Addictions Books

Siegel progresses through the families of drugs one by one, showing how the effects of plants, herbs, and chemicals are all similar even between different species - yet all of them find an urge to partake in some of them. A multitude of personal and third-party research adorns the book to back up his assertations. This book is an excellent reminder that drug policy must take into account that many animals (humans included) are hard-wired to seek highs of one sort or another, and that simply banning a substance will not solve the "problem."

Ronald K. Siegel, Ph.D, a psychopharmacologist at the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at UCLA School of Medicine, has written a truly mind-boggling (quite literally) book about what he believes to be the fourth strongest drive in the human animal: that of intoxication. What? The struggle for intoxication is a drive, just like hunger, thirst, and sex? You bet, and Siegel has the research to prove it. Which probably make no difference to people that still connect "drugs" with strung-out heroin junkies who do just as much damage to themselves as to their friends and family.

Well, such stubborn people need to do some serious rethinking. Because what good is science unless it questions and investigates? But to make Spiegel even more controversial; he also experiments on animals when investigating why animals (and remember, the human being is an animal, too) choose to become intoxicated by various means. And also when they choose not to. These experiments clearly show how all animals use narcotics. So in other words, man is not alone in this struggle for a changed state of mind.

So what does this all mean? Well, it shows that the so-called War on Drugs is as futile as it is pointless, since there will always be and always has been people who choose to subject their bodies and minds to different drugs that the state or ruling class has decided should be illegal, and it also shows that it's indeed possible use narcotics and still be a very functioning member of society. Not all drug users end up as pathetic heroin junkies. The politics of drugs are extremely complicated, but arguing strictly from emotional points of views while refusing to accept new and mind-blowing ideas is, to put it simple, quite stupid.

Of course Siegel doesn't imply that everyone should do as much drugs as possible all the time whenever they feel like it. But what he does indeed do is giving all those millions of users of legal drugs - prescribed medication, coffee, cigarettes, and so on - something to think about, and he also clearly shows how all those Just Say No and other anti-drugs campaigns do more harm than good. After all, it's a human drive to become intoxicated, so why should some campaign manage to erase this drive? It's not going to happen, and people need to understand that.

Our culture encourages and even romanticizes the use of alcohol and cigarettes - two of the most deadly drugs man has ever come up with - and large corporations make billions of dollars from prescription drugs that are often a whole lot more harmful than the strongest your local dealer can provide you with. This is hypocrisy to such an extent that it's almost impossible to even comprehend, and Spiegel and his team of researchers therefore deserve all the credit they can get for trying to enlighten people they way they do. But just like any other type of fundamentalism, the anti-drug people will probably ignore Mr. Spiegel and all his knowledge, and this will in the long run do more harm to the human race than all the drugs in the world could ever do.

This one is also available on Amazon as an MP3 download ... you can download the entire recording when you find the MP3s ... be sure to click on the name of the MP3 album to get the entire recording (as opposed to just the individual chapters). It's less expensive this way and the sound quality is excellent too, so it's a nice option if you have a computer and/or iPod type device to listen on ...

One of the best AA speakers I have ever heard, get this one! Perfect recording, as well, crystal clear. Very very good!

Written in a refreshing and unpedantic style, "Just the FAQ's, Please..." is recommended reading for everyone, especially famillies, who want to understand more about alcoholism and drug abuse. It is so entertaining that one hardly reallizes that he is also learning something. I was compelled to finish reading in one sitting once I had begun.

A thoroughly delightful and refreshing treatment of a subject too often ignored or underemphasized, this work is equally at home in a treatment setting, the classroom, while preparing for a lecture, or just plain information seeking. From the title, a barely disguised takeoff on the famous quote from "Dragnet" to the handling of important and sensitive issues like blackouts, hallucinations, family issues, and prevention, this well organized book is written with considerable wit and humor in the style of an engaging stage play. Appeal notwithstanding, however, there is no sacrifice of accuracy made for the sake of humor. The book is right on target in every single area.

