Reviews (79)

An awesome resource
Recently diagnosed with ADD I've been battling at work for accommodations.My doctor/therapist provided me a document for accommodations just this week.It took the harrassment from a supervisor away.I went to HR and let her know that the Department Manager has been very good about this, letting me know what he expects.I mentioned that I had read in the book about the need for organizers and I would have purchased a Palm today, but the store was out.She got up, pulled out a box and there was a Palm.She indicated that this could be used as an accommodation.I asked if I found the reference if that would be enough and it was agreed.I went back to my desk, and turned to the right page, took it back to her, and she's putting in a request to have it installed on my computer at the office and it's now an accommodation.I've followed the advice in the book about using "to do" lists, and it has really helped to keep me focused just on what I need to do.I highly recommend the book, as well as Sari Solden's "Women with ADD"

Needs updating
While reading some of the previous reviews, I saw one that mentioned "contemporary science" - written in 1999. The first Amazon.com customer review for this book is from 1997. If I'd read it then, I would have rated it higher. But a book that deals with anything medical needs to be updated long before it's a decade old, which this one now is. The chapter on medication is completely outdated; it shouldn't be referred to by anyone who wants to know what options are available now. And while all the scientific/medical questions about ADD/ADHD haven't been answered, more is known now than when this book was written.
life changing
I found myself in every page.Gives new hope and opens the oors of understanding.A must readfor adults & teens with ADD and their families. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Psychology    2. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    3. Recovery    4. General    5. Learning Disabilities    6. Coping with personal problems    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / General    8. Self-Help & Practical Interests    9. Parenting - Hyperactivity    10. Attention-deficit disorder in adults    11. Self-Help    12. Attention deficit disorders    13. Popular works   

Reviews (10)

Not Useful, Barely Comprehensible Format
A year or so ago I bought a bunch of self-help books blindly online, with the hope they would represent their titles and be of some use to me personally.
Thank you for this much-needed resource!
Adult survivors of abuse have only the twisted guidance of screwed-up parents to guide them through life. Only the worst cases of abuse make the news. Some people don't even realize they were abused until they look back on their childhoods with an adult's wisdom and insight - a child often thinks the dysfunctional situation is normal and doesn't realize that this doesn't happen in all families - nor should it. Knowing what's normal is impossible for us - because we never knew what normal was! Essential for the adult survivor

Good, but not perfect.
If you've had a troubled childhood, this book will amaze you at its accuracy. It knows your problems, perceived "shortcomings", and more. It also gives you the insight into why it happens or why you continue to do it. However, it does NOT give you enough in the way of constructive methods of ridding yourself of these behaviors. While it maintains an upbeat and cheery tone for its entire length, there just isn't enough substance there for my liking.
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Subjects:  1. Adult children of alcoholics    2. Adult children of drug addicts    3. Adult children of dysfunctiona    4. Adult children of dysfunctional families    5. Alcoholism    6. Codependency    7. Mental Health And Hygiene    8. Recovery    9. Rehabilitation    10. Self-Help    11. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    12. Adolescent children    13. Self-Help / Codependency   

Reviews (22)

an amazing anthology
When my granddaughter was born still, I immediately turned to the solace offered by the written word, finding that to be much more helpful than the empty cliches and platitudes offered by acquaintances. This is an incredible collection of writing, both fiction and nonfiction, essay and poetry, on the subject of the loss of a child. Many, if not most, of the writers included have experienced this most devastating of all losses. The authors introduce each section with personal writing that forms an intimate connection. They draw from classic literature as well as modern, making this a book that offers something to everyone. I found myself re-reading sections in an attempt to hold off coming to the end of this sustaining book. I doubt this book will ever make it to my bookshelf, as I will be turning to it often for inspiration and comfort.

The one I still read...
It's been five years since the death of my precious son and although many books were helpful in the early months and years this is the one that has lingered with me the longest. I still turn to it from time to time, especially on the hard days.
The most depressing book I have ever read
I found this book to be extremely depressing and full of despair, which someone who has lost a child doesn't need to feel more of.This book offered no hope and must have been written by authors who believe they will never see their children again.I refuse to look at life and death that way and instead choose to have hope of reuniting with my daughter and peace in knowing that she is in a much better place than we are.Obviously I would not recommed this book for anyone who has lost a child. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Death / Grief / Consolation    2. Death, Grief, Bereavement    3. Psychological Aspects Of Bereavement    4. Self-Help    5. American English    6. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms    7. Coping with death & bereavement    8. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (1)

