Reviews (245)

Excellent!
Having been with someone with several addictions - I got into reading self help books - this one I rate VERY highly - it explains well the trouble in recovery from addiction - covers drugs, alcohol and other addictions.Drew Pinsky is brilliant making it into a story of his life in treating patients with various problems.
Addiction smoke and mirrors
I have this book and I listen to Dr. Drew almost every week. I like him and I like most of what he says. On the other hand, he always seems to think that every adult life problem can be reduced back to some "abuse" during childhood. It is like a broken record. Someone calls his show and he "spot diagnoses" them in like 6 seconds as a child abuse "survivor". It is almost like self-parody.
A very compassionate work
I must say that I was incredibly impressed with this book. Having enjoyed Dr. Drew on Loveline and on his new round of shows on the Discovery Health Channel, I figured I'd like this book - I was right. It shows not only the struggle of his patients, but also his struggle as a doctor, showing compassion for not only his job but for his patients. The subject matter all in all is actually very uplifting and inspiring.
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Subjects:  1. Addiction    2. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    3. Anecdotes    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects)    8. Essays    9. Medical - General    10. Patients    11. Rehabilitation    12. Services for    13. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    14. Substance abuse    15. Treatment    16. Biography & Autobiography / Medical   

Reviews (3)

A very wise and practical book for ACOA's and others
Even though I didn't grow up in an alcoholic home I did grow up in a dysfunctional one.Most people come from dysfunctional families of some kind, only the lucky fewmiss out on this grand adventure...lol!I enjoyed this book immensely and highly recommend it to anyone interested in understanding themselves, their families of origin, and their current family situation.Many nuggets of wisdom in this volume.A true blessing to anyone looking for emotional healing.

Exceptional Book!!!
For anyone who has issues with past childhood trauma whether it be alcoholism or other this book is for you.This has helped me answer so many questions that were in the fog for so many years.Because of this book I am allowed to move forward in my health, well-being and relationships like never before.I advise one and all to read this book.You don't even have to have issues to benefit from this book , definitely a find.

Breaking the pattern
I think that it is a fantastic book for anyone that has come from a dysfunctional family in any shape of form.I thought at first that because my parents werent alcoholics it would not help me but I was wrong. If you are prepared to change and break the pattern that you have seen in your family and in your own behaviour this book can help you to understand that you are not alone and that those feelings that you have are normal.Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult children of alcoholics    2. Adult children of dysfunctiona    3. Adult children of dysfunctional families    4. General    5. Problem families    6. Psychological aspects    7. Psychology    8. Recovery    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    10. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (10)

Actually Five-Plus Stars !!
This workbook is the best cognitive approach (CBT) to recovery that I have read so far. Outstanding and easy to comprehend.

Helpful beyond addiction issues
I found this book to be a helpful and useful way to look at one's self not only in the context of alcoholism or addiction, but in the context of life in general. This book comes from a very positive or affirming perspective, encouraging us to forgive ourselves, let go of the past, and take the steps to write our own script for the future.
If you are feeling lost and bad about yourself
I love to read and re-read this book. It's not just about being sober, it's about being human. I feel like I have a personal private therapy session every time I pick up this book to read various passages. It is like you are being personally addressed and all your issues are diminished and you get "freed up". I only wish these authors were "on the road" giving seminars or something but, alas, don't find anything online about that. A truly, loving, supportive, forgiving friend is found when reading these pages. Thank you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - Taoism    2. Philosophy, Taoist    3. Psychology    4. Recovering addicts    5. Recovering alcoholics    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    9. Tao    10. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    2. Medical    3. Psychiatry - General    4. Psychology    5. Psychopathology - Addiction    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    7. Substance abuse    8. Substance-Related Disorders    9. Treatment    10. therapy    11. Addiction & therapy    12. Alcoholism    13. Drug addiction & substance abuse    14. Psychiatry   

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism    2. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    3. Brief Therapy    4. Brief psychotherapy    5. Medical / Nursing    6. Mental health    7. Neurology - General    8. Prevention    9. Psychology    10. Psychopathology - Addiction    11. Recovering alcoholics    12. Relapse   

Reviews (3)

Excellent insight for the intelligent reader
Loved this book, I have not read the author's first book, but that did not present any problems.Susan Nolen-Hoeksema offers some very plausible reasons for overeating/drinking in women.Her theories make sense and while I know quite well that there is no "magic pill" for this problem, I feel the info she offers gives me some tools to understand the problem and how I can better help myself.My one criticism of the book would be that I don't recollect any suggestions that the reader supplement the book by working with a psychotherapist trained in women's disorders. For most women, this would be crucial to the healing process.

