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 (2)

A documentary must have!
Eugene Richards, one of the worlds best photojournalist, has a gift to not only photograph well but also write about his subjects equally as well!He shows the world a part of this world many do not see nor wish to see.This is one of those photo books that a good photographer must have to essentially help to chisel a path in the photography world for themselves! Taking this style to learn and grow from!One can learn much by the raw and realness of Richard's Cocaine life pictorial!

His best
Cocaine true, Cocaine Blue represents the best of Eugene Richards. If Robert Capa's maxim about your pictures being close to be good is true, then Richards work is hands down about as close as anyone is getting.Read more

Subjects:  1. Drug Abuse    2. General    3. Mental Illness    4. Photo Essays    5. Photo Techniques    6. Photoessays & Documentaries    7. Photography    8. Photography Of Specific Subjects    9. Sociology    10. Drug addiction & substance abuse    11. Photographs: collections   

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 (28)

I am clean of toxins
I had a 21 year history of allergies that was growing yearly - I was taking asthma medications daily, and I started to gain weight because any exercise initiated an asthma attack - so I started to become dormant.Literally I was backing out of life.Then I turned to allergy medications.They may have been over the counter, and represented as harmless, but I was tired, forgetful, and lacked enthusiasm about work, and life.So I started searching for alternative medicines.I tried different therapies, but nothing got rid of the asthma.Then I found this book, and read it.It totally made sense.But now I grappled with 'How am I going to do the actual program?'
Excellent Data-A must for everyone on this earth
If you live in todays polluted enviorment, and the influence of dangerous drugs, and toxins in the air, and our food. You need this information.
Great Program!
It was interesting reading the misguided critics in saying one stays in the sauna five hours a day on the program.This is false.One does not stay in the sauna five hours STRAIGHT! There are breaks one takes, in & out, in & out, etc. One does get a medical check-up before starting, so the concerns of running being "bad" are unfounded.This program was popular and effective for several NYC firefighters of 9/11, and their successes were phenomenal.Do read the book and think for yourself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies    2. Consumer Health    3. Detoxification (Substance abus    4. Detoxification (Substance abuse treatment)    5. Diet / Health / Fitness    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health/Fitness    8. Nutrition    9. Reference    10. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    11. Substance abuse    12. Treatment    13. Vitamins    14. Mind, Body, Spirit    15. Scientology   

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 (8)

An excellent book
Clark Heinrich's book is excellent.Clark provides practical information on the Amanita muscaria mushroom, its natural history and practical uses as a psychoactive, and he provides a "speculative history" of the role of the mushroom in human history through analysis of works of art and literary narratives. Amanitas everywhere.
The author has been accused of seeing amanitas everywhere and since reading this short and enjoyable book ... so do I.The author admits that some of his links are a bit of a stretch and I would agree with this assertion.Overall the research is scholarly, well done, and a pleasure to read even if you don't agree with the theories.For the most part the theories make logical sense and could explain many events in the past.The book also backs up claims made by andria puharich in "The sacred mushroom key to the door of eternity" ( <---must read), Terence Mckenna's "Food of the gods" and John marco allegro's "The sacred mushroom and the cross".IMO A lot of the events are better explained by reading zecharia sitchin's earth chronicles (10 books on old sumerian texts) but heinrich's theories fill in the gaps.Where the book really shines is in exploring thealchemical, new testament and vedic references.Also check out the erowid website for supplemental information.