I started looking for a book on the subject since the media hit with the Winona case. I saw Dr. Goldman on Larry King Live, have read quotes from him in recent Time and People magazines and decided to go out and read this compelling book. It touches all the issues I suffer from. It is a compassionate yet straight talking book about a disorder so secretive yet so destructive. Most people simply don't understand the torment and anguish. The book clears up misconceptions and helps the reader grab ahold of themselves. Dr. Goldman, thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

This book about Kleptomania is an excellent book. I was looking for books on this subject, but I found a lot of books that were written in the 80's. This book was published in 1998 and is a great book for anyone dealing with Kleptomania. This book is also good for family members and employers who are dealing with someone who is stealing. I feel that every employer should read this book.

This book is an easy to read and understand book. Great for teens who `might' think that they have a problem and for older people who also after getting in trouble with the law find that they have a problem with stealing. Kleptomania is not people who steal everything; people with kleptomania steal things that are useless to them. This book tells you the signs of a person who might be kleptomania. Taking objects on impulse, without planning ahead; repeatedly taking items that are of no value or need for personal use; feeling increased tension right before the theft, and then feeling relief and pressure at the time of the theft and people with kleptomania steal without feelings of anger or revenge.

Kleptomania is a rare condition. Many people do not come to seek help when they are stealing, unless the courts have told them to. I started therapy on my own because I realized that I did have a problem. This book helped me to see that this is a rare problem and that I can be helped and so can anyone dealing with this condition. I would recommend this book to anyone who might think that they have a problem with stealing.

Last Rights is a comprehensive and insightful examination of the right to die movement in the United States and around the world. Filled with personal details not found in other books. Not concerned with merely repeating "politically correct" versions of events. It is a valuable new addition to "end-of-life" literature.

This detailed look at the right-to-die movement is as impressive for its compassion as it is for its scope. As medical advances offer the possibility of longer life even in the shadow of grave illness, questions about patients' choices and quality of life become more and more relevant to all of us. Woodman has done her homework and summarizes the principle viewpoints concisely -- and always with deep sympathy both for the dying and their care-givers.

I have been sober for 15 years and I have found this book to be, without a doubt, the most helpful tool along with AA. As a gay man, this book of daily meditations hits the core of my life as a gay man. It resonates with the feelings I would think all gay men and women have. It is a truly marvelous gift from the Author Adrian Milton. I would recommend it to the Lesbian/Gay community who are struggling with sobriety.

I have been sober 12 years and in recovery and AA every week for this past 12 years. This is by far the best mediation book that I have every used. It is always fresh and relavent to my life as a gay man in recovery. I would reccomend this book to all gay men and women in recovery. It will get you started doing daily medations again or maybe for the first time. It always almost feels like the book was written for me. Hope you try this and it is as good for you. My best, Jim Hector

Book is an excellent review of the material and information necessary to perform interventions with chemically dependent patients. Material is presented in such a way that the book can be later used as a reference guide when needing additional material for group presentations.

I teach addiction studies at a local university and find this book a great reference and hope to adopt it for one of my classes. It provides a great overview of the addiction treatment field without being too wordy or lost in theory. This is a well-written book which encourages the learner where many books are discouraging!

I read a section of this book each and every morning. It isn't just for people with a " chemically dependent ". Maybe more just a deapendancy or just going through really tough times. This is the most inspiring book that helps you get through those times. This is a book you get one for you and one to pass along to a really great friend.

This is a wonderful little book. This is a book of daily meditations that reflect on calmness and serenity. The meditations are not predictable sayings and quotes. They are clear-cut applications you can use in your daily life. I usually find these types of books attempting to transform the reader into something other than themselves. This book is different. It teaches simple rules to living. You can actually apply these meditations. It's like a workbook and meditation guide in one. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a quiet refuge from the struggles of daily living.

This book is really good. I have really enjoyed reading the few pages I have read. It was delivered in a timely maner and amazon lets me know when everything has taken place, step by step. Thanks.

An invaluable "pocket" book for any woman in recovery. There is so much in it to help the newcomer - or someone who has been in the rooms for a while. Buy it, keep it handy, read it, use it.

A wonderful read, simply stated, but by it's subject matter ... riveting. Twice as real as "the mole people." One of the best books I've read this year.

I just finished reading Living at the Edge of the World and now I'm getting all my friends to read it. This book was unforgetable. Tina is so honest about her fears and confusions, anyone can relate to her. The book is anything but depressing. After reading it you feel as if you know Tina and her friends. Now that I've started a new novel, I miss Tina! This a book for anyone who has ever felt hopeless or lonely, and for all us who continue to remember the homeless in our thoughts and prayers.