Addictions Books

At first I wanted to throw this book away. I didn't need it! My spouse was drinking. Why did I need help?

Well I did. I was codependent. I was enabling. I was a mess. I started to go to Al-Anon meetings. I could not find the book for 5 months. I reread it the other night. Reread is too strong - because the first time I skimmed it - the first 2 chapters. Then I came back to it and saw on pages 32 and 33 - how I was UNABLE to control alcoholism. How I was UNABLE to fix the disease in my wife. It said, I wasn't to blame. It said, stop fighting and arguing, you (I) was only making the the DISEASE stronger (more arrogant, more coniving, more deceitful).

I used several quotes in my blog. We have Weekend Online Al-Anon meetings every weekend on my Al-Anon Diary (title) and you can see my life unflod in my ups and downs and my struggle to live with an alcoholic. It is hard

So join us on-line at the Al-Alon Diary and get this book if you are going to Al-Anon.

If you have any questions about the fellowship of Al-anon, I feel you can find most of the answers here. this book goes into detail about the history of the program, the steps, Members experience, strength and hope. It also has Meeting guidlines, the opening, the closing, the slogans ect. It works if you work it! AND YOU ARE WORTH IT!

This book is a wonderful basic text on the principles of the Alanon program, a program of recovery for anyone who has an addict in their lives. It explains how addiction warps those close to the addict, the behaviors that ensue and finally healthier behavior. It's provides a way out of the prison that's constructed when a family or friend faces the frustration of living with and loving an alcoholic/addict. Buy this book for YOU if you're in this situation..and stop the madness.

for those of us who have a drinking or sober alcoholic in our past or present (and god, don't most of us!), this book can help. it's beautifully yet simply written and gently lays out a new philosophy for life, one in which we can learn to keep the focus on ourselves and our behavior, be honest but in an appropriate way, and be kind but firm - with boundaries. this book offered me a whole new idea of what love and life are and can be, and encouraged me to walk forward in a healthy direction like few books have.

another strong plus is that it offers many personal stories - of how and why a wide range of people got into al-anon and how their recovery has been progressing, and each told by the individuals themselves, starting with Lois W., al-anon's co-founder, the wife of Bill W., the founder of AA.

this is a wonderful book and i recommend it highly!

Ms. Falkner provides readers with a dose of realism in living with children exposed prenatally to alcohol. Social service professionals, foster parents and adoptive parents would be wise to read this to gain a better understanding of the devastation FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) causes in the life of the child. Only by facing the truth as a society will we be able to prevent this 100% preventable birth defect. This book would also make great reading for high school students in health classes.

The pictures and stories that show what alcohol can do to a baby are shocking. More people need to know about this tragedy so it can be prevented. This is a fast reading and fascinating book.

I use this book in jr and high schools. The kids are fascinated and amazed. Hopefully, this will prevent some of them from drinking during pregnancy, and save a child from this tragedy. This book is not only a great read, but it's full of must know facts. Very highly researched, and written from her heart.

In this memory of foster caregiving Ms. Falkner brings together the true flavor of foster parenting in the age of "coke babies" and "crack moms". Little did we- as reader- know that ALCOHOL would prove to be the greater toxin. The first wave of little cocaine and other drug exposed children appeared to do well clinically and even educationally until a certain age, around 5-8 years. Suprisingly when alcohol was the come-down drug, or the drug not-of-choice in times of coke scarcity; the babies did not fare so well. These organic damages were evident from birth and never let up. Alcohol is a legal drug and Ms. Falkner makes it very clear how permanently her clients were affected; how readily accessible this legal teratogen remains and how terribly devastating pre-natal alcohol exposure is. There is no known safe amount of alcohol from conception through nursing. That is the premise of this book. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is the underlying thread which runs throughout. Subtle in its forces of confusion, overwhelm and lifelong vulnerability, a simple working knowledge of FASD is conspicuous by its absence in so many circles [CD treatment, adult child circles, the field of corrections, special education etc]. This book makes a good read for anybody beginning to see how very wide spread and unspoken FASD is still- despite two and a half decades of available wisdom in the public health arena as to the dangers of alcohol use by pregnant women. Judges, sherrifs, social workers, school principals, teachers and aides, as well as daycare providers, latch-key providers and foster caregivers and related professionals can all benefit by taking this book along on their summer breaks. Read something else for fun; because as human and warm as this memoir of a very special family is--you will no longer wonder "what's up with johnny?" or "why jane won't try?". Linda Falkner tells no lies. This is exactly how the system feels when in our homes. This is how pervasive and frightening the developmental delays and other disorders caused by exposing a fetus to alcohol......are when in our lives. Our kids are so very special. They need an outside brain. These biological moms can recover while their children [exposed] can never. As a foster caregiver during that same epoch, I am grateful to Linda Falkner. She has spoken my mind......and more. My heart sighs in sadness.

