Reviews (14)

awakening
This book was recommended by my therapist and after reading it I gave it to a friend who is also an adult child of an alcoholic.I haven't got the book back so I'm buying another copy for myself.I NEED to read it again and again. It opened my eyes and put a lot of the pieces of the puzzle together for me. Although it's hard to face some of the realities this book points out, I believe it to be one of the vital steps I am taking in trying to change my life for the better. It's never too late.

accurate and helpful
claudia black is a respected author in the field of addictions.she writes for adults and children for both alcoholics and their families.i have read many books in this area and she is one of my favorite authors.the book is short, accutate,compassionately written, and forever timely. worth reading!

Excellent Insight into Who I am and Why
I read this book AFTER reading ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS by Janet Woititz.Both provided me with insight into a problem I only recently realized I have.However, Black's book is both easier to read and has more detailed analysis.She divides ACoAs into four categories:The Responsible One, The Adjuster, The Placater, and "Acting Out".I fit the profile of Responsible in every way.I now understand myself better, and am beginning therapy for the first time in my life at the age of 55.Thank you, Dr. Black, for opening my eyes! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. Adult Children of Alcoholics    3. Alcoholics    4. Children of alcoholic parents    5. Family relationships    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    8. Popular psychology    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (10)

Perfect Daughters
This book was so helpful with it's insight into the experience of having an alcoholic parent.It is written well, easy to follow and answers questions you didn't even know you had.I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially to people like myself who are at the beginning of their quest for the truth and don't want to read a book that feels too clinical and complicated.

A cheesy way to earn a living
Having recently come to understand the role of my alcoholic parents' habits in my development as an adult, I have been seeking every possible source for information and strategies for dealing with my own behavior problems.I have found some wonderful sources -- Janet Woititz' books, for example.I had high hopes for this book, Perfect Daughters since I am such a freak but what I got was a book written in large print, at a level merely approaching 6th grade, that is 40% this man's clients' letters.His analysis is facile and offers nothing new.Yes, we all feel this way; yes we all share certain qualities, but anyone who's done only minimal research will discover this very soon.This book offers nothing new.I feel ripped off by the book's "promises", insulted by the writers' tone and plethora of marginally relevant quotations clearly pasted from quotes.com.Don't buy this book; check it out of the library and get what good you can from it. There is some there, but not $10 worth.

The Perfect Daughter
I am a child of an alcoholic Mother.I try very hard to avoid books that talk about adult children of Alcoholics becuase they usually make things sound very over technical and impersonal.I am not a very emotional person and I know the decisions I make in my life are because of my families alcoholic issues.However, this was a book that was not very hard to read and I would highly recoomend it.After reading the very first story and bawling my eyes out about that little family princess who never understood and was always trying to make it okay,I knew the book was for me to read.That's ME!!! That's ME!!! I kept saying over and over. Ironically I highlighted every sentence and passage that had to do with my childhood and feelings in the book and I believe I ended up with 90% of it highlighted.I couldn't help to think that someone had a hidden journal on my heart and feelings growing up.If only that person had stepped in when I was young what a difference it would have made.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adjustment (Psychology)    2. Adult Children of Alcoholics    3. Codependency    4. Daughters    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    7. United States    8. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    9. Drug addiction & substance abuse    10. Self-Help / Adult Children of Substance Abusers   

Reviews (3)

GreatBook!
This is truely an easy to read, step-by-step book.Explaining first the teenager's brain and thinking and what stresses a teenager has in their life, then going on to reasons for drug use, and practical, tangible ways to deal with it.This is a great book for any parent of a teenager to read, whether or not they have found their child trying drugs.It is a great "heads up" informative sourcebook.I esp liked the section on what special emotional needs that teens are looking to have fulfilled during adolescence.It is really helpful to read that as a parent of any teenager.

Author Survival Meditations for Parents of Teens
It's so important for parents to DO SOMETHING when they discover their teen using alcohol or other drugs. This no-nonsense approach is one of the best I've seen, and I've been counseling for over 20 years.