Great Book For Women Who Suffer In Silence
I love the fact that this book was written and done so well. This subject is very dear to me - as I am a product of a family of women who suffered from this toxic triangle. The legacy was simply passed down from generation to generation. It was a hard thing to watch - and was a major reason why I chose to be a therapist.
Great Stuff from a Great Psychologist
When I saw that Susan Nolen-Hoeksema had a new book out, I had to take a look.Dr. Nolen-Hoeksema is well known to me from studying the biology and psychology of depression about ten years ago.
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Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Depression in women    3. Eating Disorders - General    4. Eating disorders in women    5. Mental Depression    6. Mental health    7. Psychology Of Women    8. Self-Help    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    10. Women    11. Self-Help / Eating Disorders   

Reviews (2)

bloody fun and scurrilous
Tom Sykes writes without being sentimental or judgmental.This guy is now sober but he used to drink like a fish and race around New York and London misbehaving.His is a cautionary tale, but he writes it with panache and a light touch.Buy this book now and you'll read it in one sitting. Cleverer than Toby Young or Candace Bushnell, most astute than Milan Kundera, as straightforward as Bill Bryson, and as disreputable as Jay McInernery or Brett Easton Ellis.This is a sure-fire hit.

Outrageous !
I picked this up and started reading it, and it is a pretty funny autobiographical work on a British guy who really, really liked to party and drink. At one point, he makes the point that if you don't really know what a blackout is, you are not a true alcoholic (that definition is no doubt not the one the medical community in the U.S. gives, but it also is probably pretty accurate). He explains it as like having your "memory chip" for the past (x) hours totally erased. So, he often wakes up on a couch somewhere (Britain and then New York when he moves there), not knowing where he was last night. Hence, the title of the book. I think this book is actually pretty outrageous, in the good and bad sense of that term. I found it very, very honest and compelling. I don't think we need really to go into all the "you shouldn't do what he did" stuff. I think that will be clear to people who read the book. The book is actually very funny, and very outrageous. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. New York (State)    7. Personal Memoirs    8. Rehabilitation    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    10. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (3)

It's the standard
I have been working in the addiction treatment field for over 20 years, including in the Therapeutic Community setting.This book is the best overview of the model ever done.It provides a balance of the theory behind the philosophy and interventions of the TC, while also speaking to the specific activities which take place.If you really want to read about the premise of this approach, this book is the place to start.

Essential, but..
As a rank amateur, a square who volunteers at a 'half-way house' for indigent returning ex-offenders and recovering addicts, I have found this book of immense value in suggesting ways in which group living can be combined with 'self help' and even cognitive-emotional-behavioral therapy as a positive force for personal change. But it also told me much more than I wanted to know about the details involved in running a large scale program with significant financial and residential resources and a professional staff. Its relatively brief discussion of the "stages of change" can be complimented by the excellent "Group Treatment for Substance Abuse, a Stages-of-Change Therapy Manual," by Mary Velasquez and her colleagues.I hope this author soon turns his considerable experience and expertise and abilities as a clear exponent of complex ideas to the problems faced by programs run on a shoe string, with no professional staff, but attempting to serve persons with problems and life circumstances exactly like those of the typical TC resident.

An excellent, detailed examination of TCs
I work as Clinical Supervisor for a Teaching and Therapeutic Community and as part of my education I've read other works by DeLeon (and others). He and Lew Yablonsky, a retired professor from Cal State -- Northridge, are without doubt the leading experts on the TC movement. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which is by far the best book I've seen yet on TCs. It is very well organized, well written, and covers virtually every aspect of TC life. DeLeon knows his subject well, and his description of the culture of TC, especially insights into the management level, are very on-target observations. For instance, he notes that while most TCs offer employees (many of whom "cleaned up" from addictions at the TC where they end up working) a chance to climb the employment ladder and assume responsibility, the very top levels of management are usually closed and power is held by a small group of individuals who delegate power, but ultimately do not allow others within the closed circle at the top of the management pyramid. Insight in the the group process is also valuable, especially for anyone who has joined a TC as an employee, but comes from either another counseling background, or has academic credentials but little on-the-job experience. I "cleaned up" at a TC two decades ago and went on to get my M.A. in education, with an emphasis on working with drug abusers. As a result, I "straddle the fence" in the TC where I work. Most TCs are fairly closed cultures, as DeLeon notes, and outsiders often have a hard time adjusting. My background in TCs and my academic training are sometimes in conflict. DeLeon's book should be REQUIRED reading for anyone who is considering making the transition from a 12-Step oriented agency to a TC. The two cultures are worlds apart, and learning about the group processes (which are very, very different from "traditional" group therapy sessions), the unique vocabulary, and the traditions and culture of TCs would provide the insight that would enable someone wanting to work at a TC to make an informed decision. This book would also be valuable for someone who has a family member residing in a TC and who doesn't quite "get" the process their loved one is going through. For many on the outside, TCs and their emphasis on "community," appear like leftover '70s cults. But that is not the case, and reading this book would help ease any misgivings family members might have. Finally, academics who are hung up on "traditional" models of substance abuse treatment would benefit by learning that there is ANOTHER way to "clean up" those with drug problems. DeLeon's book is wide-ranging, specific, very readable, and very informative. As someone who works in the field, I HIGHLY recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    2. Psychology    3. Psychopathology - Addiction    4. Psychopathology - Compulsive Behavior    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    7. Substance abuse    8. Therapeutic communities    9. Treatment    10. Addiction & therapy    11. Psychotherapy   