Sex, drugs, and Godhead!
Clark Heinrich is an exceedingly clever, authoritative writer, who keeps readers in thrall with his subject by colorful propositions and turns of phrase that tease and engage the intellect. In this speculative history, he demonstrates an astonishing erudition for religion, myth, art, and the cultural history and botanical details of the Amanita muscaria mushroom. In making his case, speculative as it is, he provides innumerable references to genitalia, sex acts, and various bodily processes and their by-products, which has a way of anchoring his often far-fetched-seeming ideas in the corporeal realm. He also piques interest when his tone turns irreverent, specifically in his treatment of the Judeo-Christian belief system he was born into, where he rightfully, if self-consciously blasphemously, points out that there is little if any reason for sentient beings to believe that the so-called miracles cited in the Bible were the work of supernatural forces. He offers a more concrete and perhaps more likely explanation for seminal religious phenomena: the ingestion of Amanita muscaria and the subsequent encryption of its inspirations in the literature, rituals, and symbols of religion and alchemy. I was blown away by the amount of thoughtful research that went into this insightful and entertaining work. To arrive at his conclusionns, controversial and speculative as they are, he would have had to spend many hours poring over and interpreting esoteric texts in varying translation, and then on the trial and error of attempting to fit the Amanita key to unlock their mysteries. While I came away fairly convinced that the Amanita mushroom likely played a role in the development of at least some religious creeds, I found some of the author's "proof" to be of the "you had to be there to really appreciate it" sort. The "evidence" is sometimes so visual or semantic and so multilayered, that it dosen't hit home withimeediacy. Several questions emerge. Does the Amanita have any role in the Islamic faith (a almost entirely overlooked in this volume)? If so, why wasn't it documented? If not, how and why would it have eluded the third of the three Abrahamic creeds? Why is it that in all the instances of Amanita cult around the world, the identification of the mushroom in question is disguised and not outrightly revealed? Why if even mainstream religions are allegedly built on visionary experiences prompted by the "plants of the Gods" is the identity of these plants not more plainly revealed, at least from some likely sources or at certain logical historical junctures? It's hard for me to believe entheogenically derived inspiration would be so rigorously relegated and obscured as "forbidden knowledge" over the milennia. The ambiguity of encryption leads to speculation that is bound to turn nutty and implausible even in the most capable hands. Still, by incisive analysis as well as persuasive insinuation, Heinrich's highly readable and scholarly work makes a strong case for the entheogenic underpinnings of religion. The narrative of his own personal experience with Amanita ingestion is hilarious, compelling, and numinously stirring -- so much so that I included an excerpt of it in my own book Tripping: An Anthology of True-Life Psychedelic Adventures published in the interim between the release of the original, British edition of Heinrich's book, Strange Fruit, and the expanded, American, edition, the one I'm reviewing here. This is a fun and brilliantly illustrated book. Enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Amanita muscaria    3. Body, Mind & Spirit    4. Christianity and other religio    5. Christianity and other religions    6. Comparative Religion    7. Customs & Traditions    8. History    9. New Age    10. Popular Culture - General    11. Religions    12. Religious aspects    13. Spirituality - Shamanism    14. Body, Mind & Spirit / Spirituality / Shamanism    15. Drug addiction & substance abuse    16. History of religion    17. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    18. Myths & mythology   

Reviews (1)

A good intro text only
I was originally excited for the update of this text. I was diappointed after such a long wait. The book is a good text for the basics of drug enforcement, but many of the focus areas are watered down. Where are the tactics and techniques for the street officer? In comparison to other high quality texts from CRC Press such as Geberth's Practical Homicide Investigation, Practical Drug Enforcement misses its mark. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminal Evidence And Analysis    2. Criminal Procedure    3. Criminal investigation    4. Drug traffic    5. Forensic Science    6. Investigation    7. Law    8. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    9. Politics / Current Events    10. Undercover operations    11. United States    12. Criminal investigation & detection    13. Drug addiction & substance abuse    14. Law / Forensic Science   

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 (21)

incredible
I can't begin to describe my difficulties of growing into the body I am going to have as a woman, but I don't have to because Jessica did it for it for me. There are very few ways to describe how it feels to read "Do I look fat in this?" except to say it's freeing. As I turned the pages I would eat up every word & little by little i could breathe easier.
Genuine connection heals.
I have been a psychotherapist for about as long as Jessica has been on the planet and a writer longer than that. From both of these vantage points I applaud this excellent book. Most of all, Jessica is honest and vulnerable in what she has to share and teach and it is that kind of genuine connection that really helps people heal. Buy 2 copies; you'll want to give one away.

A Good Read for Those Struggling with Body Image
This is a good book for young women struggling with body image and self-loathing. Those suffering from an eating disorder often feel alone and isolated - this will help them to know that they are not alone. The book sends the message of learning to accept themselves and reject the unattainable quest for perfectionism. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body image in women    2. Eating Disorders - General    3. General    4. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    5. Psychology    6. Psychology Of Women    7. Self-Help    8. Self-perception    9. Weight Loss    10. Women    11. Women's Studies - General    12. Self-Help / Self-Esteem   

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   

Reviews (3)

Hilariously Melodramatic
The only thing this book is good for is getting high with your friends then reading the dialogue aloud.The thought that anyone actually believes or takes the "situations" in this crap serious is so befuddling it's scary.This is nothing more than propaganda for some strange religious cult.I don't know about you but if I'm going to buy a book to help me with my kids it's going to be by an expert, not some failed fiction writer.