Know a drug using teen? Read this book--You can help!
Of all the books I've read on the subject of teenagers and drug/alcohol abuse, this is by far the best.The authors clearly spell out exactly why you're right to be worried and how to help.They explain how to conduct an"intervention" to cut through the teen's denial thatdrugs/alcohol is a problem for her or him.By presenting treatment optionsand contracts as her or his "choices," parents and others canalso give up the sense of fear that leads to ineffectual efforts to controlsomeone else's drinking or drug use.Once you let go and realizethat--just as the teen you care about has a choice (including using)--youhave a choice to impose consequences that range from mild to severe.Thebook is oddly reassuring and direct.A must-read for any parent or friendof a substance using teen. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcohol use    2. Alcoholism    3. Drug use    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family/Marriage    7. Life Stages - Adolescence - Drugs/Drinking    8. Parenting - General    9. Prevention    10. Teenagers    11. United States    12. Adolescent children    13. Adolescents    14. Children    15. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    16. Drug addiction & substance abuse    17. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 3-4    2. Family - Parents    3. General    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Psychology    6. Social Issues - Drugs, Alcohol, & Substance Abuse    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism   

Reviews (4)

An excellent approach to a very difficult problem
After over 15 years of watching my mother's drinking problem worsen, my family came to the conclusion that there was nothing we could do to help her. We thought, "How can you help someone who doesn't want help or doesn't think there is a problem?" This book very clearly shows you that with the right approach, there is something that you can do to help your loved one get the necessary treatment required to overcome his/her addiction. Bruce Cotter uses a very clear, personal approach that everyone can understand. After reading this book, I felt empowered to help my mother into the treatment program that she desparately needs.

Alive Magazine
"The primary beneficiaries of this work would be those who are Powerful, helpful information.
I was so caught up in the pain and confusion of the addiction of my friend, I could not see straight.After reading the book I can see more clearly what I can do to help, and what I can't do. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Recovery    2. Self-Help    3. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    4. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence   

Reviews (1)

Valuable Analysis
This was one of the most informative and helpful books I've read on the subject.It helped define the specific issues all ACOA's face and yet may not have realized were related to the experience.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Children of Alcoholics    2. Interpersonal relations    3. Psychology    4. Self-Help    5. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    6. Self-Help / Adult Children of Substance Abusers   

Editorial Review

This startling look at desperate, drug-addled inner-city lives ranks as one of the grittiest--and best--examinations of underclass America available. Like Alex Kotlowitz's Read more

Reviews (56)

excellent
I had to read this book for my criminology class, and finished it early. This book is hard to put down, it draws you in. I read 200 pages in one night. The book is hard to read, not tounderstand butbecause it is heart-breaking. the book is a real-eye opener to the harsh realties of the inner-city. This book is excellent , highly recommend.
not for everybody
this is one book where the movie was better.however, i always like to read the book to get the actual details. this book is over 500 pages .it is very detailed , but not a page turner.

A Treasure
One of the outstanding books of our times.A powerful and compelling read.Will appeal to people from across the political spectrum.The Corner is a gem of a book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baltimore    2. Drug Crimes    3. Drug abuse    4. Drug addicts    5. Drug dealers    6. General    7. Maryland    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Poverty    10. Social Science    11. Sociology    12. Sociology - Urban    13. Urban Sociology    14. Alcoholism    15. Crime & criminology    16. Current Events / Poverty    17. Drug addiction & substance abuse    18. Urban communities   

Reviews (5)

Don't wait any longer...
Tomorrow is 5 months since I stopped drinking with the help of this book.As the book says, I wish I could fast forward your life to just 2-3 days after you finish reading the book and stop drinking.You honestly will have an incredibly wonderful life without alchohol controlling it.I have so much energy and am so happy.People around me continue to comment on how positive the changes are.I've lost weight, lost the bondage of alchohol and gained joy and happiness.And, I've faced my first crises - being laid off from my job - without alchohol and not only did I not miss it, but it is easier without the monster!Just read this book.You have nothing to loose and everything to gain!

