Drugs Books

I've always kept a shirt-pocket pharmacopoeia in my lab pocket, but this deluxe version offers much more...I'm very pleased with it!

Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia 2008 Deluxe Lab-coat Pocket Edition: Deluxe Lab-coat Pocket Edition (Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia) (Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia)

I've been a practicing internist for more than 10 years. Although much of my practice and reference materials are on computer, nothing can take the place of my Tarascon Pharmacopoeia. It is an absolute must for not only medical students and residents, but all those in primary care. I call it my "drug brain" and I feel lost without it.

Very handy to use on the run. Started using these over a decade ago, and still beats a PDA for my purposes.

This is very useful book. Every year I gift this book to the referring physicians.

That's a great book, it has all essential data that a a medical student/Intern/Resident is expected to know (or to "carry everywhere"). This is like a small pharmacological memory chip that's always in my shirt pocket. It often helped me to save patients' life right in that moment, before I can find any other larger reference books around... So, just get it!
(Warning: this book has a kind of addicting potential - once you use it, you are gonna use it daily).

This is THE most essential, and most used book I own. I get a new one every year because it's so worn out by the end of a year from the use.

A friend and I were talking about this book. "Obviously," he said, "it was written by a clinician." This is extremely high praise.

I discovered this book several years ago. Now, I don't go to work without it. I can look up any drug in the world within seconds (the index helpfully tells you whether the listing is at the top, middle or bottom of the page) and find out basically everything I need to know: what class of drug, what it's used for in clinical practice, how it's metabolized, can you give it to pregnant women, can you give it to breastfeeding women, what's the relative cost, what's the usual dosage and route, what's the DEA classification . . . and also read a sentence or two along the lines of "One or two things you should know about this drug:" for example, terazosin: "First dose at bedtime to avoid orthostatic hypotension."

To compress the entire PDR into 127 pages that fit into your shirt pocket is a truly impressive work of scholarship. Saunders comes in a close second, and the Washington Manual a distant third. The Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia is, in my opinion, the most useful medical book ever published.

As an internal medicine resident this book is absolutly vital to my life and practice. In nearly three years I have not once gone to work without it in my pocket. The book is small enough to carry anywhere, well organized, full of useful information and contains every drug you will be perscribing on a regular basis. Whether you are a medical student or a resident, you need this book!

As a resident I have found this book to an invaluable tool for physicians, 3rd and 4th year medical students. It packs an incredible amount of information into such a small package. The book includes every medication, dosage, formulation you'll ever need. It includes a number of obscure drugs as well as off label indications, which come up quite often, not included in epocrates. I had to dig up this classic after being left high and dry by epocrates a number of times. There are a number of charts such as BSA, ACLS, safe drugs during pregnancy that are great as well. Overall this book is definitely worth the pocket space.

My wife suggested I read this book. I am glad I did. So much goes into understanding how our country is protected and needs to be protected.

The author is very knowledgeable as he was a former maritime investigator and a prior maritime intelligence officer. I trust what he says in his book.

This book helped me understand exactly what we are up against when it comes to criminals and terrorists.

I highly recommend this book to people so they can understand what is all involved in protecting our country.

They say that farewarned is forearmed, and if that's the case, then Anthony Davis' book is a fantastic weapon in the continuing goal to protect ourselves. He tackles so many things I never would have even begun to consider. It was hard for me to stop reading this book.

I have to admit that I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy Terrorism and the Maritime Transportation System, but I am so glad I read it! Anthony Davis obviously has the background to put together such an awesome piece on a topic that, to my knowledge, hasn't been full covered before.

I learned so much about the military, how terrorism can and will affect us, security, and even the ships themselves! I've learned more in this one book than I've ever learned from reading any other reference piece before.

After reading Terrorism and the Maritime Transportation System, I have a new found respect for those in the field and I'm thankful that Mr. Davis has put this book together to educate the public without making the content dull or boring. I found it difficult to put this book down as I wanted to keep learning more through every turn of the page.