Great insight and solutions for both addicted & family.
Claudia Black has an inside track of what it feels like to be a familymember in a family where addictive behavior is going on.She is able towrite in understandable fashion the complex dynamics that go on inaddictions and recovery.She never fails to understand the heart and souland the sheer pain involved in addiction; she also provides insight andsolutions for healing.Great work!All her work is very insightful. Thisis an author who cares about those who read her books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Children of Alcoholics    2. Mental Health    3. Personal Growth - Happiness    4. Self-Help    5. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    6. Coping with personal problems    7. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    8. Popular psychology    9. Religious life & practice    10. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (3)

Empirically grounded and very useful
I believe this book represents the best kind of clinical psychology.It is well grounded in research and empirical knowledge, but is also written in such a way as to be useful for people who are not.It focuses not just on the dos and don'ts, but on the whys as well. I think it will be useful for therapists to use with their clients, as well as for people who don't have (or don't want) a therapist.
Sound research and good practice
I am a professor of clinical psychology with over 150 publications primarily on some aspects of sexual offending and 15 years experience working with sexual offenders.I have also edited several books and authored two others on the explanation, assessment, and treatment of sexual offenders.In my view this is an outstanding publication which manages to combine excellent scholarship with sound practical advice for individuals with sexual disorders. It is written in a clear and straight forward manner and I think will engage offenders in the process of learning to manage their destructive actions and turning their lives around.It shouldprove useful as an adjunct resource for therapists and also provide individuals reluctant to seek therapy with some valuable strategies for controlling their sexually deviant behavior. This is an excellent addition to the treatment literature.
A Practical Guide for People with a Sexual Addiction
This book offers guidance for individuals who struggle with an addiction to sex.It is written in a practical, often entertaining, and always enlightening way.It can be used on its own or in conjunction with psychotherapy.I wish I had had this book in the past as an adjunct to conducting psychotherapy with my patients who have had such problems.I will be sure to use it with patients in the future. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Recovery    2. Self-Help    3. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    4. Coping with personal problems    5. Sex & sexuality   

Reviews (3)

An excellent and thorough treatment of sexual addiction
This is a very comprehensive book on the mechanisms of sexual addiction.It is direct and thorough, with lots of detail on the dynamics of this disorder and the does a good job of describing the disorder at the individual and systems levels.
Far more than meets the eye
For me it would have been more difficult to appreciate this book had I not read "Out of the Shadows." I had purchased these books over ten years ago but only read them within the past few months. One of the great values of Carnes approach is his no wholes barred, stratight on approach to addiction and the role that sexual addiction plays. There is nothing wishy-washy in his approach to the dilemma, nor is there anything apologetic about his criticisms (i.e. limitations) of AA and common theraputic practices. To me he is entirely convincing which speaks for his clear understanding of addiction that adds for the breakdown of social or societal illusions and delusions. I just wish he took more seriously what he refers to as stage one addictions to which he does concede some degree of (to me mostly unjustifiable) normalcy and acceptance based on social norms. Aside from that, it is simply an outstanding book.

One of the best books in this field!
The title of this book reveals the premise that Patrick Carnes presents. He tells us that the behaviors of sexual addicts are not actions of love, but of abnormal, compulsive rituals performed in a desparate attempt toself-treat the feelings of despair and anger that has become the fabric ofthe addict's life. This book is not an introductory volume, it is quitethorough and detailed. The author outlines six phases of sex addiction aswell as explaining three levels of behavior. He points out that thedifferent levels of behavior are not necessarily progressive, but thephases of addiction ARE.While this book is designed specifically forthose who are care-givers for the sexually addicted, it also gives comfortand insight to the co-addict or codependent involved with the addict. Thethoroughness and detail that he writes with may actually be beyond the easycomprehension of many addicts themselves, due to their cloudy comprehensionand frequent separations from reality, but I would recommend this book as achallenge and as an invaluable tool for breaking the chains of sexualaddiction. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Behavior Therapy    2. Recovery    3. Rehabilitation    4. Self-Help    5. Sex addicts    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Sexual    8. Mental health services    9. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    10. Popular psychology    11. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Subjects:  1. Mental Illness    2. Psychology    3. Psychopathology - Addiction    4. Psychotherapy - Counseling    5. Recovery    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    8. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    9. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (4)

Worth Purchasing for the Diet Info Alone
What a great book.Clear, common-sense advice on keeping your mind healthy through natural approaches.The diet-related information is worth its weight in gold.I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

A broader view of depresssion
Excellent book.A multi-disciplinary view of depression, it looks beyond drug and talk therapy without denying their importance.Emmons studied, practices, and writes about other approaches to depression, such as diet, supplements, exercise, Ayurvedic (historical Indian) medicine and the Buddhist psychological/emotional types.This provides a deeper and broader understanding and treatment of depression.A richly woven text.

