Reviews (14)

A Great Educational Source
A great history and educational lesson just in the first chapter alone.You will not be disappointed.

Scientifically sound, well footnoted, excellent organization . . . A MUST BUY!
Rare that one picks up a text as this and wants to read it cover to cover but in fact that is exactly what happened to me when I cracked this jewel open.I was just browsing at my university's medical bookstore and stumbled upon this invaluable text with a potent array of well documented, well footnoted, authoritative sources.
The BEST textbook on drugs and alcohol!
I believe so far that this is the best textbook for courses in drug and alcohol education!Read it and you will be amazed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Recovery   

Reviews (9)

End time drug
Awesome book. This isn't your Dad's 12 step program! Meth is a poison straight out of hell. Want free, inside and out? Dr. Mary Holley's book breaks down the drug first from a scientific aspect then from a spiritual aspect. There are many ways to try to stop using drugs but the only true way to be free from this death is through the cleaning power of Jesus Christ. Dr. Holley's Book is a perfect guide to freedom and redemption. Thank you Dr. Holley for your commitment and obedience. God bless you! (Eph 6:12)

Compelling and personal look at the tragedy of meth abuse
The author is not only a medical doctor, but she has firsthand experience with losing a brother to suicide and methamphetamine abuse. Powerful and compelling, she leaves no stone unturned in her exploration of this awful drug. Her mention of Biblical passages is hardly 'in-your-face' as some have described it. She is simply sharing her own beliefs as every author on the planet does. She is gentle and compassionate throughout the text, and was probably the only reason her brother lived as long as he did.
Meth Intervention Specialist
Crystal Meth: They Call It Ice is the most compelling and definitive understanding available on the scourge of methamphetamine addiction. Having done extensive research myself and worked personally with many meth addicts and their families these past years Dr. Mary Holley certainly knows the meth journey inside-out. Her medical expertise is invaluable information to anyone connected to meth. The clear explanations of the biochemistry and neurological destruction of methamphetamine is a must read.This work also rightly understands the relational component to sustained recovery from meth. Whether one would agree or not that Christian faith is the key to sustained sobriety my own work with meth addicts agrees with Dr. Holley that change "only" take place in the context of meaningful relationship. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues    2. Recovery    3. Self-Help    4. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence   

Reviews (9)

A true "How To" very practically written
I've yet to finish reading it (procrastination is one of my bad behaviors :) but about 3/4 through I can't say enough about this book.Too many books give you fluff, whereas this is a good blend of real life illustrative stories from their patients, along with what I really wanted... practical how-to steps along with a thorough description of how & why we learn and practice the behaviors we so abhor in ourselves.I already knew I was "choosing" my bad behaviors, but hadn't found anything that described why I was making such bad choices, and how to stop.This is none of that self hypnosis mumbo jumbo, but real suggestions on how to identify what you are doing and why, and then to catch yourself, and methodically replace bad behaviors with good ones.

a great eye opener!
The first half of the book is all you need to read inorder to figure out your self-defeating behaviors to come to light and systematically changing them so you can make the right choices to be happy, purposeful, and meaningful in all aspects of your life. The second half of the book felt like it was repeating the first half. overall a great eye opener on human behaviors and why we constantly limit ourselves with the wrong choices to be in the "in crowd" and not listening to our inner self. I have definitely gained a measure of power in making the right choices. i do recommend reading it at least a couple of times to fully understand the principles.

"We Do What We Have to Do"
The uncanny knack of these authors to address the "foregone conclusions" that everyone, even organizations and governments face, as well as individuals, as they process the mission and objectives that motivate them offers a new avenue of change - for both undesirable habits and desires, but also for those we rarely think about within this context, like sex, like racism, like self defense mechanisms, etc., and other "impressions" of expectations rooted in concrete memories.
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Subjects:  1. Behavior modification    2. Compulsive behavior    3. Conduct of life    4. General    5. Human behavior    6. Personal Growth - General    7. Psychology    8. Recovery    9. Self-defeating behavior   

Reviews (2)