Terrorism and the Maritime Transportation System is an honest-to-goodness factual book written by my good friend Tony Davis. I think that his writing style not only keeps you aware of what can happen and has happened, but what can be done to reduce the risk from his actual hands-on experience and background. Tony's factual accounts of what are encountered in our cargo and the security as a whole makes this a valuable book. [...]
He reiterates some great reminders, what could have been done and experiences with what he lived and worked with from 9-11 forward. I highly recommend this book for pleasure or for a reference book.

"Terrorism and the Maritime Transportation System Are We on a Collision Course?" by Anthony M. Davis USCG, Ret. is an interesting book on the challenges our law enforcement and other agencies have to keep the USA safe.

The book describes the agonizing steps the officers have to go through to determine if the incident in question is a crime or a terrorist act.

The book will educate you on the new laws passed due to terrorism.

Anthony M. Davis does a wonderful job explaining why the Middle East does not get along with the Jewish people. The fact may surprise you that it is not about religion.

The book further describes all of the work we as a nation need to be doing to keep ourselves protected. There are so many areas that terrorists could threaten our citizens.

I am glad I read this book to further educate myself. We as citizens of the USA need to be aware of what is going on to keep ourselves safe. I suggest you read this fascinating and educational book. Then writing our congressmen to make the necessary changes to keep our families safe!

Brilliantly written to easily read and understand.

Seventeen year old Captain Richard Arthur attends the Maxwell Military Academy in New York state. Vietnam is percolating right along and those attending the academy know that before too much longer they will be over there. It's a closed warped world, as any military academy is, and they handle everything internally and remain for all intents and purposes, closed off from the public. Even when a cadet falls to his brutal death from the roof off one of the barracks.

Ted Sheridan took a short and very quick fatal dive off the roof. Before long, the often wittily sarcastic Captain Arthur, known by the obvious nickname of "King" to one and all, is placed in charge of the investigation by the brass. An investigation that is rigged from the start and King is very well aware that, like the last time, he is supposed to arrive at the preconceived conclusion acceptable to those in charge. While he knows what the mission is, he doesn't agree and besides that he really does have his hands full with some of his fellow students who are cracking under the pressure. And what does Ted's incredibly hot sister want with him and why does she keep showing up in the strangest of places?

What follows is a very twisted novel, part mystery, part humor and completely engrossing. There are parts that are just laugh out loud funny and are guaranteed to definitely offend some folks as this author has absolutely no concerns about the concept of political correctness. That fact along with his repeated use of obscenities both in dialogue and in narration will surely annoy some readers.

However, if you like your reads a little different than the normal run of the mill and don't mind embarrassing yourself by laughing out loud in public, then this mystery is sure to work for you. Not only is this book certainly not politically correct, it contains a twisting case that is sure to appeal to anyone interested in crime and solving the case. Arthur may be a foul mouthed Sherlock in a military uniform at times, but it is well worth it to tag along for this very good read.


Kevin R. Tipple (copyright)2006

Reviewed by Joanne Benham for Reader Views (09/06)

`Tin Soldiers' revolves around life at Maxwell Military Academy in 1970. The Academy, headed by General Baylor, a hands-off leader who spends all of his time fund-raising, is shaken by the death of cadet Tim Sheridan who tumbled to his death from the roof of Jefferson Barracks. Tim's father, a member of the Academy's Board of Directors, wants the truth about how his son died. Was it a suicide, an accident or a murder? Richard `King' Arthur, company commander of Battery A, Jefferson Barracks is assigned the task of uncovering that truth. As he probes into the death, uncovering some nasty secrets, Arthur finds himself in a moral dilemma. Should he ignore the facts staring him in the face and agree with the story the Academy hierarchy espouses or should he tell the truth and possibly lose his scholarship to Harvard University?

This is an extremely well written book, with a great cast of characters. The dialogue is superb, staying true to each character's strange personality quirks and filled with humor despite the dark talk of murder. A classic example of the inmates running the asylum as the cadets use every trick in the book for the greatest possible gain for themselves while the administrators sail blithely on their way, secure in the knowledge that they have everything under control.