One book CAN change your life!
I am astounded that one book could change the way I view my life!I read this book cover to cover and then reread several of the chapters that I needed clarification on.Alcohol is all around me and I don't crave it at all anymore.I have tried to quit or cut back on drinking several times over the past few years.It is always a miserable experience which ends with a drink.After reading Carr's book, I not only feel great; I have hope!I am amazed that I now have my life back!
The only way, for me
This book is unlike any other - it comes at you from a totally different direction, and one that makes a lot of sense.You have to read it, and then you will understand why it is easy, once it is explained to you. You can actually use his method of thinking in other areas of your life, as well.
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Subjects:  1. Recovery    2. Self-Help    3. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    4. SELF IMPROVEMENT - SELF IMPROV TRD HC    5. Self-Help / Alcoholism   

Reviews (3)

By far the best!
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.

Good
I recieved this book in a timely fashion and in good conditon.
Sobriety is More than just Healing the Damage
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 RecoveryRead more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism    2. General    3. Prevention    4. Relapse    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    7. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (1)

Keep coming back -- to "Came To Believe"
I dip into this AA World Services publication daily. I find it best to read one story at a sitting and reflect on the comments and experience of the recovering person -- most of the short reflections are peoples'spiritual experiences in recovery and they range from the "bolt oflightening" to the slow emergence of everyday spirituality. Keep itwith your morning or evening meditation book(s) and dip into it. You'll"keep coming back." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Recovery    2. Self-Help    3. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    4. Twelve-Step Programs    5. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (10)

Spells out the unique dangers of teen drinking
Having navigated through the rocks and landmines of parenting three boys through adolescence, I know that drinking, at least occasionally, can be a part of the journey. We never encouraged it, never "enabled" it, never denied it.
All the elements of a fantastic read are here!
As someone who has experienced the wrath of addiction up close and personally in family members - as have most of us - and been disappointed in the lack of personal stories focused on recovery, communication and scope of the issue, I was at first skeptical of this book when I read about it in a People magazine feature recently; I doubted its substantiality. But I was won over within just a few pages. This educational and readable work is the real deal. Attributes I noticed as I screamed through this page-turner:
Compelling read
This book should be a part of every family's library, a gift from concerned grandparents, a required read for college freshmen, on every teacher's desk, a fun airplane read, a part of every treatment center and a mainstay in the armamentarium of those who counsel youth.
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Subjects:  1. Adolescent Psychology    2. Adult Children of Alcoholics    3. Alcohol Abuse    4. Alcohol use    5. Alcoholics    6. Biography    7. Biography / Autobiography    8. Case studies    9. Developmental - Adolescent    10. Family relationships    11. Life Stages - Adolescence - Drugs/Drinking    12. Self-Help    13. Sociology    14. Specific Groups - General    15. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    16. Teenage boys    17. United States    18. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    19. Self-Help / Adult Children of Substance Abusers   

Reviews (2)

An amazing book
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.
A Program For You
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 atit in a structured fashion. Once you are finished with this book you willhave learned about the history of AA, the history of the Big Book, read theBig Book, and actually studied the Big Book.It also contains generalinformation on the disease of alcoholism. I believe that this is arefreshing look at the Big Book and will lead you on the path that theoriginal AA members intended for you to follow. Most AA members at sometime feel that they have received most of the information that the Big Bookhas to offer, this book will give you a new plan to study the Big Book andwill renew your interest in the wonderful program of AA. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholics Anonymous    3. Recovery    4. Rehabilitation    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    8. Twelve-step programs    9. W., Bill    10. W., Bill.    11. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    12. Popular psychology    13. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism    2. Attachment behavior    3. Clinical Psychology    4. Medical / Nursing    5. Neurology - General    6. Psychology    7. Psychotherapy    8. Self-Help    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    10. Substance abuse    11. Treatment    12. Addiction & therapy    13. Illness & addiction: social aspects    14. Psychology & Psychiatry / Psychotherapy    15. Rehabilitation   

