No, we aren't talking fairy tales. This is more a situation where someone a long time ago said something was true and its been repeated for so long that everyone believes it. Beyerlein explodes a few of these old wives tales along the way. Helpful charts tell you how long to wait after eating to begin drinking, what foods are okay to eat while drinking, what are liver killers and other helpful information. This book is intended to be a guide for drinkers. It isn't intended to help people who don't drink or want to quit, although some of the information on supplements would be good info for anyone. Loompanics has a real wide variety of books that they publish. Check out their site or call 8003802230.

The most informative book you can own if you drink. I drink often, so sometimes I over drink, the "life-force nutrients" (available at drugstores or health food stores) mentioned in this book can help you protect your health. This is not a book for those who need to stop drinking. If you are able to continue to drink, but still occasionally over-drink, this book can help your `day-afters'! I tell all my friends about this book. I enjoy wine, sometimes a little, sometime a lot, either way, I no longer loose a day because I had too much to drink the night before.

I was fat, sick, and disgusted with myself. I did not know how to lose the weight that was hanging off of me. People told me to get rid of my "Beer belly", but now I know that was not what it was. The most important line in this book was when the author said if you are fat you need to identify the source of unhappiness in your life. I have done that and the fat has been falling off me ever since. The author should have chosen a more politically correct title and his sales would have been ten fold. I have personally taken it upon myself to spread the word of this man to friends, co-workers, and even a few strangers. It works!

This book highlights that drinking can done in a safe manner, if you know how to do it. Let's face it, for all the "demonization" that occurs regarding alcohol, the medical community is increasingly admitting the positive health benefits of drinking (it reduces dangerous blood clots and thins the blood, thus preventing heart attacks and heart disease).

But I think it is funny how the medical community in the U.S. states that the maximum you should drink a day is two drinks if you are a man, and 1 if you are a woman. At the same time, the same medical community admits that alcohol has tremendous heart benefits, but that those heart benefits only kick in "at two drinks, minimum". So, according to the medical community, the minimum for health effects is two, which is - shazam ! - simultaneously the maximum you can allow yourself. Pardon me if That results in me not really believing them, and I think the author does a good job at highlighting the way they play with the statistics and data and conclusions.

My only caveat to this book is that I have done a lot of reading on milkthistle and other herbs that supposedly "protect the liver". From what I have read, for instance, such things as milkthistle are, at best, only moderately supported by evidence as to their "liver detox", or "liver-protecting" qualities. The studies that show that milkthistle protects the liver, are mostly very old, European studies that are not designed well. Also, stuff like licorice and artichoke is, as far as I have read, unproven in its liver-promoting qualities. (note: I have read one doctor who is a liver specialist say that dandelion, far from protecting the liver, can perhaps even hurt the liver !). [note that recent studies have shown one substance to really be protective of the liver, and that is coffee. There is now a lot of hard science that shows clearly that drinking 2+ cups of coffee a day protects the liver from cihrosis and liver cancer, and the more you drink [up to 4 cups], the more it protects !!].


Other than that caveat, I think that the idea of drinking water and taking vitamins are good ideas, and the book is full of a lot of good ideas. Also, the author has a lot of other good ideas about having "drink-free days", and treating the liver like a muscle in the sense that when you "overwork it", you have to "give it a rest". I think most doctors who are liver specialists would support that idea. My advice is read this book, but don't also try to pick up a book written by a doctor who is a liver specialist.

A MUST READ FOR EVERY MIDDLE AGED HEDONIST WHO STILL REMEMBERS VASELINE. TODAY IT'S PEPPERMINT FLAVORED "JOY JELLY' FOLLOWED BY A STARBUCKS LATTE INSTEAD OF A CIGARETTE.