Many a social commentator has said that we are all products of our time. So is this book, with its story taking place during the Vietnam era. Aside from the fact that Leonard spins an engaging murder mystery here, he also captures the intensity and inner sense of chaos shared by millions of young men facing the uncertainties of a draft, and of a surreal war without a clearly enunciated mission. The dialog in Mark's book is stingingly accurate; and I dare say that if the draft were reinstated soon, many of our children would be thinking, acting and speaking as did we.

The characters are so real! This is some of the best dialog I've ever read, and I've read a lot. The story is irresistible, a page-turner. I still want to know why the guy is winking. Maybe Mr. Leonard will tell us in the next story.

In a unique environment (a military academy) this acerbic, funny, and troubling mystery is peopled with very real characters.
I was surprised and delighted.
A compelling story that I won't hesitate to tell others about.

J. R. Roberts

Excellent book on source and cause of addiction. Easy to understand and very helpful in knowing the whys of addiction. Points the way to recovery.

I read this book thinking it was just going to be another book regarding addictions and rehab centers, etc. But after the first chapter "the connection between Trauma and addiction" I understood why it is so difficult for others to let go of their main addiction which sometimes is drugs sometimes food, sometimes shopping.
When I continued reading the book it makes it clear on how the family support and codependency can either help you or push you deeper into the claws of the addiction.
Also it explains clearly the issue of "body memories" that most of the addictive personalities have.
If you have a family member who has problem with an addiction or consider yourself an addict, before reading any other book or taking any step toward rehabilitation, please read this one, it will change your way of seeing the problem and help you see the solution.

Not only is this book give good information on the subject of addiction but abuse and child development as well. It re-defines addiction as a means to cope with trauma and traumatic childhood. This is a must read for anybody in the mental-health care related field or anyone with addiction.

Tian Dayton has written a very powerful and insightful book on Trauma and Addiction,as they seem to go hand in hand. After reading this book I see the truth about my life and that I did not grow up in a Leave It To Beaver family. Many patterns and behaviors in my family were right on the pages of the book, so reading this has uncovered memories that have been deeply buried for a long time. This book illustrates the healing power of psychodrama and therapy, offering the reader hope and ways for breaking the cycle of pain. It takes a lot of work and courage to go back and acknowledge some of the pains of our past but its worth the freedom from the nightmares that continually haunt us causing repeated pain in our present relationships with others and ourselves. I highly recommend this book if your doing inner work and are ready to look, see and grow forward.

Tian Dayton's book is a long overdue treatise on the results of trauma on the human psyche written for the average reader with good science behind it. Her book is different from other self help books in that it appeals both to the emotions (needed for change) and the intellect. Often on the journey to personal growth we forget one or the other. Dayton has not forgotten their importance. Judith S. Lavendar, MA

If you have ever wondererd what it is like to be an addict, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU !!! I have been in recovery for 15 years and was in active addiction for 28 years. This author somehow found the courage to re-live and put down on paper the hopelessness and horrors that ONLY an addict knows. It is not for someone new to recovery by any means! Buy it, give it to someone who does not understand but wants to !!

Rivals Stephen King, only this guy's tale is true. Fast-paced and exciting. Excellently written. A frightening portrayal of drug addiction, just how low a person gets, and what it does to families, friends, loves. Put it on your Must-Read list. . . .

This is the most accurate portrayal of drug addiction I have ever read! It's a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the world of addiction.

This was an amazing book. Filled with true life (very real) experiences. I could feel his pain, his struggles and his relapses. The further I read into the book, the harder it was to put it down. A "must" read for families of addicts for a clear understanding of the struggle.

This is by far, the most accurate account of drug addiction I have ever read. It shows to just what depths drugs can bring one, and how hard the road to recovery is.

i wish this was required reading for all doctors, especially ob, pediatrics, and family practice. and then they could give a copy to every mother and potential mother, and fathers. it covers a lot of valuable information not found anywhere else in a very readable and understandable form.
it really emphasizes an understanding viewpoint that could help us all-we do not have to try to live up to what we think are others expectations of us. a lot of wisdom here.