The book is an eye opener for sure. It really puts the war on drugs (the people) in the real world. It's a got to read kind of book, do your self a favor and read it!

Ibogaine, the illegal, boycotted and most effective treatment for addiction known to man. The ibogaine story reveals the behind the scene story of ibogaine and the bogus war on drugs. Ibogaine is a broad spectrum anti-addictive natural substance that has been used for thousands of years by native people. The attempt by the US government and pharmacutical companies to keep it off the market (and information about it from the public) is cruel and criminal. Being safer than asprin and not subject to any abuse potential it does not qualify as a schedule 1 controlled substance with the likes of heroin and cocaine, yet it is so scheduled. Why? Could the government actually want drugs on our streets? Could it be a threat to many billion dollar medications? Read the book for the answers.

The in-depth information on the theoretical/pharmacological actions of addiction (and Ibogaine's role on resetting the mind's regulatory systems) alone should be enough of a motivation to buy this book. OK, the story line gets a bit muddled here and there - as the authors weave many independent threads into this contemporary account of growing public awareness of the importance of Ibogaine - but don't let this stop you from reading this book. The research covered by this presentation is about as exciting as REAL science gets. After all, scientific discovery is truly a human drama.

Since the overt suppression of research on "psychedelic" (mind-manifesting) drugs, few animal studies - and far fewer human studies (almost none) - have been authorized by the FDA. This book clearly emphasizes the importance of on-going research based in these important chemicals.

Anyone truly interested in the mechanisms of human consciousness and behavior should absolutely read this seminal work. Our potential as individuals (and by extension as a race) is eternally tied to our ability to understand (and ultimately control) the mechanisms governing individual consciousness. As this book clearly illustrates, addiction is a malfunction of the biomechanics of consciousness - as well as the result of bad decisions. Yet, it appears that it may take more than self-help programs to permanently reverse the damage done. When it comes to curing individuals - and by extension society - of addictive behavior, Ibogaine appears to be just the tool we need to tackle this problem at the source.

I might append "The Ibogaine Story" with this epilogue. The maintenance of our own bodies is an individual responsibility. Learning to do so intelligently is nothing less than a primordial right. Put another way, "big brother" has no authority inside the soul's temple. When it comes to the eternal "war on tyranny," if information is power, than THIS BOOK IS A WEAPON OF MASS ENLIGHTENMENT.

The topics of ibogaine and the drug war in America are covered nicely in this book, with an emphasis on historical perspective and cultural insights. This is an important book, but it is also somewhat confused in its overall presentation. By that statement, I mean that it goes so deeply into the topic that it begins to confuse the average reader. This book is a must have however, for anyone interested in the current politics and background of ibogaine.

The story of Dani's fight against leukemia is more than just a written history of her battle. Sue and Jay Shotel give practical advice that can be used by families dealing with any type of life-threatening illness. Three years ago my oldest daughter was diagnosed with cancer. I wish that I had found the insight shared by Sue and Jay in their book back then. My daughter is presently cancer free but faced major complications. I know we would have handled her treatment differently if we had read how the Shotels dealt with some of their unfortunate medical experiences during Dani's treatment.

My family met Dani when my daughter joined a fastpitch softball league that was coached by Jay Shotel with Dani as one of the star pitchers. You wouldn't believe the power behind her small stature. However, as you will see from this book, Dani's strength from the ballfield to life's battlefield is truly inspiring. I have passed this book on to several friends who have been awed by Dani's courage. Although you wouldn't think this book would be a page turner, you will be surprised as your interest in Dani's life will force you to keep reading. The value of reading this book is profound. A "must" read.