Reviews (32)

Blown Away.
"We must remember to thank the CIA & the Army for LSD," Spoke rock-legend John Lennon. "They invented LSD to control people but what it did was give us freedom". Or did it?
A Well Done History of LSD
I can't give this book 5 stars because it doesn't shed any light on a subject that has been well documented by the likes of Ken Kesey, Tom Wolfe, Hunter S. Thompson, and Jay Stephens, among others. What it does exceptionally well, something those authors fail at, is that it brings many things together in a tight narrative which merges elements of the Leary following, Kesey's Merry Pranksters, the New Left, countless other interesting personalities of the time, as well as the CIA, a somewhat surprising player in this scene.
entertaining, informative, and insightful
I extremely enjoyed reading this book, and have recommended this book to many of my friends, regardless of whether or not they are interested in drugs. the story is absorbing and entertaining, packed with interesting characters and scenarios. it would have even made excellent fiction!
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Subjects:  1. 1960-1970    2. Anthropology - Cultural    3. Central Intelligence Agency    4. Drug abuse    5. General    6. History    7. History: American    8. LSD (Drug)    9. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    10. Social history    11. United States    12. Alcoholism    13. Drug addiction & substance abuse    14. USA   

Reviews (1)

Therapy in Adults who are CD
I purchased this book to add to my knowledege about CD treatment with CD GLBT individuals.It was very helpful, but not much evidenced based practice regarding different populations ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    2. Psychology    3. Psychopathology - Addiction    4. Psychotherapy    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Substance abuse    7. Treatment    8. Alcoholism    9. Drug addiction & substance abuse    10. Medical / Physician & Patient   

Reviews (1)

Review of Curtis: Chemical Dependency, A Family Affair
Some authors pass down source material like a suit on its third pass through the Salvation Army Thrift Shop, without checking the label.Ignoring the paper trail can be especially dangerous in addictions andfamily systems writing, whereauthors must navigate the reefs and shoalsoffolk, pop psychology and pseudoscientific models. A recent example is Chemical Dependency: A Family Affairby Olivia Curtis (Curtis 1999) Thisshort text has the imprimatur of Brooks-Cole,premier publisher ofcounseling texts. It is well-written, lively, user-friendly and helpful inits review of skills.This subject of this review, however, is theerroneous attribution of ideas, widespread in family addictions training,posing a problem for faculty dedicated to building a solidintellectualbase for their students.Read more

Subjects:  1. Family psychotherapy    2. Family relationships    3. Neurology - General    4. Patients    5. Physician & Patient    6. Psychology    7. Psychotherapy - Counseling    8. Psychotherapy - Couples & Family    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    10. Substance abuse    11. Treatment    12. Alcoholism    13. Counselling    14. Drug addiction & substance abuse    15. Family & relationships    16. Medical / Physician & Patient   

Reviews (1)