This book should be required reading for all expectant mothers! I so wish that I had been able to read it before the birth of my first baby, but now that my 2nd is eight months old, I find that it is EXACTLY what I needed to know. I've struggled with PPD issues after both of my babies, and this book has been the GREATEST help!

There are so many books out there about what you may feel physically during pregnancy and postpartum. I believe this is the first that helps pregnant women gauge what's common emotionally. As a therapist who works with pregnant and postpartum women, I am thrilled to see this book! I have already recommended it to several clients who are having a rough time emotionally.

Dr. Puryear has written a concise guide to the spectrum of mood changes that are common for pregnant women to have, starting with the very beginning of pregnancy. I know this book will be very reassuring for many families, and I am grateful to be able to offer it as a resources to my clients.

Well-written, easy to read and very human. This is a vital read for anyone who suffered from depression before pregnancy (even if you were "cured"); as well as women who are looking for a post-partum resource that deals with how she actually *feels*, as opposed to an extended tome on diaper changing, breast pads and burping, which are ten-a-penny.

Also, a great read for dads-to-be and new dads, who are wondering who took their wife and replaced her with this sad lady?

Instead of buying another book on the merits of "wearing" your baby or the horrors of disposable diapers, which you flip through in your "mommy" pajamas (with flaps) whilst hiding in the closet, crying, at 3am, (been there); get this book and start getting well.

This book is eloquently written and so honest - thank you, Dr. Puryear! Also, thank you for encouraging us moms to realize that being a "good enough" mother is an achievable, reasonable, rational, and realistic goal. This notion offers women the freedom to be themselves and the fulfillment that comes from loving others from a place of authenticity.

Dr. Puryear is well-known in Houston as a psychiatrist in private practice and a faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Puryear served as an expert witness in both of Andrea Yates' trials here in Houston and is a powerful advocate for women and the need to recognize and appropriately treat and manage women's mental health issues.

This book is for every woman who will, who is and who has experienced pregnancy and/or motherhood. It's focus is on the "normal" fluctuations in emotion and mood that many women experience during and after pregnancy and differentiating such changes from mood disorders (depression, anxiety, psychosis) that need professional treatment.

Dr. Puryear weaves in some her personal experiences of motherhood and acknowledges the fact that for too long we women and society at large have put unnecessary and undue pressure upon women to be "perfect" in so many ways - including motherhood. The author encourages us women to shift our focus to a new goal - to striving to do the best we can with what we know and what we have daily to best serve ourselves, our families, and society at large. She gives us permission to be "good enough" mothers and to be honest, vulnerable, strong and forgiving of ourselves.

Thank you, Dr. Puryear, for sharing yourself, your stories, your expertise, and stories of others that are easy to understand and relate to as women and mothers.

John Kelly makes key points when he reminds his readers that adolescents have not fully matured emotionally. Parents need to help their children through their emotional growth. Parents are helping their children when they keep a close watch on them and also when they provide behavioral boundaries such as strict curfews, appropriate activities and guidance in selecting friends.

The book is well written, with many case studies. It is a quick but important read.

"Warning Signs" by John Kelly w/Brian Karem addresses in an easy-to-read manner, many of the tough questions we face as parents each day. It assists us to read our children's moods and interpret their behavior before more serious events occur.

It traces low self-esteem as the basis for various problem behaviors. Like most parents in their forties, we came of age during the drug/sexual revolution. However there's a whole new world of substances and other unhealthy behaviors out there facing our kids each day that we never had to face. This book acts like a road-map to navigate parents through the warning signs of your kids' behavior. What parents fear most is our kids getting lost to addiction and other unhealthy behaviors. What gives me solace is, among other things, the existence of practical guides like this book addressing the underlying reasons to addiction and ways for parents to intervene.

This is a book that anyone can read and feel a sense of understanding about. Mr. Kelly hits the nail on the head w/ regards to self esteem and its relationship to the addictive process. I also like how he gives examples throughout the book as identifiers.