Reviews (19)

AA Bait
If you are seeking alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous, this book is useless to you & a waste of your money.It is nothing but 12-step promotion under pseudoscientific guise.The research is sloppy (the average American consumes 156 pounds of sugar per year [p. 222] is only off by 100 pounds or so, the story on p. 259 about the United flight forgets the fact that the guy had a digestive virus, & p. 288 misspells the name of the Northrop Corporation [now Northrop Grumman]).
Excellent overall coverage of the disease
I thought this book provided the reader with an excellent range of coverage and understanding of the disease.Particularly interesting was the genetic link and the proof that there are different chemical reactions in the brain in those predisposed to alcohalism.However, just because there may be a genetic link to the disease, the authors in no way gave any excuses to the victim.Instead, they offered research on a range of options for treatment focusing mainly on the most successful, the 12 step program.This book would be helpful to anyone who suspects they have the disease or knows someone who may have the disease.

Exceptional!
This is a great book.It gives you the science of alcoholism and what is needed to defeat its hold on an individual.There's a lot of not so useful information about alcoholism out there promising quick cures if only you just . . . .but this book is exceptionally good.If I could give it to each family affected by alcoholism I would.It's for the alcoholic and it's for those amongst family and friends that don't understand--I think many in the medical community could use it.Insurance companies should really have a look.Alcoholism is a nasty, exhausting, baffling disease--this book was my first step in understanding and having some modicum of hope that it doesn't need to be that way with the proper help and treatment.
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Subjects:  1. Alcohol And Health    2. Alcoholics    3. Alcoholism    4. Health & Fitness    5. Healthy Living    6. Rehabilitation    7. Self-Help    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    9. Treatment    10. Self-Help / Alcoholism   

Reviews (7)

Helpful and Inspiring
If you have ever lived with an addict or alcoholic, this book gives you inspiration and courage to learn how to be independent in your growth as a person.

Gives me much needed hope......
After many many years of suffering with my husband through his addiction and then facing the hard-hitting rock bottom he went through...this book has given me the hope that I need so much.
The best daily reader I've found
This is the best daily reader I've found so far, even among the other Al-Anon books.I struggle with depression, tiredness, and having grown up the child of generations of alcoholics.Sometimes I don't feel that Al-Anon fits what I'm struggling with, and that leaves me feeling lonely - but this book almost always has something that soothes me in a deep way (which I'm despretely seeking when depression tears at me) and helps me feel stronger in that particular moment.Read more

Subjects:  1. Self-Help    2. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism   

Reviews (146)

Not believable
It is impossible that someone as drunk as she claims to have been could have such absolute recall of details.I don't doubt this girl had a drinking problem and that some of this happened, but really, who remembers this level of detail about their teenage years even if sober?Much of this is just a made up story and that bothers me.I also found strange what others have mentioned - the author denying that she is an alcoholic.How strange.She states that alcholism has a genetic component that she lacks, but that is just not true, and made the whole confessional very odd.

Wrong book for the right time
The book made me ask some important questions about alcohol, particularly how it relates to college and how it can be somewhat overwhelming to function as a non-drinker in today's society. Given the cost and injuries of alcohol at a time when everyone is pointing fingers at drugs and tobacco, this book arrived at the right time to make a real impact in my opinion.
Amazing book about an "alcoholic"
I loved this book, and have reread it many times. Her guilt and shame from blackouts and experiences she has to apologize for to others will ring true for many. To lose time and never get it back from drinking too much is something truly dreadful, in every sense of the word. Her writing is fantastic, and she is truly gifted in getting the reader to feel they've experienced what she is going through on these pages. That said, I kept flipping back to the pages where she writes "I am not an alcoholic" in confusion and disbelief. No one is ever supposed to label another person as an alcoholic, but she fits every single criteria for it. She is obviously knows she has a problem, but just does not like that label whatsoever. I hope someday she can admit to herself that she, who is powerless over alcohol, is what she says she's not. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcohol Abuse    2. Alcohol use    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Girls    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Sociology    10. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    11. United States    12. Women    13. Women In The U.S.    14. Women alcoholics    15. Zailckas, Koren    16. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (5)

helpful background
in depth history of aa beginnings, including much insight into the formative reasons for the successes and failures of this program. very helpful for someone new to aa, trying to grasp the essence of the program.