Good Strategies
I would recommend this book for people trying to recover. There is a lot of good advice for nutrition and wholistic complements to AA/NA- Eating well and taking care of yourself in general are so important to staying sober/clean.
A highly recommended self-help supplement to professional care for recovering addicts
Staying Clean & Sober: Complementary and Natural Strategies for Healing the Addicted Brain is a guide written for those who suffer from addiction and their families. Authors and addiction recovery experts Merlene Miller, M.A. and David Miller, Ph.D. understand all too well that addicts are at high risk for relapse from sobriety into addictive behaviors, and debunk the common myth that failing to stay sober is due to a lack of willpower. Staying Clean & Sober recognizes that addiction is a disease of the brain, and the biochemical imbalances of addiction create severe symptoms that make living without the addictive substance painful. Chapters address how certain amino acids and other nutrients combined with alternative therapies can help improve recovery rates, recipes that encourage the proper balance of neurochemicals, a questionnaire to help the reader determine whether he or she has a deficiency in serotonin levels, an extensive resource section, miscellaneous advice for improving one's health and staying sober, and much more. A highly recommended self-help supplement to professional care for recovering addicts.
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Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alternative treatment    3. Drug addicts    4. Recovery    5. Rehabilitation    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    8. Substance abuse   

Subjects:  1. Child Psychiatry    2. Child molesters    3. Group Guidance    4. Group psychotherapy for childr    5. Group psychotherapy for children    6. Impulse control disorders in c    7. Juvenile delinquents    8. Medical    9. Medical / Nursing    10. Pediatrics    11. Psychiatry - Child & Adolescent    12. Recovery    13. Rehabilitation   

Reviews (1)

Life Transforming Book
Our church has used this book to train our prayer ministry to pray for inner healing, and has seen God move in many people's lives.I appreciate the down-to-earth practical approach and support through scripture. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - Soteriology    2. Devotional    3. Philosophy    4. Recovery    5. Religion    6. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    7. Spiritual healing    8. Stress Management    9. Family & Health   

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. Adult Children of Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    3. Codependency    4. Daughters    5. Recovery    6. Self-Help    7. United States    8. Self-Help / Adult Children of Substance Abusers   

Reviews (5)

Awesome
So dude, I was totally blown away by this book. Emerson was like some sort of genious, I mean, like up to now I always felt trapped and unable to cope and stuff but now I feel like I can do anything. Or as Emerson would say, "Actuate to the fullest" Right on! I mean now I could go live in the woods on acorns and stuff and be fine because I have self-reliance. I read this book in my class called English in high-school and we were studying a group called the Trancalendarists or something and apparently Emerson was one of them and he wrote this to show how cool it was. Well I'm a believer too baby. So read this book it will change your life for thebetter. I guess Emerson summed up endings the best so I'll leave you with his memorable statement, "In the netherworld of indecidabilty, there is but one truth, and this truth is the incorrigible falseness of truth people. Ignore them all" Take it to the bank and stay cool, friends.

I should have remained illiterate
I just finished reading Self-Reliance by Emerson. It was subjected to me by my overly-enthusiastic english teacher who thought that the transcendental movement was best described via his retarded words. Well, it wasn't. It sucked. A lot. Bravo, Mr. Emerson. Yeah, I know that he thought he was changing the world when he wrote it, and that he KNEW his work was supposed to be revolutionary, yet, here we are; embittered and angry, seeking revenge. You know, it's times like these when I wish that I was illiterate. While reading this 26 page drivel, my incredibly bored and irritated brain decided to give me visions of thrusting thorns into my eyes so I could stop reading. For any of you who have to read this, please do so, I mean after all, if i had to you have to. Sincerely, Laphroaig

Totally inspiring...
I cannot pick up this book without feeling encouraged and inspired.The editor has gone through and picked out some of the best passages from Emerson's works, thus saving us the trouble of wading through hundreds of pages of prose for the really good stuff.Everyone needs a copy of this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Essays    2. Essays    3. Inspirational    4. Inspirational - General    5. Recovery    6. Christian life & practice    7. German    8. Religion / Inspirational    9. Self-Help & Practical Interests    10. USA   

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business Life - Health/Stress    3. Corporate culture    4. General    5. Organizational behavior    6. Recovery    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    8. United States    9. Workaholics    10. Organizational theory & behaviour    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / General    12. Work & labour   

Reviews (6)