I found this to be a very easy to read book on a very serious subject. I would highly recommend this book for patients as well as families and friends of patients undergoing treatment for this disease or any of the related cancers. Although the emphasis was heavier on the emotional aspects of facing and treating this disease, I found the medical information on acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) presented in basic, easy-to-understand terms and very clear. While this is the story of one person's fight against disease, it also provides a practical roadmap for others facing a similar battle. The information and resources listed in the back of the book are fantastic and perhaps the best reason to read this book.

How can a book filled with medical terms and pharmacological interventions be a page turner? How can the chronicling of a young woman's sudden bad luck (leukemia) be a story full of laughter, joyful tears, and renewed faith in our common humanity? Well, thanks to the talents, love, and devotion of an amazing family, Dani's story is all of that and so much more.

Dani, a young, beautiful, and revered teacher, is the heroine. Though not a big woman, she has managed by sheer determination to become a star college fastball pitcher. Her perfect life is attacked by leukemia - so suddenly, so much like the intrusion by a thief in the night. Sue, Dani's mother, is herself a life long educator as is her professor husband, Jay. Now in the blink of an eye, they must respond as a team to save a life so cherished. Jay, ever the academic, fields the research arm of things. What is this cancer? What are the options? Who in medicine is best equipped to join the effort? Jay acts quickly and stays on task. From Virginia's Hospital Center Oncology Wing to Seattle's Cancer Care Alliance, Jay searches medicine's vanguard for a way to confront a leukemia known as AML (acute myelogenous leukemia). And then, Jay spearheads the search for a willing human being somewhere on this vast planet - a human being with a one-in-a-billion genetic makeup and a generous heart to match. The searching circle of love spreads faster than any cancer. Family, friends, educators, and even a professional basketball team join the desperate search.

Sue utilizes her sharpened administrative skills to keep Jay's research focused on practical and timely initiatives. She becomes a fixture in Dani's hospital room and oversees every medical intervention at the point of delivery - every pill, every enema, every blood draw. Sue records all, each day, each hour, each human contact. Is she meddling? Yes. Is her heart full of love and appreciation for the doctors, nurses, and oncology staff at both ends of the country? Most certainly.

In Virginia the love team includes Sue's sister Carol and her pharmacist husband, Bruce, as well as friends and countless professional colleagues. In Seattle by serendipity the family is joined by son Micah and his Microsoft colleagues and friends. And in Germany there is a young man. He is not Jewish and he is not of Eastern European stock. He should not be a likely donor. However, an incident in his young life causes him to have a likely donor's heart.

There is a wedding in this story, a most beautiful wedding between a Christian man of unbelievable and much tested devotion and a Jewish princess, a real Jewish princess. At the wedding a guest from a far off land is finally united with his new family. Talk about love! Talk about love! You'll have to read It's Good To Know A Miracle for yourself. Oh, and all those medical terms and pharmacological interventions, they're nicely displayed and explained for all those with interest. Dani's Story is not just for those dealing with cancer. It is for all of us who again desire to be refreshed by the beauty inherent in the human spirit.

Did you ever think about what would happen to your life and those of your loved ones if someone in your immediate family had a life and death crisis? I honestly never did because that's the kind of thing that "only happens to other people," but after reading It's Good to Know a Miracle:Dani's Story, I truly understand that it can happen to anyone of us. This powerful memoir tells the story of a vibrant 26 year old woman who is a caring special education teacher and an exceptional athlete, who had recently started dating her future husband, when she was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Within approximately a week of the onset of the symptoms, Dani's world and the people in it had their lives changed forever. This book enables the reader to follow Dani's life from the diagnosis of AML to a successful bone marrow transplant. It is the combination of a human interest story and medical facts and information that adds to the uniqueness of this book.