Not God
Wonderfully insightful for all. Splendidly illustrates the history and formation of AA and it's painstaking growth through the early formative years of AA.
Inciteful history that provides a good read.
Not God provides an inciteful and thoughtful study of the history of AA.It will provide the experienced 12 stepper further understanding of their program.Additionally, readers not already conversant with the subject will learn and grow from this introduction. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Self-Help    2. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    3. Twelve-Step Programs    4. Drug addiction & substance abuse    5. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (7)

There is help
Consider this book if you are in a marriage/deep relationship and you are seeking to learn more about the disease of alcoholism.Perhaps you are in a 12 step program, if so, that is great.Either way, this will help you begin to understand the disease or advance your knowledge.The chapters are organized in a way that are simple and easy to read, skip around.

Getting Them Sober
I have been married to an alcoholic 28 years.My deceased father was an alcoholic and now my 37 yr old son is an alcoholic. After reading numerous books over the years I finally found one that made sense. This book gives practical advice to the person living with an alcoholic.I thank God for the insight provided by Toby Rice Drews!I strongly recommend this book for everyone that has been or will be involved in the life of an alcoholic!

THE BEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN FOR FAMILIES OF ALL ADDICTS
THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN FOR THE FAMILIES OF ALCOHOLICS AND ADDICTS.FOLLOW THIS PATH AND GET SOMEWHERE. PLAIN SPOKEN AND EASILY UNDERSTANDABLE. A HOW TO. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism    3. Family relationships    4. Self-Help    5. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism   

Reviews (2)

Order more than one copy!
I read this book in one afternoon, the most informative, educational, and well-spent afternoon in months.This book should be a must-read for anyone who's living with a close friend or family member suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction.This book provided SO MANY answers for me to all those questions that anyone in my situation would ask.This book will be kept close for future reference, a gem that I am extremely happy to have found. I plan to order copies for other family members, as I don't intend to part with mine!

An essential resource for parents of addicts
Addict in the Family is a helpful guide for parents of addicts.Conyers reviews what is known about drug use today, including detailed information about the effects of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and heroin, without using 'scare tactics.' Using personal stories, she demonstrates some of the characteristics of addicts (lying, manipulation, denial, etc.).Most important, she provides a blue print for parents to work on their own recovery.As selfish as it appears, the work parents do on themselves also helps the addict.As a coach helping parents of children with addictions, I will recommend this book to all my clients. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Drug addicts    3. Dysfunctional Families    4. Family Relationships    5. Rehabilitation    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    9. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    10. Illness & addiction: social aspects    11. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (13)

An alternative approach to sobriety
I've been recovering from alcholism for about 9 months now, and after a stint in an AA-oriented rehab I've been attending meetings on a regular basis.The problem is, I'm just not wired for all of the spirituality that's necessary for an AA recovery (according to AA, that is).I've got nothing against AA, I think it's a great organization; however, it's just not doing the job for me.
So simple it works
Everywhere we are bombarded with false statistics that are invented and propogated by the AA followers.The fact remains that the MOST sucessful people to quit their addictions do it on their own-please see the Harvard News Letter. Good book - does it work?
You've read the reviews. And if you're interested in this book all you really want to know is "does this book contain something that will help me stop drinking?"

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    3. Rational-Emotive Therapy    4. Rehabilitation    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    7. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    8. Self-Help / General