As a therapist in the addictions/eap field I have suggested this book on more that one occasion to individuals coming in to discuss the concerns for their children. It speaks to the lay person in common sense language and guides them on a path that can be difficult but will pay benefits in healthier family relations and children who will have improved skills to navigate the many obstacles to becoming productive individuals.

Warning Signs by John Kelly and Brian J. Karem is a must- read for parents in this demanding and fast paced world where nurture and love are essential for developing a healthy value system for childhood development.

Easy to read and chocked full of common sense based on years of counseling troubled children and their parents, Kelly gives practical advice and sets priorities where they should be. Those of us who have children intrinsically know we should spend time with them and that building self esteem pays untold dividends in the future. Our actions as well as our words convey messages that our children pick up on and listening to what they say is vital.

When something cataclysmic happens most of us turn to see if our loved ones are unharmed. As parents time invested with our children ought to be our first priority rather than the more superficial goals we chase each day. Thanks, John for the advice.

Frank Adamson Retired Chief of Criminal Investigations King County Sheriffs Department
Seattle, Washington.

EXCELLENT BOOK!!!!! Everyone in the world should read this book. Especially if you are a parent, teacher, or counselor.

Dr. John Kelly is a psychotherapist, a recovered addict, and a loving father of 3 sons.

Dr. Kelly teaches skills to parents, counselors and teachers on how to draw out the child's self-respect and confidence. It is a wonderful book that can be quickly read. It is a must for all people who will raise, counsel or teach children.

Dr. Kelly runs his own clinic that specializes in addictions and asserts convincingly that

1) The root cause of all addictions and most violence is low self-esteem. Long before the addictions begin (whether the addiction is alcohol, drugs, gambling, compulsive clean "freaks", craving excessive attention, codependent relationships, bulimia, anorexia, or overachieving, etc.) low self-esteem was firmly in place and began developing in early childhood. Whatever the addiction, a drink or purging, etc., is used to anesthetize the person's feelings of low self-esteem.

2) Symptoms of Low Self-Esteem can be manifested in children as young as 5 and 6 years old. Teens as young as 11 and 12 have been found to contemplate suicide b/c of low self-esteem.

3) Low self-esteem is epidemic in our society. Low Self-Esteem should be classified as a "disease" and is the largest health problem facing the United States. It hits well educated and poorly educated people as well as rich and poor individuals. It does not discriminate.

4) CHILDREN NEED TO EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS, ESPECIALLY FEELINGS OF ANGER. They need a healthy outlet to feel and express their pain. Anger is usually a companion of Low Self-Esteem. If internalized, the anger can lead to depression, or addictions, or psychosomatic illness, such as asthma, intense headaches, ulcers, hypertension, etc. It can also lead to violence as the child gets older. THE GREATEST SINGLE SOURCE OF ANGER AMONG MANY OF THE CHILDREN WHO BECAME DANGEROUS CRIMINALS IS THAT THEIR PARENTS (SPECIFICALLY FATHERS, FOR MOST BOYS) WERE NOT AROUND.

5) Proper vigilant parenting is essential in raising children who will possess high self-esteem. Recent studies have shown that on average, mothers spend 11 min/day of "quality time" with their children, and fathers 8 min/day. There is no such thing as "quality time". The "quality" is found in the "quantity of time" you spend with your children. Apathetic parents who put more emphasis on material wealth for their children forget that children "want" material things, but "need" parental "quality time"... Children NEED love, attention, interest, affection MORE than they need the newest Sony Playstation 2 or computers or computer games.

6) Boys need their fathers, and girls need their mothers. Children need both parents.

7) Parents should never yell at their children, nor physically, emotionally or sexually abuse their children. They must not be demanding "perfection," nor be an "enabling" parent, nor "apathetic".

GET THIS BOOK. YOU WON'T BE SORRY!!!

"Healthy kids are experience seekers," declares Dr. Henry Abraham, author of What's a Parent to Do?:Straight Talk on Drugs and Alcohol. An experienced psychiatrist and drug researcher, Dr.Abraham points out the difference between drug use, drug abuse and drug addiction. He gives straightforward advice to help the parent prevent drug abuse before it starts and how to proceed if it already has. Examples drawn from real life bring credibility to the advice offered, and huge motivation to follow it.

