Reviews (2)

A Must-Needed Addition to the FIeld
As all substance abuse counselors know, the clients present not just with one but with mutiple diagnoses and problems. Yet often practitioners are not trained to deal with more than one. For this reason, Dual Diagnosis will be extremely useful to practitioners and to the training of practitioners.This highly readable book is concise, full of first hand clinical illustrations and provides the information on the major mental disorders that students need to have.Don't teach or do assessments until you have read this book!

A Must Read!
Here is the book we in the treatment field have all been waiting for--the facts and guidelines for working with people with coexisting mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Each of the basic psychiatric disorders is described separately; interventions are geared to each disorder according to the client's stage of motivation. Very concise. An amazing feat! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dual diagnosis    2. Mental Illness    3. Psychology    4. Psychopathology - Addiction    5. Psychotherapy - General    6. Clinical psychology    7. Counselling    8. Drug addiction & substance abuse    9. Psychiatry    10. Social Science / Social Work   

Reviews (4)

Good Book
Ethics is the most important aspect of the profession of addiction treatment.there are many out there that are harming their clients due to not practicing ethically.This book provides a framework for ethics of the field, however you must always continue to treat each client and situation in an individual and creative manner.Aspire to be the best and most ethical in all areas of your practice and you will be rewarded immensely.Recommended as an introduction to ethics.

Ethics For Addiction Professionals-Second Edition
I think that this is an excellent book that helps to provide the necessary guidance to an addiction professional. It would be great, if perhaps, there could be a workshop created by these individuals. I am recommending that a workshop be developed within my agency, and I will be using this book as my primary resource.

Served its purpose!
I needed this book for a class. The book served its purpose. Although it is a bit out of date the info continues to be relevant. Got an A in the class! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism counselors    2. Allied health personnel    3. Drug And Alcohol Abuse Treatment    4. Drug abuse counselors    5. Ethics    6. Professional Ethics    7. Psychology    8. Psychology & Psychiatry Profession - Ethics    9. Psychopathology - Addiction    10. United States    11. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (1)

Must have for comprehensive learning experience!
I teach addiction studies at a local university and find this book a great reference and hope to adopt it for one of my classes. It provides a great overview of the addiction treatment field without being too wordy or lost in theory. This is a well-written book which encourages the learner where many books are discouraging! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Counseling of    2. Drug abuse counseling    3. Drug addicts    4. Neurology - General    5. Patients    6. Psychology    7. Psychopathology - Addiction    8. Psychotherapy - Counseling    9. Substance abuse    10. Counselling    11. Drug addiction & substance abuse    12. Psychology & Psychiatry / Addictions   

Reviews (42)

A blessing of a book!
This is an excellent book that is full of practical suggestions on how to live a happier and healthier life! It delves deep into the causes of of our problems and how we can correct these problems from its source. I found this book quite easy to understand, the suggestions were reasonable and convincing, and most of all I can feel the positive effects of all of this even today. Another book that delves even deeper into these issues and allows us to see an even bigger picture of all of this is, 'The Ever-Transcending Spirit' by Toru Sato. It is also easy to understand and even more insightful! They are both necessary readings for a healthier and happier life.
A blessing of a book!
This is an excellent book that is full of practical suggestions on how to live a happier and healthier life! It delves deep into the causes of of our problems and how we can correct these problems from its source. I found this book quite easy to understand, the suggestions were reasonable and convincing, and most of all I can feel the positive effects of all of this even today.
The Pathway -
I hav'nt finished reading the above book - but to this point I am finding it to be very well written, interesting, and easy to read.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Personal Growth - General    3. Self-Help    4. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    5. Self-Help / General   

Subjects:  1. Drug Abuse    2. Drug abuse in literature    3. Drugs of abuse    4. General    5. History    6. Popular Culture - General    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Sociology - General    10. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    11. Social Science / Popular Culture   

Reviews (4)

Recovery as well as life is only one day
I don't think we as human beings actually recognize the power of daily reading, meditation, and reflecting.Practicing these powerful principles allows us to remain mindful of the moment and reflect upon the deeper question in our lives.To devote ourself to a daily meditation and to journal on these quiet times is priceless and will certainly aid in the evolution of our soul.For me this practice has allowed an awakening to take place and opens my life up to all the opportunities that are available in this universe.Please give this practice a try!This book will help you in your journey of living and cultivating an active consciousness in your daily life.
Meditations for Recovering Addicts
This book was received promptly and in good condition.Thank you.