A very nice travel guide on your journey through Option.
Mandy's writing style is light, warm, and friendly. Not to mention easy on the eyes and brain cells. Which I'm especially grateful for considering that the subject matter briskly moves you along in your not so simple journey of letting loose of your tenacious grasp of unhappiness.
Changing self limiting beliefs
Travelling Free is a book that provides 12 written exercises for you to systematically find out what old patterns or beliefs are running your life and causing unhappiness. Works with 12-Step programs, too.
Travelling Free is for anyone and everyone who struggles to let go of things from their past. Mandy Evans' unique insight and helpful stories from real life guide you to an understanding of the beliefs that continue to limit your life. It is enjoyable to read, uplifting and absolutely usable. I have had my copy for over a decade and I re-read it from time to time just to remind myself of the possibilities available to me. This book is positive and pracitcal. There's no fluff in Travelling Free - just the helpful tools you need to fly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Children of Alcoholics    2. Self-Help    3. Self-Help / Happiness    4. Self-Help / Recovery    5. Travel    6. Body, Mind & Spirit / Mental & Spiritual Healing    7. Counseling    8. Counseling (Psychology)    9. Happiness    10. Recovery    11. Self-defeating behavior   

Reviews (6)

For anyone concerned about an older parent
This book is written for anyone concerned about an older parent, grandparent or other older adult who has a problem with alcohol or mood-altering medications. It is the only book I've found that covers this topic so completely and, not only does it explain the problem clearly, it offers practical steps to help the older person get the right kind of help and live out the rest of their golden years sober -- able to, once again, enjoy family, grandchildren and friends.Best insight: many of the things attributed to aging can be a result of addiction. With sobriety, many or all of the problems go away.

Emotional reading
I have suffered from food addiction for many years.This book has helped me dig deep into myself to find out when my eating disorder began.If you suffer from an eating disorder or would like to better understand how an eating disorder affects the life of someone you care about, this book is definately worth purchasing.

Enlightening and a God Send
This book gave me what I'd been searching for -- a guide to help my 67 year old mother who has a serious alcohol problem. She didn't remember conversations, slurred her words, had falls during the night, had bruises on her face and arms, ate poorly, isolated from us and her friends, and refused to see a doctor. I slowly watched my wonderful mother change before my eyes. I couldn't even trust her to babysit her grandchildren. This book not only gave me the information I needed, but helped get my reluctant brother and sister to finally agree to get our mother help. I give this book my wholehearted endorsement and recommend it to anyone worried about an older parent who has an alcohol problem. I haven't found any other book like it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1965-    2. Compulsive eaters    3. Compulsive eating    4. Danowski, Debbie,    5. Diaries    6. Eating Disorders - General    7. Nutrition    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Popular works    10. Recovery    11. Self-Help    12. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    13. Treatment    14. United States    15. Biography: general    16. Coping with eating disorders    17. Danowski, Debbie    18. Diets & dieting    19. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (2)

Therapist Recommends "The Sober Kitchen"
Liz Scott was a professional chef when she stopped drinking.She worried how she could continue to work when her relationship with alcohol had changed so drastically.She found a way to continue cooking professionally without using alcohol OR sacrificing gourmet excellence or exquisite taste.I found Liz Scott's "The Sober Kitchen" when looking for a gift for a sober friend.I ended up buying a copy for myself after reading the great recipes and the sober self-care explanations that are so sensible, whether one is in recovery or just living life on its own terms, no easy feat today.I have drawn upon Ms. Scott's wisdom in my daily work with recovering men and women and have recommended her book to many people.I commend Ms. Scott for sharing her own story in the hope that others will be helped. Her "be-good-to-yourself, you've-been-through-a-lot" attitude towards preparing and enjoying food could benefit virtually anyone, not just the newly sober.Check it out!

A Tremendous Service
Liz Scott has done a tremendous service to those recovering from substance abuse and others who choose to cook without alcoholRead more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism    2. Cookery    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Diet therapy    5. Health & Healing - General    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    8. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    9. General cookery    10. Self-Help / Alcoholism   

Reviews (3)

Great Buy
Great buy, would definately recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with the affects of alcohol in their life.