WOW, THINGS HAVE CHANGED, BUT DR. WHYTE BRINGS BACK MANY FOND MEMORIES. ODDLY, I REMEMBER MEETING A CHAP JUST LIKE HIM ON "ILE DES SAINTES & ST. BARTS" DURING THE 1970'S. OF COURSE, WE WERE ALL NAKED AND DRINKING "VIN ORDINAIRE" SO IT'S RATHER VAGUE. HOWEVER, COULD IT BE ? NAH.

"Doc" was my family physician from 1979 until he retired. I can honestly say that he was a wonderful Doctor. He is a good friend, and we still meet for lunch once or twice per year. I did not know that he was dyslexic, or anything about his personal life. I found the book extremely entertaining. I hope that people will enjoy reading about his life....very interesting, but more importantly find his medical advice valuable.
"Doc" writes about personal things in his life that are common to most "men" but few would have the testicular fortitude to expose it to the world.
Thanks Doc..G Wood.

Memorable and hilarious!

I could not put it down last night as the memories of Durban came bounding back. I converse in Zulu rather fluently so really enjoyed the references!

This is an amazing triumph of perseverance, compassion, and change. Dr. Whyte's depiction of real life episodes leaves the readers wanting more and more. I guarantee you once you start reading this intriguing book, you will be hard pressed to put it down. Well done Dr. Whyte.

This is a very difficult book to put down once you've peeked under its (and Dr. Whyte's) covers. From his youthful escapades and spot-on insights into growing up in his beloved South Africa in the 1930s, to his many (often spicy) adventures while studying at Cambridge and after, Dr. Whyte paints a picture of living life as it presents itself, and savoring every minute. Yet even as he takes us along on his light-hearted journey, he occasionally slips back into his lab coat and reminds us of a few important health-related bits about our bodies and how they should be looked after, How well done, to give us a page-turning read and a few gentle health tips all in one marvelous little book!

This book examines objectively the use of MDMA ("Ecstasy," "mole") in the US and Europe. Saunders reviews many aspects of the drug and its culture (eg his personal experience, history, psychological dangers, social effects, safety, psychotherapy and much more). While the majority of readers probably use the drug or are thinking about using, non-users should read this work as well (it was recomended to me by a fellow parent who had bought it after learning that her 20 yearold son had begun using MDMA). Saunders did not recieve much publicity b/c of the taboo subject, although many reviewers and critics personally thanked him for a well written, informative book.

This book is excellent and I agree with all the other people that have reviewed it in a positive way. However, what surprised me is that Nicholas included very little about the bad effects of Ecstasy, such as first-time user panic attacks, negative effects that might occur (anxiety, claustrophobia, fear of others,midweek crash, etc.) I agree totally with him that E should have never been made illegal, but I feel that he was (rest in peace) so passionate about the good part of E that he forgot that E has a definite downside. Ignoring this downside can make some readers think that E is ALL positive. I recommend this book because still it's very informative and obviously well-researched, I just want potential readers (and E users) to keep in mind that Ecstasy is a strong substance that should be used with respect.

Earlier incarnations of this book, "E for Ecstasy," "Ecstasy and the Dance Culture," and "Ecstasy Reconsidered," have been chosen for listing in "Religion and Psychoactive Sacraments: An Entheogen Chrestomathy." http://www.csp.org/chrestomathy

Of all the books on MDMA I've read this is by far the best. Very well organized and goes through everything concerning MDMA from its legal status to the chemistry behind it. The text is very easy to understand even for those who do not know much about this subject. All his statements are backed by solid evidence derived from independent research and real life stories. Saunders gives the reader a chance to decide for himself, rather than telling the reader 'This is what I looked up so this is what I think, and therefore what you think as well'. I would recommend this book to everyone. The author has dedicated his life to this subject, as indicated by the quality of his work.

Saunders, a brilliant and inquisitive man, writes of his experiences, research, and overall knoweledge of MDMA. From the chemical make-up to the trafficing of the drug, Saunders tackles the entire realm of Ecstasy and its culture. A must read for anyone curious about the subject - #1 Thesis on Ecstasy

Full of fun facts and exercises and no pressure! Today is my 4th anniversary and NOPE - Not One Puff Ever in that time.

