Addictions Books

On Drugs raises many fascinating issues about drugs in American society. Lenson begins by exploding the myth of a Drug-Free America, and pointing out why the "War on Drugs" has failed, and a brief history of human drug use and American attitudes towards outsiders. One of the most interesting chapters is about drug use as a regression to childhood, and the chapter on stimulant abuse is chilling. Sometimes the author's concerns about consumer society seem to reek of liberal paranoia, but for the most part an excellent book

This is simply a spectacular book. No one has written so well about drugs. Lenson is brilliant on the effects of drugs: what it's like to be high on this or that. He's marvelous on the history of the reception of various drugs--how pot came into the US and how its cultural meanings changed over time. He's also astoundingly good at showing what role drugs have played in the cultural imagination of the past twenty years, and how the war against drugs functions as, among other things, a war to regularize, normalize and delimit consciousness. The writing is very clear, but highly sophisticated, nuanced and often poetic. You gotta read it.

This book is clearly one of the best to ever address links between consciousness, drug consumption, and societal demands. It is superbly written, with entertaining references to science, literature, history, and music. The author reaches an intriguing set of conclusions linking our attitudes about people who want to alter consciousness, the ever-present desire to continue a consumerist culture, and growing ideas about multiculturalism. The tone is very friendly-- the sort of prose that makes you want to sit down with the author over a beer. I particularly like that he draws distinctions among different illicit drugs and shows an appreciation for their varied effects.

I think this book offers a valid and awesome alternative to the traditional methods. You need to have a good ammount of discipline to implement this, but it should help greatly.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I deal with a majority of clients who are either court ordered or desire to change their substance (inc'l alcohol)use behaviors. I have been practicing some level of harm reduction by my own intuitive sense of helping people reach their own goals. But, this book has brought me to a new level of understanding what harm reduction can really look like and how it can be put into practice in my office. Realize though, that this book is written for the user and not the clinician; I still see it as highly useful for the clinician to read. It is an easy and engaging book that I hardly wanted to put down. I have so many clients this might be useful for. However, know that even if you are already harm reduction friendly, that this is still a revolutionary approach; it will take a while to really wrap your mind and practice around this philosophy in the way its prescribed in this book. If you are a user who wants to make changes in your substance use but aren't ready or willing to quit, then this is the best book you could possibly buy for yourself. It gets past all the shame and judgement associated with traditional therapies and gets to the heart of why you use, how you can make changes or not make changes, and who you are in relation to your drug of choice. Heck, I think this can help anyone with ANY behavior they are thinking about changing. I have already recommended it to some of my clients and am begining to incorporate these ideals into my practice already.

Anyone troubled by drug or alcohol use but not interested in cold turkey, all or nothing approaches to such problems, really ought to take a good look at Dr. Patt Denning's "Over the Influence: The Harm Reduction Guide for Managing Drugs and Alcohol." Denning and co-authors Jeannie Little and Adina Glickman address substance use in terms of the interplay between the individual and a variety of social, emotional and biochemical factors. The complexity of this framework does much to influence the kind of relationship that same individual might have with substances considered terminally toxic in other treatment circles.

At the heart of this mode of treatment is the notion that people use drugs for particular reasons that may well be obscured in recovery programs where complete cessation of drug use is a condition of treatment. Denning and other harm reduction therapists adhere to the principle that people who use are capable of doing so sensibly, modifying conduct in ways that reduce harm to themselves and others.

Drawing on forty years of clinical experience and addressed to the general public, "Over The Influence" offers a valuable discussion of drugs and other substances along with a review of various psychological and social considerations that enter into patterns of usage. This revolutionary book presents new options in thinking about drugs. It is a must-read for those involved in legal, educational, and personal questions of substance use or misuse.

Anyone troubled by drug or alcohol use but not interested in cold turkey, all or nothing approaches to such problems, really ought to take a good look at Dr. Patt Denning's "Over the Influence: The Harm Reduction Guide for Managing Drugs and Alcohol." Denning and co-authors Jeannie Little and Adina Glickman address substance use in terms of the interplay between the individual and a variety of social, emotional and biochemical factors. The complexity of this framework does much to influence the kind of relationship that same individual might have with substances considered terminally toxic in other treatment circles.

At the heart of this mode of treatment is the notion that people use drugs for particular reasons that may well be obscured in recovery programs where complete cessation of drug use is a condition of treatment. Denning and other harm reduction therapists adhere to the principle that people who use are capable of doing so sensibly, modifying conduct in ways that reduce harm to themselves and others.