A Powerful Testament
Alcoholism cuts across all divides, afflicting the young, the old, the rich, the poor, the famous, the unknown.In this very absorbing book, author and interviewer Dennis Wholey meets with a few of them and presents their thoughts on how they became alcoholics, how it affected their lives, and what they did in an effort to control their disease.
This book changed my life
When I read The Courage to Change the first time (1987, the original edition) it changed my life because it explained alcoholism in a concrete way that was easy to understand.The stories from alcoholic (and somenonalcoholic) celebrities go a long way toward illustrating the damage thisdisease causes while showing that you don't have to be the proverbialfalling-down drunk or daily drinker to be an alcoholic.The stories also,by the way, are entertaining and show the humanity of some of the householdnames who tell them.Wholey mixes up the rhythm of this book enough thatyou don't get bored. Something here for everyone--I've personally boughtliterally more than 12 copies to give away.I recommend it highly. Thanks, Dennis Wholey! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Biography    3. Recovery    4. Rehabilitation    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    7. United States    8. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    9. Self-Help / Alcoholism   

Reviews (122)

Life Altering
This book has changed my life and has help me over come so many problems I didn't even know existed. Amust read for someone needing to heal!
Please don't...
Please, please, please, don't go near this book. It does not have any valid answers for you but will only create perpetual problems with your self and those around you. If you have problems, seek out professional help (not those with Freudian principles or suppression theories). This book can only cause more harm than good.
Misleading and horrible
If anyone has ever done any research into the fields of congnitive psychology or memory, you'll realize how incredibly awful this book is.
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Subjects:  1. Abuse - Sexual    2. Adult child abuse victims    3. Child sexual abuse    4. Mental Illness    5. Psychology    6. Recovery    7. United States    8. Women    9. Women's Studies   

Reviews (3)

Overcoming perfectionism: The key to balanced recovery
I am obviously struggling with the book as I reread sections to make sure I haven't missed anything! Still fighting that perfect thing.

After 56 Years, Relief!
I've spent the last 56 years engaged in critical self-talk and feeling no matter how much I did, it was never "good enough".
You Shall Overcome!
I bought this skinny little book years ago and consider it the self-help book for those of us who aren't "that" messed up. Being too hard on myself, demanding too much, had always been a vice. The times I wasn'taccomplishing enough, I always felt like I should have been. OvercomingPerfectionism book really helped point out where these feelings came from-- did you know a highly religious upbringing can be"dysfunctional" if it makes you feel bad about who you are? Ihave made a gift of this book to several people and they appreciated makingthe leap from present activites to their sources. Ann W. Smith's voice isvery positive, readable, and the book contains numerous concretesuggestions for change. It helps you see how good life can be once you showyourself the compassion you give to others and cut yourself some slack. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Co-dependence (Psychology)    2. Codependency    3. General    4. Mental Health And Hygiene    5. Neuropsychology    6. Perfectionism (Personality tra    7. Perfectionism (Personality trait)    8. Personality    9. Recovery    10. Self-Help    11. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    12. Popular psychology    13. Self-Help / Codependency   

Reviews (4)

This book helped me heal.
After my parent's deaths I saw God dealing with humanity from a distance. I accepted the fact that God's grace helped us through tough times but since God did not heal my parents why would He heal anyone else. This incredible book helped me realize that in the four gospels Christ healed, He did not make anyone sick. It helped bring me closer to a healing God. It also talks about healing through the Eucharist which is important to me as a Catholic.
Brilliant!
While pondering the meaning of cancer in my dad's life (it killed him) I mentioned in l980 to a fellow visiting nurse that I thought there was a psychological component.She said, "Of course. Go buy this book."I ran to the bookstore and have been deeply indebted to the Linns ever since. This amazing book is a brilliant application of Christian concepts to psychology, and vice versa.Can't recommend it highly enough.

Gentle Explanation
This book is a thorough and gentle explanation of the how the process of forgiveness works, and how completeness in our own lives (we who have been hurt and need to forgive the person(s) who hurt us) can be attained throughthe five stages of forgiveness.It is also a gentle and compassionateexplanation of how hurts affect the various aspects of our lives.Linn'sformat is easy to read and to understand.A must for anyone's bookshelf. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian life    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Faith    4. General    5. Inspirational - Protestant Self Help    6. Psychology    7. Religion    8. Spiritual healing    9. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works   

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    2. Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects)    3. Group psychotherapy    4. Medical / Nursing    5. Neurology - General    6. Psychology    7. Psychopathology - Addiction    8. Recovery    9. Substance abuse    10. Treatment    11. Addiction & therapy    12. Psychiatry   

Reviews (3)

This is a wonderful book!
Rich Buhler's book demonstrates compassion & understanding for people who have suffered all forms of abuse, esepcially those who have been sexually violated.He uses word pictures through the use of true stories of victims offering hope, healing & reconciliation to oneself, others & forgiveness toward the perpetrator(s).I've just completed reading the book to an 89 year old friend of mine who was raped when he was eleven but never told anyone for 76 years.It is wonderful to watch him heal.Ever so gradually he is moving toward forgiving his perpetrtor.Seeing him heal is truly a gift.I'd recommend this book to anyone seeking healing for themselves.