We've all seen them, the smokers huddled at the doorway of a smoke-free building. For the most part, they seem furtive and possibly embarassed - our society has decided to make smoking a shame-based activity. Enter Bear Gebhardt and his revolutionary approach that emphasizes the inherent dignity and essential worthiness of the smoker. Gebhardt doesn't point fingers, doesn't assign blame. Rather, he employs a message of self-worthiness and practical behavior patterns. If you're a smoker, or care about one, check out this helpful book.

Bear G. has written a book based on many years of clinical, and especially, personal experience. The best thing about this book is it embodies his upbeat view of the world, and optimistic but realistic approaches to the challenges our habits create. I can unreservedly recommend this book to anyone trying to overcome the very difficult and addictive lifestyle of smoking, or tobacco use in general. Bear was recently invited to speak on the subject at a conference at Oxford University; a well- deserved honor because of his ability to help people.

After you've tried everything else, try this. Like any true change, quitting is an "inside-out" job. When you stop beating yourself up and start supporting and understanding yourself, you will be empowered to walk away from smoking forever. My husband quit for good 1 1/2 years ago, cold turkey, after reading only part of the book! He had smoked for 25 years~ but once he truly understood why he'd started and realized that the reason no longer existed for him, that was all it took. Hopefully you'll find this book first, before trying all the other methods~ If you truly want to quit, this will work for you too.

I have searched for a long, long, long, long, long (need I go on?) time for a way to stop smoking and have finally found it! Gebhardt's book focuses on ways to change your thinking - not only about smoking but about the zillion other things we all have in our life. He recognises that all smokers berate themselves day after day about their smoking and asks the question: Has this negativity ever helped you to quit? Step by step, he helps his readers bring more joy into their thoughts and this, seamlessly, brings more joy into their smoking. Paradoxically, by feeling joy when smoking, we are able to "forget" how to smoke. Suddenly quitting seems like a fun and graceful next move.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is able to open their heart to feeling joy. If you're steeped in logic and cynicism then even you might like to give it a try. However, if you're already on the way to letting spirituality into your life then get this book and watch a controlling addiction slip away gently.

This Ellis's best book. How and what you think changes what you feel. Depression, anxiety, and other psych issues are impacted by what you think, what you say and how you say it.

This book can help almost anyone feel better, but first you have to read it.

Those looking for the usual pampering and hand-holding need not look here. This book is for those who truly want to feel better, even if it means taking a sometimes-unpleasant look at their own behavior.
While this is not a manual for the seriously disturbed, those with more common issues will find a great deal of help, so long as they are willing to apply these principles.

In this book, Al Ellis tells you everything you need to achieve long-term freedom from emotional upset. He explains why certain modes of therapy are ineffective and counter-productive. Even if they do no harm, they do not deliver the help you need, as opposed to more efficacious modes of therapy, such as REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy) and Cognitive Therapy. He distinguishes between merely palliative techniques, like Yoga and Meditation, which help you feel better, but do not lead to lasting improvement, and those which help you get better and stay better.

Ellis makes no bones about the fact that it is often difficult to achieve the changes you want to make - but that's no reason for not doing so!

Having tried other therapeutic methods, until I discovered Dr. Ellis at one of his legendary Friday night workshops, I can tell you that if you stick to the principles laid out in this book, you will be the better for it.