Family therapists tackle alcoholism
In the past, the problem drinker goes off for treatment, and the rest of the family was a secondary consideration. The authors propose a different perspective. Instead of just treating one member, treat the entire alcoholic family as the client. Each individual within the family structure should be an integral part of treatment, not just the drinking member. The author's treatment approach attempts to trace alcoholism back to it's root origins and describes how the problem is passed from generation to generation. The book describes many ways people perpetuate alcoholism, both consciously and unconsciously, and how it can be identified and treated. Specific procedures were included for prevention and for the diagnosis and treatment of the alcoholic family. The book was clearly written, and each chapter built upon the previous chapter, providing a lucid, sequential, and understandable text. The book was divided into four parts: (1) background; (2) etiology; (3) treatment; and (4) prevention. Part one is a review of alcoholism treatment and etiological theories. The controversial disease concept of alcohol was discussed first, followed by the physiological, psychological and sociocultural theories, respectively. The point was made that no one theory is correct, but rather, that all these factors contribute to the problem depending on individual circumstances. The Alcoholics Anonymous Model, Transactional Analysis Model and Behavioral Model of treatment were discussed, exclusive of other theories, and the authors ultimately suggest an eclectic approach. Treatment should fit the needs of the client and should be individualized. Part two dealt with etiology and proposed looking at the problem from the perspective of alcoholism as a family problem. Family therapy philosophy was reviewed, and the authors discussed the Communications Model, Systems Model, Structural Model and Social Learning Model. The importance of dynamics within the family of origin and the nuclear family was emphasized. Physiological, sociocultural and psychological theories of etiology were discussed, as well as the relevance of etiology for treatment and prevention. Part three dealt with treatment of the alcoholic family. It presented family therapy techniques that may be unfamiliar to the alcohol counselor and included techniques for family therapists who are inexperienced in working with alcoholic families. The authors present the view that the focus of treatment should be on the aspect of the family system that perpetuates the drinking behavior. This factor is unique in each family and should be evaluated without any preconceived notion about typical behavior patterns. Some of the topics discussed were family reports and therapist assessment of family structure; family therapy and A.A.; marital therapy; adolescent alcoholism; family violence; sexual dysfunction; children of alcoholics; art therapy; treatment of the alcoholic's spouse; and evaluation of family treatment. Lastly, Part four discussed the important issue of prevention. Primary, secondary and tertiary levels of prevention were explained and discussed. Alcoholism is a widespread problem that has been very resistant to treatment efforts. Many gains have been made by practitioners and researchers, but in many ways, the effective treatment and prevention of alcoholism are yet to be discovered. The textbook attempted to put the treatment and prevention of alcoholism into a family perspective. I found this book to be extremely informative and useful, and was written in a very readable and comprehensive manner. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism    3. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    4. Family Psychotherapy    5. Family relationships    6. Prevention    7. Psychology    8. Psychopathology - Addiction    9. Self-Help    10. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    11. Treatment    12. Drug addiction & substance abuse    13. Family welfare    14. Psychotherapy   

Reviews (2)

Author Explains: Why Another Book on this topic?
My book places emphasis on evaluation of major issues and scientific studies.Most books on this topic focus on personal accounts, case histories, or counseling and treatment approaches. The Best Scientific Review of Addictions
This text is absolutely the most readible and comprehensive review of the world of behavioral science research on addiction.It is as broad and complete as any recent NIDA, NIAAA or Institute of Medicine summaries.Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism    2. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    3. Clinical Psychology    4. Drinking of alcoholic beverage    5. Drinking of alcoholic beverages    6. Drug abuse    7. Etiology    8. Psychological Research    9. Psychological aspects    10. Psychology    11. Psychopathology - Addiction    12. Drug addiction & substance abuse    13. Psychology & Psychiatry / Addictions    14. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology    15. Psychology-Clinical Psychology   

Reviews (11)

Dear Dad a Powerful Book
Louie Anderson is my all time favorite comedian.I never thought a book by him would bring me to tears, but it did.Fortunately, I did not grow up with an alcoholic father.However, I did battle gross obesity from elementary school through high school.I understand the pain behind Louie's fat jokes, and that pain is really brought out in this book.This book helped inspire me to lose 150 lbs.And, 14 years later, it still inspires me to battle my lingering demons.This book is a must read for anybody who has suffered psychological abuse as a child, whether it was the result of an alcoholic father, personal obesity, or any other reason.

not alone
This book was not only funny but really hit home for me. Louie, are you sure we weren't from the same family? Anyone scarred from a dysfunctional family due to addiction of any kind, will find this book very healing. I found that talking about your traumatic childhood helps you as an adult. I buried by memories of my father's drinking for many years, til my kids saw him once very intoxicated at my doorstep begging for money. I had him arrested and soon after sought Al-Anon for help with my guilt, shame and all other feelings I was carrying around. The sooner you talk about the past the better you will feel about yourself. Get this book. Makes you know that you are not alone. Thanks Louie.