In the prologue, we learn about Dani's life before AML so that you get to know her as a young person who is already contributing to society and dreaming of becoming a wife and mother. Then in the first few chapters, the reader experiences the shock of the diagnosis (it began with a simple sore throat) and the speed with which medical decisions had to be made. It was so difficult to imagine what it must have been like teaching in your classroom one day and fighting for your life the next. However, through the integration of memories written by Dani and her parents, detailed daily journal notes which included conversations with medical personnel, emails from friends and family, and excerpts from a website about Dani which was created by her brother, I truly felt as if I were living this incredible experience. Unlike only diary entries, this combination of a variety of sources and points of view made for interesting and informative reading.

The range of emotions experienced by the reader, including hope, is one of the strengths of this book. Reading the many emails of support and encouragement which were sent to Dani by her friends and family (and even people who didn't know her personally)was uplifting. What was especially impressive was reading about the many ways people worked together to help in other concrete ways such as organizing fundraising and bone marrow drive events and donating frequent flyer miles so that her dad and boyfriend could visit her in Seattle where the transplant took place (everyone lived on the East coast). There were many opportunities provided, large and small, for people of all ages to be involved in this fight against AML. The most emotional moment of all comes when Dani and her donor, a 30 year old man from Germany (he was a one in an eight million match!), finally communicate with each other (they had to wait two years according to the rules and regulations). Their emails make you laugh (they both have a wonderful sense of humor) and cry and when he arrives in the United States to attend Dani's wedding, the feelings of elation gave me goose bumps. I actually felt like I was in the middle of their hug at their first meeting at the airport!

The structure of this book enables you to step in and out of the book, that is, at times I was engrossed in the human feelings of the people and what was happening to them but at other times I was an objective reader learning information about this disease. For example,I learned how Dani used what she knew about training as an athlete to fight AML. In addition, there is a lot of technical vocabulary relating to medicines and procedures which is necessary to understand. The words are printed in bold type with a quick definition within the text and highlighted in a gray box on the same page with a more in-depth explanation. Another feature, which was most informative and practical, was the appendix which included "Lessons We Have Learned," how to organize and publicize bone marrow drives and fundraising events, the purpose and design of a website, organizations that provide support for families, and how to be an advocate when dealing with insurance companies. This beneficial section is what you will remember if you are ever faced with such a life-altering experience.

Can your world be turned upside down but have a happy ending? Can a "global village" unite to save one person? Reading about the Shotel family's journey to survive AML is a heartfelt account which will have you saying, "It's Good to Know a Miracle."

I bought this book mid-November, 1980 while waiting to buy my last cartoon of cigarettes. The directions were simple and easy to follow. I'm happy to see it available again.

This book could put all the non-smoking patches, pills, etc. companies out of business.

Three other women I know also became non-smokers because of this book.

I stumbled onto Dr. Geisinger's book while looking for something else. I had tried to quit three times before--unsuccessfully. I followed the book's instructions and read a chapter per week/followed the recommendations for four weeks and guess what?!?! I became a non-smoker in one month and have not smoked nor even had the desire to since then! Oh, did I mention--I bought Dr. G's original release of "Kicking It..." back in November of 1980...

An easy to read , step by step guide to end the addiction of cigarette smoking. The author provides the strategies and skills necessary to help you quit as well as a justifiable, scathing indictment of the tobacco industry.

I bought the first edition of this book thirteen years ago, and was able to stop smoking easily, despite being very discouraged by many false starts and failures before.

It's well laid-out, addresses the urge to smoke on many different levels. The author has obviously thought through so many facets of smoking addiction and has come up with ingenious strategies for dealing with them all.

This is a real thinking smoker's self-help book.

I haven't read this book yet (their other books are excellent), but if you're looking for books on balancing your life, I cannot recommend Alan Loy McGinnis' book "The Balanced Life : Achieving Success in Work & Love" too highly.

I haven't read this book yet (their other books are excellent), but if you're looking for books on balancing your life, I cannot recommend Alan Loy McGinnis' book "The Balanced Life : Achieving Success in Work & Love" too highly.

This book describes more than just how to manage time -- as the title suggests, it's a holistic approach to attaining balance in one's entire life. The ideas in it are practical without being overly simplistic. The authors have a clear writing style, so that it's easy to follow what they are saying. The book starts with two short quizzes to help the reader determine what areas of their life might require more balance. The authors use examples liberally to illustrate their points. These examples are clear and relevant.