In this book, Ellis shows the interested reader how Rational Emotive Therapy works, what the underlying philosphy is, and - most importantly - what you can do to get yourself out of emotional difficulties.
He emphasizes not only the aspect of feeling better, which many clients can more or less easily do (e.g. by exercising, meditating or distracting oneself from difficult feelings and situations). It is much more important to actually get better and permanently stay better. Ellis shows how you can achieve the kind of deep restructruring of your basic philosphies of life. He specifically recommends the use of the following techniques:
- Logical Disputing, e.g.: does it really follow that I am a worm if I am acting wormily?
- Realistic Disputing: Where is the evicence for my absolutist belief?
- Pragmatic Disputing: making cost-benefit ratios of short and long term benefits of my behavior and thinking patterns

To effectively dispute your irrational beliefs, you better dispute them cognitively, emotionally and behaviorally.
What I as a psychologist especially liked about this new book, are Ellis' exemplary disputations of low frustration tolerance, self-downing and other downing. This can help clients considerably to apply the ideas to their real life problems.
A good book to use for bibliotherapy!

No pychologist has contributed more to cognitive-behavior therapy than Dr. Albert Ellis. I highly recommend this book for everyone! This book will enhance your well-being no matter current situation.

This book is chalked full of the information about FASD! From the beginning of awareness in the public till now! Reccomended reading for all who deal with FASD.

Dr. Streissguth is one of the pioneers in the identification and treatment of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and the entire spectrum of congenital damage arising from in-utero exposure to alcohol. 25 years after the identification of this common and devastating disability, most efforts in the academic community still focus on definition and diagnosis, with relatively little attention paid to treatment. Dr. Streissguth stands atop the heap in extending her basic science research into the actual lives of affected individuals, their families, and the communities in which they live. I consider her the foremost authority in the academic community on exploring pragmatic options for helping affected individuals, families, and community.

This little volume is jam packed with useful information.

After reading Dr. Streissguth's book on fetal alcohol syndrome, I feel this book should be given to every parent or caretaker who receives this diagnosis about their child. This is the most thorough book I have found on this subject. Dr. Streissguth's knowledge in this area is so extensive and her book offers a step by step approach and guidelines on what you will need to know to in raising a child with FAS. I truly recommend her book and am so grateful for her insights.

Written by one of the leading behavioral experts in the field. A must for anyone with a problem child, in medicine or psychology, social or justice work...it is a recognized primer for the topic of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Dr. Streissguth's Book is the best explanation of the effects of alcohol on the unborn child, that I have ever found. For years, I did not know what was wrong with the beautiful little girl that my husband and I adopted. Twenty-seven doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, school counsellors, guidance counsellors, religious leaders, police or addictions counsellors over the past 16 years never once, suggested that FAS/E was the problem. For every person in those positions dealing with troubled children, "Fetal Alchohol Syndrome: A Guide for Families and Coommunities" should be compulsory reading!
I cried over and over while I read the book when I saw how my community, my family and I had let my daughter down, because we didn't know. I wrote to Dr. Streissguth and thanked her personally, and I am doing my best to help my daughter and to educate others, so no one has to fail their child the way we did. Thank you again, Dr. Streissguth!

This is a very powerful testimony about being about as low as you can get then being saved by God. He probably made it short so anyone could read it but I wish it was longer because it really pulls you in. I highly recommend it for anyone with struggles of any kind or who just want hope in their life, or for anyone.

John Michael Weber has done a stellar job in writing this book. He is one of the first people writing about additions to reveal that additions are often about pain, not partying. He did it well.

Two words that describe his writing are HONESTY and CLARITY. He doesn't smooth over the tough parts, and while his book does contain humor, it is written very seriously. He means what he says.

The chapters are short, so, in theory, one could read it a little at a time. I say, in theory, because once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I will say, that in spite of the short chapters, I would save this book for times when you can give it your complete attention.

Thank you, John Michael Weber, for sharing your story with us. I hope it gets shared with many, and pray for your continued success.

To write about something so personal, to open oneself up to scrutiny and judgement, to give livid detail to a life that few of us can understand - this is the message of a man with a gift who unflinchingly shares the dark depths of rock bottom and the salvation following. Brutal, yet tender; heartbreakingly sad, interspersed with ironic commentary...this is the work of a man on a mission to save others - if only but one person - from this despair. Cheers to you, Mike, for your bravery and the strength to pull yourself out of hell.