recommended for everybody, anybody, and those in between
An exquisitely powerful book that I just couldn't put down.I'm a grown man not prone to emotional outbursts, but when I was done with this book I had tears rolling down my face.I don't know what else to say.If you're even remotely capable of being inspired and experiencing emotions, you owe it to yourself to read this book.Life-altering is not an understatement. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult children of alcoholics    2. Alcoholics    3. Anderson, Louie    4. Biography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Comedians    8. Comedy (Performing Arts)    9. General    10. Substance Abuse    11. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    12. United States   

Subjects:  1. Alcohol use    2. Alcoholism    3. General    4. Recovery    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    8. Treatment    9. United States    10. Women    11. Health & Fitness / General   

Reviews (8)

Disappointed
I was very disappointed in this book. I was looking for a self-help book for a family member who has not yet consented to attend AA.The foreword alone is insulting and I know they would never get past that before laying the book down. It is dry and difficult reading. It took the author three chapters and a graph to explain that an alcoholic has to drink more and more to feel better and sinks further into depression each time. Why not just say it. Maybe this book is intended more for the person studying alcoholism, not living with it. Clinical studies and statistics won't put them on the road to recovery. I'm glad I read it first. If this was the first book I got them to read, it would be the last.

catchy cover for the problem drinker in your home
The problem drinker took it to work the very next day as I had "left" it on the coffee table without saying a word. Another bookreccommend is Am I or am I not an alcoholic? I read him a chapter before he goes to his game. He doesn't verbally fight with me about reading it like I thought he would.

Important and helpful
This is a simply written, clear explanation of the disease of alcoholism.It is very difficult to understand the compulsion to drink if you haven't experienced it firsthand.This book will help those trying to understand the struggle, as well as those unsure if they are in the struggle.I also recommend it to non-recovering clinicians who are dealing with addicts in their work ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism    3. Neurology - General    4. Recovery    5. Rehabilitation    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    8. Treatment    9. Drug addiction & substance abuse    10. Self-Help & Practical Interests    11. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (2)

A wonderful book!
I bought this book hoping to find some insight into a friend's crack addiction. Thank YOU Thank YOU!
I did not really come to closure of the old part of my life until I read this book.Rice is incredible.The stories must be true.I felt as though I knew all these people. Thank you for taking the time to write this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cocaine    2. Cocaine abuse    3. Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects)    4. Family    5. Family psychotherapy    6. General    7. Healing    8. Health & Fitness    9. Health/Fitness    10. Medical / Nursing    11. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    12. Treatment    13. Alcoholism    14. Drug addiction & substance abuse    15. Medical toxicology   

Reviews (7)

DO NOT READ THIS BOOK...
...if you wish to stay the same because believe me, once you read it, you never will be. I got this book when I was about 26-27 years old when I felt as though I was just passing through life and not really living it. I felt like everything was "ho-hum". All of my senses were set to dull. Inside of me there was just this gnawing ache that there has got to be something more...not just "out there"...but "in here"...in my heart, in my soul, in my mind...
Expanding Consciousness Beyond the Mind's Homocentric Limits
Wow! What a book! Leary is a real psychedelic guru, not in the orthodox sense, but really a man ahead of his time, a Galileo in the charter exploration of the mind and consciousness. He started off as a conservative Harvard professor, yet not so conservative, as he had his own ideas. But after his religious experience, and that's what psychedelics do - the expanding of your consciousness to a religious experience - he became aware of the societal and cultural chessboards - the games - and here became outspoken apart from the Harvard rationalistic mindset which rests on only one static frame of a multi-dimensional, dynamic existence.
Changed my life
This is the single most influential book I have ever read. Completely legitmizes and encourages religious experiences through psychedelic means. Anyone currently using psychedelic drugs or interested in them should read this to gain greater understanding of their power. Learn why LSD and other are really illegal, the government knows they free minds! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Popular Culture - General    2. Social Science    3. Sociology    4. Sociology - General    5. Subculture    6. Alcoholism    7. Anthropology    8. Cultural studies    9. Drug addiction & substance abuse   

Reviews (1)

Comprehensive and Useful
This guide offers comprehensive information on the solutions focussed appraoch along with worksheets and practical solution to implementing this appraoch in your practce.Very useful and well written.This approach is well worth taking your time to get to know.Its simple yet profound.Rather than feeding into labels, diagnoses, and weaknesses we develop a strong relationship and build on the individuals strengths and abilities to resolve the problem.I believe this is much more effective than treating the diagnosis rather than the person.Higly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    2. Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects)    3. Psychology    4. Psychopathology - Addiction    5. Psychopathology - Compulsive Behavior    6. Solution-focused therapy    7. Substance abuse    8. Treatment    9. Addiction & therapy    10. Alcoholism    11. Drug addiction & substance abuse