My one complaint about the book was that the authors did, at times, seem to try to push readers into purchasing materials from them to implement the Lifebalance system. The only resources they mention at the end of the book are their own materials -- I would've liked a full bibliography/suggested readings section. It is only this complaint that is keeping me from giving the book 5 stars. Despite this caveat, I still think this book is worthwhile. It would be a help to anyone who is trying to live a more rewarding life that allows them to achieve succes at work without sacrificing family time.

This book is different than most "self help" books. It is realistic and applicable. It has helped me put my life in order and understand what is most important to me.

This book has everything you need to know about the signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug abuse. It gives spicific reasons why you cannot kick these habits without professioal help. Not being well versed on these subjects it was very informative. It shows the author did extensive reserch on these subjects. I will pass this book on to my friends and family.

This book is appropriate for those who need a quick introduction to the problems of addiction. Its intent is not to go into depth on any one topic but to give the reader a brief synopsis of the issue so they can go and read further into the topic if necessary. This book might be good for family and friends entering an Alanon Family group to give them a rudimentary understanding of the disease of addiction.

EVERYONE IN EVERY FAMILY MUST HAVE SOMEONE THAT IS SUFFERING, ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE FAMILY, WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE OF SOME SORT. THE QUESTION ALWAYS IS WHAT CAN WE DO? WELL THIS BOOK TELLS YOU WHAT YOU CAN DO. THIS BOOK GIVES YOU ALL THE OPTIONS YOU CAN TAKE IN EITHER HELPING YOURSELF OR GIVING IT TO SOMEONE WHO IS IN DESPERATE NEED OF BEING SAVED.
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR RESEARCH AND YOUR IMPORTANT MESSAGE. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

The Life Tips collection is a wonderful opportunity to be a 'catch all' type of reference book. Not claiming to be all encompassing, it IS a good tool for the user.

Blythe has a breezy, conversational writing style, and the tips she collected include those for the health care professional, counselor, and recovering person. It lends itself well as a starting point for research and discussion.

If another printing is done, I hope some of the simple typos can be corrected (Editor!), but they don't detract from the purpose or direction of the author's work.

Worthwhile.

As a part-time member of the New Age movement I was thrilled to read the account of Timothy Mulder's spiritual awakening. He details his past problems with organized religion and his devout connection to rationality and the scientific principle. When his investigation of the physical world dovetails into his shamanistic experiences, the results are a completely believable perspective on the nature of reality.
Though he has not yet discovered all the answers to life, in truth his journey seems to have only just begun, Mulder is definitely a man on a mission. Truth has become his goal.
Where that quest takes him is anyone's guess, but I for one intend to be there as the hoped for answers are revealed.

I found myself reading 'Lifted' with both hands holding on tight to my Kindle while perched precariously on the edge of my seat. This chapter of his memoir dealt with his experiences with drugs, one drug in particular and the effects this had on him both mentally and physically. It also describes how he came in touch with his inner psyche. I felt this section was well written. It was as though I was present in the room as the scenes played out. When the Author hit rock bottom and finally decided it was time to make a change, I felt as if I too needed to come up for air.

"Looking" is a good title for this 5th chapter of his memoir. It details how he made a change and began looking for who he wanted to be and the efforts he made to be that person. It talks of his success as he left his former self behind. There is a golden light at the end of this tunnel....and once again I find myself anxious to explore the next installment of his book.

What more mischief is in store for our hero? I thought I had seen it all. Timothy Mulder opens our eyes to a reality unknown to some and yet keeps our symppathies while he struggles with life and its revelations.

He gives hope where none is expected and passion where missed. Shows love and concern for the lonely and opens your eyes to a new reality with his discoveries.