This very readable book is a well-organized manual highly recommended for parents and others responsible for the well being of children, adolescents, and teenagers. Well-off suburban kids are more likely to abuse some substances than inner city kids, and this book presents all parents with risk levels and danger signs for each category of substance.

There is much in this book that can be easily and effectively shared with young people. Some of the information presented in list or chart form is a prime candidate for refrigerator-posting to help stimulate discussion and remind kids of stark realities. One such chart is on page 184: the top 15 reasons to stay off drugs. While this book has no index, the table of contents is very clear and easily directs the reader to appropriate chapter. Each chapter ends with a concise summary of its most important points. This is a work that parents will want to revisit over time.

After reading this excellent book, every parent will be much better informed about the entire range of substances subject to possible abuse, some of which their child will inevitably bump up against. This book equips the parent with the tools and techniques necessary to help their child avoid becoming a statistic in the all-too-nearby world of drug abuse. It is a hopeful and positive book, grounded in experience, expertise, and a genuine desire to help kids benefit from the most powerful tool at THEIR disposal: their parents.

Part I identifies in five chapters what parents need to know to prevent kids from going down the slippery path of drugs and alcohol, BEFORE it happens.

Part II devotes ten chapters to as many categories of potentially abusive substances: tobacco, marijuana, alcohol, acid, ecstasy, hypnosedatives (Valium and other anxiety-reducing drugs), anabolic steroids, psychostimulants (coke and speed), narcotics (opium, codeine, morphine, Demerol, heroin and others), and other miscellaneous substances (inhalants, PCP, GHB, designer drugs, and exotic plants). Each of these chapters is studded with facts about the specific substance, what studies have shown, what motivates kids to experiment, what the potential consequences are, and what a parent needs to do to confront the possibility of use, or abuse by their child.

The four chapters in Part III give straightforward advice on what to do if your child is already using or abusing drugs, and the conclusion encourages parents to take the steps necessary to begin to make the drug epidemic history.

Dr. Abraham's lifelong experience, his concern and his realistic, down-to-earth views regarding the substance abuse epidemic confronting our society are evident throughout this clearly and concisely written gem. His motivation is quite evident, namely to educate and to empower the reader. His style is straightforward. In brief: this is not a tome meant to impress the reader with the erudition of the author. Rather, it is a handbook, written to inform and, hopefully, to heal those suffering from and to prevent the spread of destructive behavior rampant in our country.

In the "Forward," Dr. Abraham plainly informs the reader of the goals of the book. And from chapter to chapter, in a very readable style, the reader is exposed to a great deal of information and knowledge, without being overwhelmed or overburdened. One of the treats of this work is to experience such an expanse of knowledge and good sense delivered in such a "user friendly", personal manner. It is as though Dr. Abraham is sitting in your living room, chatting about the personal cost of and the public policies driving this modern plague of substance abuse.

More importantly, from my perspective as a parent of a middle school child, I not only gained knowledge, but I gained parenting skills and insight reading Dr. Abraham's book. So, the next time I am asked or hear someone exasperate, "What's a parent to do?", I will answer: Read Dr. Abraham's book and become a "heads-up" parent.

Written by a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, What's A Parent To Do? Straight Talk on Drugs and Alcohol is a no-nonsense self-help guide to the extremely difficult task of preventing and dealing with epidemic drug abuse among children. Drawing heavily from the author's thirty years of experience treating substance-abusing young people and their families, What's A Parent To Do? covers how to protect one's children from drugs ranging from tobacco, alcohol and marijuana to acid, anabolic steroids, narcotics, psychostimulants, and other unsavory body- or mood-altering chemicals. Written in plain, non-judgement terms that focus primarily on helping families stay clean and healthy, What's A Parent To Do? is an absolute "must-have" for any parent or caretaker in today's unfortunately drug-saturated culture.