A wonderful tool for regular folk and for professionals
As a mindfulness meditation teacher and a spiritual mentor, I am keeping copies of The Chemistry of Joy in my office. I have already recommended the book to numerous friends and family members. Some of the highlights for me: 1) the gentle, clear way that Dr. Emmons reminds us readers that there are many doors to healing, that it is good to open the door that moves most easily for us first, and that it is often through making one or two adaptations on a number of levels that we begin to experience life as having more comfort to it; 2) the empowerment that comes from having this kind and seasoned psychiatrist steadily reminding us to believe in our deeper self; 3) the way desperation is allayed as one realizes that brain chemistry correlates with two ancient wisdom systems from other parts of the globe- ah, what a balm for the isolation that one can feel on this difficult journey to relieve depression. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. General    3. Healing    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Holistic Medicine    7. Mental Depression    8. Mental Health    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    10. Coping with illness    11. Health & Fitness / General    12. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology   

Reviews (8)

Pretty good
This book is pretty good. But when I went shopping for a professional interventionist, every one I interviewed suggested that I read the book "Love First." I've read both, but Love First really lays out the whole process in detail and takes you through it step by step. And yes, the intervention was successful. Thank God!

Here's a thought ...
How to deal with someone who doesn't want your help?Here's a really radical idea: leave the person alone.

A Classic Text
...the disease model is settled science. The American Medical Association has recognized alcoholism as a disease since the 1950s and long-term research of high validity supports the fact that addiciton is a disease...I do hope potential readers of this classic text will not be dissuaded by an unknown source's unfounded personal beliefs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Drug And Alcohol Abuse Treatment    3. Drug abuse    4. Family Relationships    5. Rehabilitation    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    9. Treatment    10. Alcoholism    11. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    12. Drug addiction & substance abuse    13. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (2)

I Really USE This Book
I have an old copy of this book that I have read several times.In addition to the Big Book, it is almost a "must read" for anyone conducting or starting AA, Al-Anon, or Serenity Groups meetings.I help conduct Serenity Groups meetings, and I have found this book to be invaluable (visit SerenityGroups.org).In addition, I recommend the book "Prayer Steps to Serenity."Based on the 12 Steps, "Prayer Steps to Serenity" does discuss some different traditions because it seeks to encourage inclusive support groups and existing support groups to be more inclusive. ISBN 0595313043

A Must for Your Recovery Toolbox
This is a real must for anyone in any of the of the 12 step programs who is wishing to understand the traditions and steps more completly.The vinyettes are heartfelt and identifyable. ... Read more

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

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   

Reviews (3)

Wonderful!
This book will help anyone - 12 stepper or not. It brings areas of your life to light, allowing you to see your part in it and how you use it. A great source for anyone wanting to grow and change into a better person, the person God intended you to be.

A true gem
Before I read the book I was looking for practical advice on how to do the whole process of removing my character defects-I found all the answers in this little book. It is a practical, hands-on guide to spiritual and emotional growth.I am so grateful to have been recommended to read it by so many other OA members.

Drop the rock:Removing Character Defects, Steps Six and Seven
This book de mystifies the process of removing character defects.IF you are struggling with what to do with the short directions on step six, this is the book. It gives a detailed description of the life long process of eliminating the defects that we have made into our personalities.As in all things in recovery it guides us through the tentative first steps.I have been searching for a book like this for a very long time.This book has changed the course of my recovery for the better. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Patients    3. Personality disorders    4. Recovery    5. Rehabilitation    6. Religious life    7. Self-Help    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    9. Twelve-Step Programs    10. Self-Help / Twelve-Step Programs   

Reviews (6)

Life Saver
I was a heavy smoker and drinker for almost 3 decades, until my COPD diagnosis last fall (at the age of 42).The situation was absolutely hopeless, my dr told me to quit smoking immediately, and there was a chance that my emphysema could reverse, but attempting to quit had been TORTURE in the past and I knew even this wouldn't make me quit.As a last ditch effort, I ordered The Easy Way to Quit Smoking, and...it WORKED. within two months I stopped my 2-3 pack per day habit. I've been smoke free for ten months.At the same time that i purchased it, I also bought The Easy Way to Control Alcohol.It took a while to manage both, but as of tonight I'm 2 weeks and two days completely sober.I never could've done it without these books.
Carr promises the earth, the moon and the stars (but of course he cannot deliver)
Once again, Carr's central truth is: To know how the addiction works is to be free of it.
Well, there is NO easier, softer way....AA 101
It boils down to quitting your addiction, cold. And it's hard, really really hard. Personnaly speaking, I'm addicted to alcohol and cigarrettes. Lucky me, it's the "usual" ones. Without reading this book, yeah I'm being totally honest, just on the face of it, this book is BOGUS. If you're anywhere near a library, (thank you Carnegie!) check this guy out, for free. You'll "get it" real fast. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    2. Recovery   