Not a book for beginners in recovery.
Once I got past page 46, I found great value in this book. I have been working my recovery program for several years and would recommend this book to anyone already in recovery for awhile. I would not recommend it to the beginner because it is written in an informational rather than emotional style. In my opinion, the beginner should read more of the emotional 'stories' that can help them face their own painful reality that comes with the realization of sexually abuse in childhood. The main context of this book is that we deserve good, but a victim cannot hear, believe, understand, nor apply the concept of deserving good. It also addresses the idea of forgiveness in a way which can be understood. Forgiveness has been the most difficult part of my journey, and is the project I'm working on at the moment, so the presentation on this subject was especially helpful to me. Each victim must determine for self what route will help them become a survivor. Recovery is not easy, but it is possible. At best it's a long, slow, and painful journey which must be travelled in one way or another. Read the book, take what suits your need & leave the rest. Good luck.

How to deal with several forms of childhood abuse & move on
A Christian approach to dealing with several forms of childhood abuses (physical, emotional, sexual) and is a great tool in causing adult victims to move on.Powerful chapter on forgiveness is worth the whole book.Readers do not have to have abuse in their histories to benefit from the book. Good for recovery and counseling library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult child abuse victims    2. Bible    3. Child abuse    4. General    5. Inspirational - Protestant Self Help    6. Mental Illness    7. Psychology    8. Recovery    9. Rehabilitation    10. Self-care, Health   

Reviews (6)

12 Steps for Adult Children of Alcoholics
This is a wonderful tool for anyone dealing with the issues of being a child of an alcoholic.This book assists you in an enlightening journey and provides a roadmap for the trip.A MUST HAVE for any adult child.

12 Steps, but not specifically for Adult Children
I have been in Recovery for amost two years now and I am definately an ACOA. I attend a fellowship regularly and work with a sponsor, and I am also in therapy. I have issues that stem from my childhood that include my own addictions. I have recently bought a 12 step guide for most of my major issues. I now have the AA Big Book, the 12 & 12, the NA Basic Text, the It Works How & Why, The Co-Dependents Guide to the 12 steps, The OA 12 step guide, Hope & Recovery 12 steps for Compulsive Sexual Behavior. For me, I cannot read just one text. I have alot of issues and I need to see these issues translated to my particular problem. That way, whatever problem I may have in any given day, I can "look it up" with this little 12 step reference library I have and then reflect on it.
PLAGIRISM - already published as The 12 Steps: A Way Out
This book is nothing more than the book published by the same group (Friends In Recovery)called The 12 Steps: A Way Out. They stuck a new cover on it with a different title. The words are identical. This is shameless! Since I already own the other book, if found it a COMPLETE WASTE of $$$. I returned the book to Amazon for a complete refund! ... Read more

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

Reviews (13)

disappointing and unemotional
Needed a book to take me beyond the emotional pain and this book certainly did not provide that.The book DOES provide proof that there is definitely a need out there for women who have struggled "after abortion".

It helps...
This is a good book to actually start dealing with the emotions of a terminated pregnancy.It doesnt lecture,its not religious,its like therapy in a book.Thers's excerises for each chapter(questions about your emotions,ect)and even though it wasnt anything new to me,it was asked in a manner that made me explore things more than i had before.

Not the whole truth
The title alone should have told me enough not to look any further. The deep grief that our society is suffering, both in women who have had abortions and those loved ones around them, is profound and too important to be treated with an ideological lockstep approach. As someone who as a young person sat by and watched as my older sister had an abortion, I know that there is more to it than "choice;" this touches many people. This book doesn't take into account the whole reality of abortion's effects on the whole fragile fabric of family and friends. Regardless of whether you think abortion is right or wrong, our society is suffering and ideological books such as this ultimately hurt women. Get 'Forbidden Grief' for a truely wholistic approach and response to this gaping wound in our society. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abortion    2. Abortion & Birth Control    3. Abortion counseling    4. General    5. Post-traumatic stress disorder    6. Psychological aspects    7. Psychology    8. Psychotherapy - Counseling    9. Recovery    10. United States    11. Faith healing & religious therapy    12. Psychology & Psychiatry / General