Drug use among children and teens is a leading national health concern. Henry David Abraham's text is an accessible "how-to-guide" for parents, which not only educates parents on the facts of drugs and alcohol, but more importantly provides them the tools necessary to be their own researchers of the ever changing drug culture. This text does not merely inform the parent on the current drug epidemic, but more importantly teaches parents on how to inform themselves.

Dr. Abraham first provides parents the framework for understanding the factors that often lead to substance abuse, and then provides a no-nonsense discussion on the substances commonly used by children. Drawing from his extensive clinical experience, the author illustrates the potential consequences of each drug with heartbreaking stories of children affected by drug-induced disorders. A very novel and powerful section of this text is an easy-to-follow guide on how to understand the significance of scientific studies: a parent learns that not all drug facts they encounter in the media are equal. The author explains how to interpret the implications of the various forms of reported scientific research - ranging from single-patient case stories to well designed research studies- allowing a parent to make their own educated judgments on the importance of the drug information they come across in the media.

For parents who feel powerless approaching their children on the topic of drugs, Dr. Abraham provides, in a very straight forward way, the important facts on the newer, exotic drugs children are taking. Additionally, Dr. Abraham examines the often overlooked, but serious consequences of hallucinogen use.

As the President of the National Organization on Drug-Induced Disorders, and also an administrator of a support forum for individuals with hallucinogen-induced disorders, I have heard hundreds of stories from teenagers and college students affected by rare and underreported drug-induced disorders caused by hallucinogens. This is the first text I feel comfortable recommending to parents of these individuals, as it is the first to accurately describe and address these disorders.

This book is filled with comprehensive, up-to-date information about every possible harmful substance your child might come across - including tobacco, alcohol, and steroids - in language that's easy to understand, with case studies illustrating the type of damage caused by each drug. The author's compassion for his previous patients and their families is moving, and his tips for preventing substance abuse, as well as his advice on what to do if your child has already begun using drugs, is incredibly valuable. It's not a quick read, but in today's complicated world, the time parents spend reading this book would be time well spent.

One reading after another, I found myself saying, "Yes, that's how I feel," or "That has happened to me too." I felt understood and also challenged and encouraged. Taking care of myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually is important even in the middle of the draining and unpredictable situations involved in loving someone who abuses drugs or alcohol. Finding the end of my abilities in the caregiving relationship is a good thing as I begin to learn God's way to love.

This is one of those books you'll not only want to buy for yourself, but also to give out to counselors, pastors, friends, and family.

Cecil Murphey's "When Someone You Love Abuses Drugs or Alcohol" is marvelous. It is intended to be a short daily dose of encouragement, but I couldn't stop reading it. I felt comfort, conviction, relief, encouragment, motivation... well, the list could go on.

The difference between "caretaking" and "caregiving" is addressed as well as where responsibiity lies - for both the addicted and the loved one. A short prayer is offered as a prompt for personally calling upon the One who truly understands...

I highly recommend this book along with the other two in Cecil Murphey's "When Someone You Love..." series.

When you have a loved one who is addicted, all of your attention is focused on them. We easily forget about ourselves. If we do not nurture our own selves, our ability to help our loved ones is deeply affected. This book and all the books in this series are extremely insightful and will help those who care for someone who is addicted. If your loved one also suffers from Alzheimer's or Depression/Mental Illness we highly recommend Cecil Murphey's other books dealing with these topics.

Cecil Murphey did a wonderful job of capturing the emotions of those who have to deal with addiction of any kind. On our ministry retreat we used this book for dialogue starters because we minister to the homeless population in Fort Worth, and many of those we minister to are drug and alcohol addicted. I do believe Al-Anon should consider this as required reading for encouragement.

When Someone You Love Abuses Drugs or Alcohol by Cecil Murphey is meant to be read as a devotional, but I read it from cover to cover in one afternoon. Why? Because it was telling my story. I know about loving someone who abuses drugs and/or alcohol, and I know what it's like to get caught up in that codependent trap that enables the addict to remain in his destructive lifestyle. Murphey captures the frustration and futility of the codependent's heart while offering hope and encouragement through one-page, boundary-setting devotionals. A must-read for those in similar situations!