Great book!
I bought this book in the 80's and it did wonders for me!It helped me to get control of "me" again... and I went forward with my son from there.

Description
Having a child addicted to alcohol or drugs is one of the most heartbreaking and challenging problems that parents may face. Here, in a revision of her bestselling 1982 book, Neff offers practical, loving andcompletely updated help to those struggling with that situation. Althoughthe specific 12-step program that Neff stresses does not exist everywhere,parents can adopt the principles she outlines and form support groups withother parents. Central to Neff's approach is "detachment from theabuser," which entails allowing the abuser to "bottom out"without "padding the corners" (often called "enabling"in other references). This method, argues Neff, provides one of the fewhopes for the abuser and his or her family. It is also terrifying, however,to parents who lack the support and distancing of the tough-love approach.By far the largest part of Neff's book is devoted to the stories of sevenfamilies who have faced the crisis of the addicted child and come throughit stronger and more spiritually intact. In short, this book should berequired reading for every parent with a child in trouble. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Children    3. Drug abuse    4. Drug use    5. General    6. Inspirational - Protestant Self Help    7. Parent and child    8. Psychology    9. Self-Help    10. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    11. Christianity    12. Drug addiction & substance abuse   

Editorial Review

In this controversial book, Jacob Sullum demolishes the leading claims of the antismoking movement; their assertions have been advanced, he says, because the movement's principalswould like the government to take control of the tobacco industry. Have you heard that secondhand smoke is bad for you? "There is Read more

Reviews (16)

A Logical Indictment of the "All or None" Political Approach
Jacob Sullum's book, "For Your Own Good: The Anti-Smoking Crusade and the Tyranny of Public Health" is maybe the best book for anyone interested in the issue of smoking. Sullum, a non-smoker, has taken a logical, meticulously researched look at the smoking issue and come to the heart of the essential problem; the "all or none" approach of the anti-tobacco movement.
An Important Book
The author of this book doesn't smoke but I do and I thank him. I have lived in both Great Britain and the USA, and am finding anti-smoking activism an increasing bore in both areas, although much more so in 'the land of the free.' Sullum points out that much anti-smoking policy is based on 'second-hand-smoke' fears and that these fears are demonstrably hysterical. The fear of getting lung cancer from sharing a bar with smokers is like fearing cirrhosis from smelling a drunkard's breath. But now US policy makers wish to ban smoking everywhere, private clubs, outdoors...they'll be imprisoning people for enjoying a cigarette soon if they have their way. As if individuals and people like restaurant owners couldn't decide without the government's boot on their necks where they wish to allow smoking and where they don't. I've smoked for four decades, and can't think when anyone's smoking ever bothered me, or when I was ever asked to put out my cigarette, until the last few years, once the alarmists started holding sway. Britain did not always treat well those subject to its empirical power. America had its witch trials, its commie hunts, its slavery. Germany's citizens went along with the vilification, degradation, and attempted murder of all its Jews. It's human nature, apparently, for societies to vilify and harass, such persons and practices as they choose, when they choose, without good reason: as reasons are lacking, societies simply make them up, and most docile citizens just go along with the hate-streams provided. Sullum points out that tobacco, and cigarettes particularly, have been banned before, for reasons that proved hysterical or alarmist, and that tolerance of smoking returns in time. Smoking is an exquisite pleasure. Enjoyment of it should be moderated, or even avoided by individuals, as they choose. Such moderate views are rarely heard in these days of anti-smoking Taliban. Sullum is fair-minded and objective. He's written a wonderful book, of import to smokers, and to all who despise ignorance, intolerance, alarmism, hysteria, and the hate-filled members of our societies, who are now using these age-old weapons, to humiliate and ostracize tobacco users. Read this book. Smoke pridefully, and resist the temptation to blow your smoke, in the face of the Taliban types. Unlike them, most smokers are civilized, and this is the source of our pride.

A little redundant & unfocused, but sure to light your fire
This book will certainly set you aflame. Whether you hate smoking (as I do), prefer civil liberties (as I do), and/or despise the busybodies who know best how we should live our lives (as I very much do), you will find something here to excite you. If you belong to that latter group--please read it and stop your meddling. You do not know what's best for everyone!Read more

Subjects:  1. American    2. Antismoking movement    3. Current Affairs    4. Health Care Policy    5. Human Services    6. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    7. Politics - Current Events    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Public Health    10. Public Policy - General    11. P