Highly recommended and still wanting more...
I look forward to the next installment.
Sondi

The latest installment(s)... yes, this time the reader is treated to two sections - a full six chapters of the memoir: Moments and Milestones, (still only 99 cents) continues to deliver on the goods.
Cleverly wry humor that keeps even the most dramatic of life's moments light hearted.
In Lifted - The protagonist, having narrowly escaped years of ego driven denial, drug abuse and self destructive tendencies, awakens to a new sense of purpose and meaning. The details of his psychedelic revelations are amazingly evocative. His profound encounters with the deeper `spiritual' world is delivered in the most urban of tones, providing for a completely believable experience. Combined with his scientific predilection towards doubt, one cannot help but be drawn into that other-worldly realm along with him.
In Looking - You join the author on his quest to `find himself'. A feel good trip, nostalgically recalling the wanderings of literary masters such as Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. The author not only finds in himself an unexpected strength of character, but all new insights on the world he has, over so many years, taken for granted.
Arguably the best time in his life... at least so far. I look forward to discovering the rest of the journey as his story continues. Especially since 'true love' seems just around the corner.
*The short version of this review: -I couldn't put my Kindle down.-*

Although this book is about addiction, I believe anyone can relate to the story. Anyone who's suffering from drug/chemical dependency, anyone who's a codependent or anyone who's going through a rough time in life. Great story!

Dr. Davis's extremely honest and genuine account of his twin brother's death and his own spiral into addiction provides readers from all different experiences a solid introduction to addiction and the hope that comes with treatment. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a family member or friend dealing with addiction, anyone who wants to know more about a disease that is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, and any healthcare professional who realizes the extent to which addiction pervades every patient population and the often inadequate help these patients receive. The appendices provide the reader with a great resource manual of different treatment programs and facilities nationwide as well as several screening tools for someone who suspects an individual may be abusing or addicted to alcohol or drugs.

Dr. Davis's discovery of his brother's poetry unexpectedly provides him with insight into his own past. What was once a shared existence, Dr. Davis's loss of his twin brother to HIV/AIDS reveals how much their lives have diverged on the surface, only to converge again in after his brother's passing - a realization that comes to him only after sharing his experiences to others during his own recovery process. Now, Davis is continuing the legacy of his brother by sharing his poetry and his life story.

This book is a very fluid read, and it comes across as very honest without sacrificing its sentiment. Davis is describes the hidden aspects about a professional living with an addiction. It is an encouraging message to those of us who are facing hardships and have succumbed to addiction as a result. His life course has led him to a better place, and vividly documents how he has made that journey.

Dr. Davis conveys an important message in a gripping and honest book: that addiction can affect anyone, even physicians, and that recovery is possible by facing one's fears and deepest emotions. As an identical twin myself, I could relate to much of the description of the relationship between Scott and Jonathan; there's just a bond between twins that is unique and unbreakable.

This book is also a great resource for those interested in finding or referring help. There is a lengthy appendix addressing issues surrounding addiction and abuse as well as intervention and recovery. I highly recommend it!

Dr. Davis's book gives an intimate and insightful perspective on addiction and its effects not only on the addicted, but on the family. By telling his story honestly and without any flair, Dr. Davis shows us that even the best of us can become victim of addiction, and despite the horrible nature of the disease, that there is hope. As a medical student, it is a jarring view of a problem that we see all across the US all too often, and being able to understand it through Dr. Davis's account, gives us better insight through which to understand our patients.

All the other books I've read on that subject (my husband has TBI) are too techical. This is written in easy to understand languate and gives you the truth on what to expect when your loved one has a TBI.

This was an excellent book. It's easy to read and well organized. Great references for further reading and help. If your loved one recently suffered a TBI this is the book to read. It will answer alot of the questions you will have as they progress in treatment. This book will explain the medications, treatment procedures etc that your loved one may be going through. I wish I would have gotten this book from the beginning. This is an excellent book to purchase for someone as soon as possible. It will help guide you through the process and what to expect.

As a mother of a 15 yr old boy who has a TBI, I've read many books about brain injury. This book is an excellent resource...describing head trauma and how different functions can be affected. It also explains how a person actually comes out of a coma in gradual stages. It addresses so many pertinent issues...I'm so glad I was able to add it to my library.

After living with and caring for my 31 year old son, who suffers from a TBI, reading this book was a positive lift. It gave me hope, new ideas to try, and support for me and the rest of my family. TBI's are terrible injuries, especially when they are as severe as my son's; having reading material at hand that is well written and filled with good information is wonderful.