Reviews (10)

Practical, comprehensive help... builds acceptance of discipline, grace and truth.
I have talked to many who have attempted to recover fromdestructive sexual habits; their underlying problem is often quite complex. For the person who is starting to desire freedom, there is usually confusion and a lack of awareness of what is happening inside one's heart and mind to bring about this kind of chronic behavior.
Great Book
As for the only negative feedback I saw on here....Sexual addictions can very much destroy homes, families, jobs, and ones self.
1st book I tried, all I really needed!
Without reiterating what the other reviewers have said, this book was just so helpful to me in understanding my cybersex addition and finding comfort in the love of God to heal my wounds and bring me peace.My sister sent me the book right after I was fired for watching porn on the internet at work (worst day of my life).I have always considered myself a Christian, though was always at war with myself because of my "secret" side (and I'm no "bible thumper").Besides seeing God's work in my being fired, this book brought me so much freedom and joy through knowing that there was a way out and God had/would forgive me if I continued to repent for my past.I've "fallen off the wagon" several times in the past year, and I'm about to read this book again to get me back on the right track.If you're addicted, or think you might be, and want to find a Christ-centered way out, don't even hesitate - BUY THIS BOOK and READ IT. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied Christian Sexual Ethics    2. Christianity    3. Inspirational - Protestant Self Help    4. Rehabilitation    5. Religious aspects    6. Religious life    7. Self-Help    8. Sex Relations    9. Sex addiction    10. Sex addicts    11. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    12. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Sexual   

Subjects:  1. Criminology    2. Psychology    3. Psychopathology - Addiction    4. Psychotherapy - General    5. Addiction & therapy    6. Drug addiction & substance abuse    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / Addictions   

Reviews (2)

I quit!
I'm not a big fan of the self help genre and never would have read this book if it wasn't lying around at a time when I was bored.Fortunately, I did read it, it took me about half an hour to read, and now I'm a nonsmoker.I haven't had a cigarette for a week, I quit cold turkey and I don't ever want to pick up another.Buy this book for yourself or for a loved one.

I just don't want to pick them up anymore
I read this book before going to sleep, it's very short, quite sharp and works a treat!!!
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Subjects:  1. Healthy Living    2. Psychology    3. Psychopathology - Addiction    4. Self-Help    5. Smoking And Health    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Smoking   

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)

A daily inspiration
I love this book!As I've been going through a personal crisis, I have been reading various books and this one has hit home for me.Each chapter that I read seems to speak directly to me with concise but uplifting words.I recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with their faith and is looking for support. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Inspirational    2. Inspirational - General    3. Motivational & Inspirational    4. Personal Growth - General    5. Self-Help    6. Spiritual    7. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness    8. Popular psychology    9. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (8)

Exploring Addiction and Recovery From Celebrity Stories
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (2/06)
A compendium of autobiographical accounts of self-help and recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction
The collaborative work of Gary Stromberg & Jane Merrill, The Harder They Fall: Celebrities Tell Their Real-Life Stories Of Addiction And Recovery is a compendium of autobiographical accounts of self-help and recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction told by a range of readily recognized men and women who range from singer and songwriter Paul Williams, to comedian Richard Pryor, to actor Malcom McDowell, to musician Alice Cooper, to U.S. Congressman Jim Ramstad, and sixteen others. All of these stories are revealed with candor, insight, humor, humility, and hope. The Harder They Fall is a unique anthology and should be available to everyone (especially those struggling with their own addictions) in the community through their local public library.
Highly recommended.Beautiful and Courageous stories.
You don't have to be interested in reading celebrity stories to enjoy this book. I highly recommend it. I found the book really hard to put down. Because there are so many great short stories, I was able to get a broad view of the disease's nature.Also, I am very impressed with the honesty and vulnerability of the people who shared their stories.They are very human, beautiful and courageous. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography And Autobiography    2. Celebrities    3. Drug use    4. Personal Memoirs    5. Recovery    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    9. Self-Help / Substance Abuse