Drawing on forty years of clinical experience and addressed to the general public, "Over The Influence" offers a valuable discussion of drugs and other substances along with a review of various psychological and social considerations that enter into patterns of usage. This revolutionary book presents new options in thinking about drugs. It is a must-read for those involved in legal, educational, and simply personal questions of substance use or misuse.

This book was sent to my friend in Mumbai, India. He seems to like it. I have a copy and think it's a great little book. I appreciate the content and the message it carries.

Many people these days are slaves to addictions of all types. This book provides thought provoking insights to help the hopelessly enslaved find freedom from the very things that keep them bound in misery. This is a must read not only for those who are addicts themselves, but for all who wish to be a source of support to them.

The collaboration of Neil T. Anderson (Founder of the Freedom in Christ Ministries) and Mike Quarles (a Director of the Freedom in Christ Recovery Ministry), and the latest edition to the outstanding Regal Books "The Victory Over The Darkness Series", Overcoming Addictive Behavior is a very strongly recommended Christian self-help guide to breaking away from the enslavement of addiction through turning to God and finding freedom and salvation in Christ. A forward-looking and passionately spiritual recovery guide, Overcoming Addictive Behavior deftly traces the root of suffering to the Original Sin and offers guidance on separating oneself from sin in order to achieve victory and a state of grace.

Debbie Danowski's book "The Overeater's Journal" is a great way to be aware of our eating habits. By exploring our physical, emotional and spiritual links to food, we can discover ways to overcome overeating and lead a healthy life. Debbie's book provides wonderful journaling exercises to discover what stands in our way to successfully keep the weight off. This book is truly a gift!

I am a huge fan of Debbie Danowski. Reading her previous book, Locked up for Eating Too Much, literally saved my life.

I had been waiting with anticipation for the Overeater's Journal and Debbie did not disappoint!

This Journal, which is in trade paperback size is absolutely wonderful. It comes with inspirational quotes and valuable information on how to assess whether you may have an unhealthy relationship with food. The questions you are asked to answer are thought provoking and will help you to understand yourself better.

The author knows her subject well (overeating) as she has herself been though the nightmare that is food addiction.

If you feel you may have a problem with food or, if you want some help in staying abstinent, this is the tool for you.

The size makes it convenient to carry around with you and I have been toting it around and jotting notes when I feel I need to "vent" my feelings. Excellent book.

NOW! A cookbook containing recipes for food addicts (no sugar, no flour and measured ingredients) would be the perfect companion to this Journal.

Hopefully, this is next on our author's list!!!

For someone trying to use journalling as a way to understand and overcome compulsive behavior, this book is invaluable, whether you are working within the framework of a 12 step program or doing the work on your own. I look forward to writing on the topics given.

If you work in the field of addiction run out and get every book Terry has written. He is simply the best. I would recommend his work to lay people who have substance abuse or recovery issues also. this book, as are all of his books, is indispensable if you run chemical dependency, family, PC 100 or CDIOP groups. There is a wealth of practical usable information. Also, this is the first book of it's kind that I have found that deals with the specific issues common to long term sobriety. Most books I come across deal with the first 2 years which is understandable. But how wonderful to find a book that specifically has a section on double digit (those with decades) sobriety. I can't recommend it enough.

I recieved this book in a timely fashion and in good conditon.
I would purchase from this seller again.

Abstinence from alcohol and other drugs is only the beginning of sobriety. It's the ticket to get into the theater, not the movie we are going to see." -- Passages through Recovery

One of the most important things we learn in recovery is that there really is a way out of all the misery -- if we know which way to go. But abstinence from alcohol and other drugs is just the beginning of our journey, not our destination. And, that journey can be a rough one if we don't know what lies ahead.

Passages through Recovery clearly demonstrates that sobriety is more than just healing the damage. "It's a way of thinking, acting, and relating to others, "Gorski writes, "That promotes continued physical, psychological, social, and spiritual health. The skills necessary for long-term sobriety are all directed at finding meaning and purpose in life."

Use this book as a compass in your recovery to help you stay on course.

Dr. Fleming has written a "must read" book for all parents! He gives specific suggestions on how to raise your child from birth through the difficult teen years so that they will not fall into the trap of using addictive substances, from tobacco to alcohol to drugs of all kinds. Well written with substance. Emphasis is given to raising children in a Christian home with lots of love and trust while at the same time, with teenagers in particular, to "trust but verify".