A Day at A Time
As a person in recovery "Day by Day: Daily Meditations for Recovering Addicts" is a real guide to the sick& suffering addict looking for a new way to live. I know this book would enhance the lives of addicts, because of the rich embodiment of the spiritual soul on a journey to a new way of life. Read 7 enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Devotional calendars    2. English    3. Meditation    4. Prayer-books and devotions    5. Recovering addicts    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    9. Marriage, family & other relationships    10. Popular psychology    11. Self-Help & Practical Interests    12. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (3)

Can't be done better or easier.
This book makes the difficult task of treatment planning easy. I don't have to struggle anymore.

i didn't read the book
While helpful to some, standardized treatment planning tends to limit the responsiveness of the patient

Saves tons of time
I'd rather help my patients than fight with managed care companies about the OTR's.This little book not only gave me a few new ideas about treatment techniques, but saved me tons of time in preparing treamtneplans. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects)    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Planning    4. Practice Management    5. Psychology    6. Psychopathology - Addiction    7. Psychopathology - Eating Disorders    8. Psychotherapy - General    9. Substance abuse    10. Treatment    11. Alcoholism    12. Drug addiction & substance abuse    13. Medical toxicology    14. Psychiatry   

Reviews (2)

A Preachy Repackaging of 12 Step Recovery
As a director of an outpatient chemical dependency program, I came across this book in my professional life. While the book is well intentioned and covers a wide range of topics about addiction and recovery, I was ultimately quite disappointed in it's presentation. The content is clearly a repackaging of 12 Step (e.g.: Alcoholics Anonyomous) concepts such as acceptance of powerlessness, etc. While this is not by itself a bad thing, the author incessantly uses commanding language beginning with "We need to ..."that many readers, I anticipate, will experience as preaching and condescending. (Implicitly telling the reader: "You need to!") The author places a heavy emphasis on labeling ("alcoholic", "addict") and de-emphasizes a person's ability to be their own agent of change; both contrary to scientific principles about what is effectively in achieving change. Some chapters contain exercises that invite reader participation but the exercises are not well developed and seem secondary to the overall lecturing tone of the material. Those interested in 12 Step recovery might do better to go to the primary sources (AA, NA). Others might seek out material from sources such as Smart Recovery.

A must read for anyone who wants to stop using!
A great book for anyone who is struggling to stop using alcohol and/or drugs.If you want to stop and keep failing, read this book.It will give you the information you need to be successful.It hasthe answers to yourquestions.As someone who works with people who are early in recovery, Isee them struggle with the basics.This book gives you information youwon't get in a treatment center.I highly recommend it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism    3. Drug abuse    4. Prevention    5. Rehabilitation    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    9. United States    10. Drug addiction & substance abuse    11. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    12. Popular psychology    13. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Subjects:  1. Compulsive gambling    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Mental Illness    4. Psychology    5. Psychopathology - Addiction    6. Psychotherapy    7. Psychotherapy - Counseling    8. Psychotherapy - Couples & Family    9. Social Deviance    10. Treatment    11. Clinical psychology    12. Gambling addiction    13. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology   

Reviews (7)

"Addictions A Banquet in the Grave" - a Reading Feast
This book is not only a must read for alcoholics and drug addicts, but for anyone who has been, or thinks they can't become, seduced by sin. This book is for everyone because at one time or another we all take small steps of spiritual casualness or indifference that can lead to lack of sensivity to right or wrong, which can lead to all kinds of addictions.
Practical and empathetic
Welch's treatment of addictions is both Biblical and empathetic He recognizes that sin can also be bondage. Though he does not buy into the modern idea of addiction as a "disease" (and he makes very good arguments on that subject), he is not harsh or judgmental. He speaks credibly, using many examples, though they focus primarily on alcohol and drugs, and much less on other major addictions like eating disorders, sex, gambling, or Internet chat.
Great insight
This is a great book that shows addiction from a Christian standpoint. Welch does not hold back as he often makes it very clear that Christians are not doing enough and shows when secular practices are doing what the Bible says to do even when churches and Christians are not.As a counselor who works in a drug recovery program in Houston, Texas, I am finding this book very helpful.Even if you are not a Christian, I encourage you to read this book - Welch's insight on how beliefs affect our actions and how to confront addicts in love will likely benefit you, and he will definitely leave you with something to think about. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Addicts    2. Alcoholics    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Inspirational - Protestant Self Help    5. Religion    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Religious life    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General   

Reviews (4)

The Best Daily Meditation Book I've Found
In recovery many of us have moved from the "24 Hour a Day Book" to "Daily Meditations" and then perhaps to "A Day at a Time". In my 21 years recovery I've probably had close to a dozen different meditation books. All have had some key points and keep one moving along spiritually.
In God's Care : Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery (Hazelden Meditation Series)
Beautiful meditations for those in recovery...simple and direct. A welcome addition to my morning quiet time. I'm blessed to have been guided to this book.