For most of us the world of drug addiction and homelessness is a mystery. When we see people on the street with a sign we can only wonder what their lives are like. With this book Mike Weber reveals the mystery for everyone to see what it is like to live like that. We get to see not only what those people do but what they think as they go through the day. It brings them into focus as real people with families and things that matter to them. It makes their situation all the more painful so when he overcomes that life it is all the more powerful.
I was especially surprised by the poetry and how good and touching it was. It was not something that I expected to find in a book about drug addiction. This book was wonderful to read and when it was over I just wished there were more chapters. I would recommend this book to everyone whether they are just curious about the life or if they are trapped in the life of an addict and want to see that there is hope. A terrific book!

I personally think this is a great book, it will help families of drug addicts to understand the thoughts and struggles of a person with a drug and alcohol problem,and also help people going through their own battle, it is a great idea and takes alot of courage for my dad to write this book, revealing his own hard past in hopes that his book will help someone who might feel they don't have any hope. I'm very proud of my dad and enjoyed the book especially the parts about me ; )

Although a little slow at the start, The Glumlot Letters really got good once it starting digging into the meat of the Twelve Steps. The style combines humor and irony, like Lewis' work, and the content provided many "Gee whiz, I never thought of it that way!" moments. Coverage of Steps Four through Seven I found especially useful. This would be a good book for sponsors and sponsees to work through.

This is the most clever, entertaining, and enlightening book on recovery I have ever read. I know that you will love it too. -- Frank D. - Author of The Annotated AA Handbook

My attention was called to this book when someone in our fellowship sent it to me. As with so much that I receive, it took time to get to it. But the wait was well worth the time it took. Good reading! Dick B., author of 14 titles on the history of early A.A.

If you love to laugh you must have this book. Great reading for those with a few 24 hours. I have shared a few parts of this book with some people I sponsor, they could not stop laughing. Wonderful way to get people to open up. Superway to get a meeting going.

An excellent book that is very cleverly written.If you are like me and you came to the fellowship with no idea of;
(a)the cunning, baffling, nature of alcoholism.
(b)of how to name different types of emotions and feelings
then this book is of enormous help.(or it was to me anyway!)
It also hit home in a number of ways especially with its side comments on the behaviour of some members of the fellowship.It gave me a bit of a kick up the backside as to how I contribute to meetings and how I treat people who are new to the fellowship. Definitely a good read!

I teach a group of inmates at a local detention center. Most of them are there for alcohol and drug abuse. However, this book aptly points out that we are all addicted to something, whether it be material things, or even relationships. Dr. Jampolsky explains in a caring, loving manner how to overcome our addictions. His thoughts are based on "A Course in Miracles." I also recommend his father's book called, "Love is Letting Go of Fear." (Gerald Jampolsky)

This book is not just for those plagued with obvious addiction, it is a call to reflect upon the mind and uncover the barriers that don't allow us to experience real love, which everyone is struggling with at some extent. The foundation for the book is within it's preface: Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all of the barriers within yourself that you have built against it. (A Course in Miracles)

Jampolsky uses personal stories and stories of real people who suffer from the ability to feel love and assists the mind in considering a different perspective, which allows love to flow in. I believe the question isn't; Are we addicted, but, which of my addictions are causing me the most pain?

As a Life Coach using the modality of Rapid Eye Technology, I assist many suffering from addiction in being able to feel "real love" which is where Jampolsky directs his audience. Real love is found within, not from some other external entity. The more we begin to feel real love, the less we become dependent on the false hit we get from addiction in any form.

I recommend this book to all who struggle with addiction, all who care about one who is addicted, and all who attempt to assist others in breaking free from the grasp of addiction. Did I miss anyone?