This is a great book for parents who want to keep their children from becoming alcoholics and drug addicts - a parent's worst nightmare. It's a useful resource that both gives practical advice to parents as well as helps us understand the body's response to addiction. For instance, Fleming doesn't just tell us to start concerning ourselves with our children's exposure to drugs and alcohol when they reach the frightful teen years but implores us to realize that preventing addiction begins in elementary school. Also, this isn't simply a `just say no' book full of trite platitudes but a well-researched yet readable approach to the issues at hand. I highly recommend this book.

This excellent book is designed for parents of teens and youngsters who need the ammunition to prevent addiction problems. The author, being a Doctor of Medicine in Family Practice, has seen his share of addiction problems, so you are getting the advice of a professional in the area. His organization, descriptions, and methods of combatting and preventing addiction are just unsurpassed. The book is written in a straight forward manner with language that non-professionals can easily understand. You feel as if you were seated in Dr. Fleming's office, talking with him one on one. The book is just a superior resource. Sincerely, Dr. Lee Walker

This book is highly recommended by me. It was not until I was urged to attend the Joe McQ and Charlie P. Big Book seminar in Sacramento that I began to see the system to the basic text and the orderly process of the Twelve Steps. With Joe McQ now gone, this book is even more important. I don't believe anyone can approach the A.A. program, the A.A. fellowship, or A.A. history without first mastering the Big Book basic text. And this book does the job. And its contents have benefited thousands who have attended the seminars, listened to the tapes, and read the book. Further, both Joe and Charlie were my friends. They both knew and understood the importance of the Biblical roots of A.A. and the details of our history. That would give them ten points on any scale I wrote. Furthermore they openly discussed A.A.'s real Oxford Group connection and didn't link it to some of the unwarranted diversions about Buchman and his personal statements and activities.Anne Smith's Journal, 1933-1939: A.A.'s Principles of SuccessThe Akron Genesis of Alcoholics AnonymousThe Good Book and the Big Book: A.A.'s Roots in the Bible (Bridge Builders Edition)The Oxford Group & Alcoholics Anonymous: A Design for Living that Works

A very readable, thorough, and helpful overview of the AA Big Book. This is actually a textual version of the well known weekend long Big Book Study seminars given by two gentlemen who shall remain anonymous as in the book. I found this to be a great way to delve into the Big Book again and look at it in a structured fashion. Once you are finished with this book you will have learned about the history of AA, the history of the Big Book, read the Big Book, and actually studied the Big Book. It also contains general information on the disease of alcoholism. I believe that this is a refreshing look at the Big Book and will lead you on the path that the original AA members intended for you to follow. Most AA members at some time feel that they have received most of the information that the Big Book has to offer, this book will give you a new plan to study the Big Book and will renew your interest in the wonderful program of AA.

I had the privilege to attend the weekend workshop on which this book is based about six years ago. It was a life-changing experience for me in my recovery from food addiction. This book is almost a word-for-word replica of that workshop (and was approved by the leaders of the workshop). For anyone struggling to understand the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, read this book immediately. It is true to the heart and soul of the "big Book" and completely modernizes the information so that it's easy to understand in today's world.

This book is truly a brilliant work. Metzl delves deeply into the social construction of the so-called wonder drugs which have permeated our society. In an age where prozec and ritilin have become as common as aspirin and M&Ms, Metzl's work should be required reading for all those contemplating responses to psychological phenomena.

This book is a gem. Metzl writes beautifully and compellingly, and his premise is fascinating and brilliantly argued. This is such an important book for doctors, patients, and anyone else interested in the cultural aspects of gender and mental illness.

Thought the era of talk therapy was over? Thought you didn't need your unconscious anymore? Think again. Metzl's startling and wholly convincing thesis that Freud's fingers can be found in Prozac's pies is amazing, and brilliantly told. His close readings of pharmaceutical ads are especially keen and insightful--a serious feminist intervention. This is a must read for all students of cultural history are well as medical doctors!

Excellent book! What a great read. I think there is something for everyone in this book, from pastors to someone just looking into Christ. I highly recommend it!

A must read for the recovering Christian and clergy interested in the harvest of recovery souls. The good pastor has done a wonderful job of capturing what it is to be "in recovery". Well done and very readable.

I've had the privilege of coaching Dr. Mike Erickson in small group/cell ministry, and I can testify that the principles he lays out in this book are principles that he's actually lived out in practice. This book will show you how to go beyond starting recovery groups in your church. It will highlight how to get recovering people set free by the power of Jesus Christ and then prepared to lead their own recovery groups to continue the healing process. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Joel Comiskey, Ph.D.