This is a great book regarding addiction issues and there root causes. It is packed with great information which can be utilized immediately to help with personal issues of all kinds. CC

As a minister, and a student of A Course in Miracles since 1994, I found this book very inspiring and helpful in uncovering all that is addiction. It is not what you think. We used this book in early 2003 as a basis of study for our study group. The entire group received so much insight into their own addictive patterns and many were able to release so much to the Light and Love of God.

I read an excerpt from this book at an on-line site. I ordered the book. I started reading it the same night I received it. I thought I would only read a few pages. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. The questions/situations Dr. Jampolsky posed was me. It was like looking in a mirror. The book offers lots of life situations/problems, and wonderful suggestions to solve them. This book was a "mind" saver for me. And I like the other reviewer, use it as my Bible.

I first ordered this book for my son-in-law, because he is such a Charlie Daniels fan. I then ordered a copy for a friend of mine who is going through a rough time in her life right now. Before giving it away, I flipped through the pages, and read the story by Jonny Lang. I am a 61 yr. old grandmother, but I have albums by him. I was just blown away, and had to order a copy for myself.

In the book, How Do You Know He's Real, you'll get an inside look into the spiritual lives of 34 celebrities. Hagberg has compiled testimonies ranging from Kirk Cameron to Rudy Sarzo (former bass player for Ozzy Osbourne). Each story is remarkably different and it's amazing to read how God has worked in the lives of each of these well-known people.

The author has collected very readable stories telling how celebrities have become Christians, and they share their low points and their joys here. This is a welcome peek into the lives of well known people who typically are more secretive.
Ricky Skaggs, Kirk Cameron, Gloria Gaynor, Bethel Johnson (34 people in all) tell about their struggles and their early days as new Christians.
Billy Ray Cyrus tells of singing in his grandpa's Pentecostal church when he was 4, and includes the touching lyrics to the song he wrote "The other side."
Jackie (Jacklyn) Zeman, star of General Hospital, advises that when you are at a crossroads "cry out to God and ask for His guidance."
Al Kasha's story resonated with me; this Academy Award winning songwriter overcame agoraphobia, and talks about how Hollywood is a tough place for a Jew who came to Christ, and how he started a Hollywood Bible study group.
There are stories here for anyone to enjoy and find spirit lifting.

(Hagberg has written a companion book with the same title, subtitled God Unplugged)

How Do You Know He's Real? is a collection of celebrity essays about God acting in their lives. The contributors include athletes, musicians, and actors. Their stories often follow a familiar pattern of fame leading to drugs and alcohol before hitting bottom and being turned around by an encounter with God. That's not to say the accounts are all stock and cliched, but rather that God meets each person in their need--and for celebrities that need will be similar. And many of the tales include growing up in stable Christian homes, but still needing to make personal decisions about God and Christ and how that decision impacted their careers.

The stories are collected alphabetically but Hagberg has provided a topic finder so a reader battling discouragement or frustration can find offerings from Billy Ray Cyrus, Nancy Stafford, Zorro, Gary Burghoff or John Schneider.

Each essay begins with a picture and short biography of the contributor, listing their accomplishments. Following the selection is God's Road Map, a few sentences about the issues raised by the author, with Bible verses for teaching and encouragement.

The essays themselves are as varied as the contributors. Some of them read as if they were written to be given as speeches. Several sound like the writer could be sitting at your kitchen table, chatting over the coffee pot. All of them are honest and share from their heart how God has acted in their life and how they know He's real.

Reading the accounts of God acting in both miraculous and mundane ways reminds us that no matter what a person does for a living, each of us are created beings who need a loving Savior and merciful God.

Armchair Interviews says: Up close and personal stories from celebrities.

I received this book as a gift and once I started, I couldn't put it down. Ms Hagberg has captured the beliefs of these well known and respected celebrities, sports figures, and musicians. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in the series and can't wait to give copies of this one to all my friends. Order 2!