What this book has meant to me
I read this book every day, and plan to read it every day for the rest of my life. The book contains an insightful quote and a spiritual message for each day of the year. Whether you have a traditional belief in God or avague understanding of some Higer Power this book will help you focus onthe things that make life worthwhile. Each day you are reminded of thethings which help to foster peace, love, and understanding and also ofthose things which will distract us from our goals. I came here to buy thisbook for all the people I care about, in and out of recovery because Ithink that it is such a valuable way of staying in touch with the thingsthat are really important. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Meditation    2. Self-Help    3. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    4. Christian prayerbooks    5. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Editorial Review

"I loved my mom very much. I also hated her." The confusion and pain experienced by daughters of alcoholic mothers remains a somewhat taboo subject, but is thoroughly explored in this fascinating and inspiring book by Eleanor Agnew and Sharon Robideaux. The two authors come from entirely different backgrounds: one is the daughter of an educated East Coast professional family; the other, from a family of poverty-stricken, uneducated Southerners. What they have in common is their childhood with alcoholic mothers, their consequent suffering of mental and physical abuse, and their struggle with the need to protect, keep secrets, and survive.Agnew and Robideaux gathered the stories in Read more

Reviews (13)

The best book I have found
As an adult daughter of an alcoholic mother, I have read several ACoA books but never really found anything that spoke to me like My Mama's Waltz did. I was amazed at how many issues stem from growing up with an alcoholic mother. It was so comforting to read others' experiences and know that I'm not crazy and other women are going thru the same things. This book is a gem and I have recommended it to my three sisters and a girlfriend. So far, everyone has loved it as much as I did. If you are an adult daughter of an alcoholic mother you have to read this book!!!

Healing words
I have not even finished this book yet, but already I feel like I'm healing. My mother was an alcoholic (now dry), her mother was an alcoholic, and I used to drink heavily myself. It's shedding light on some of my tendencies (trying to bend over backwards to please everyone, feeling abandoned by my mom at times, and so on). It also explains to me some of her behaviors and why she has anger lingering in her life and how it affects her still. Very insightful.

Excellent
My mother was not an alcoholic, but her mother was. I helped me to understand my mother so much better and how being raised by an alcoholic effected her life. As a person in recovery 7 yrs and now a mom, this book solidified my sobriety to see what a burden an alcoholic mother can be to a child. Thank You. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Children Of Alcoholics    2. Clinical Psychology    3. General    4. Mothers and daughters    5. Psychology    6. Recovery    7. Self-Help    8. Sociology Of Women    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    10. Agnew, Eleanor    11. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    12. Fiction / General    13. Robideaux, Sharon   

Reviews (1)

Helpful
Put in precise wording, this book outlines exactly what the consequences would be if a person relapses into drug use.It also tells the steps to take to overcome falling back into old patterns.It is helpful not only to one who uses(or used)drugs but also to family members who have been involved with a user.I highly recommend this quick read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drug addicts    2. Narcotics Anonymous    3. Rehabilitation    4. Self-Help    5. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    6. United States    7. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Editorial Review

It may be time for a closer look at some of our assumptions about addiction. Between the predominance of 12-step programs and incorrect information issued by the press, thousands of people are getting misinformation instead of the help they need. Lance Dodes, in his book Read more

Reviews (16)

i liked it...
I've been sober for 5 years thanks in part to AA, however, while this is good, i still switched my addiction to other harmful activities (gambling). Why, I wondered, could I seem to repress one addiction and another pops up in its place. Ridiculous, who am I fooling, I thought? I need something more.
extremely helpful
I consider this book a must-read for anybody involved in this instant-gratification society.I abused alcohol in my 20s to the point of 100 beers a week, plus booze.A few years ago I kicked it by myself - no books, no meetings, no AA.Doctors told me it would be impossible to do without AA.I could never walk into a bar again.Well I do go to bars - for association, occasional fried, greasy food, and to shoot darts.I drink Pepsi.I guess it's just easy for me.When I found and read this book I was astonished how I felt exactly as the author did.Maybe AA works for some people but I find it to be a cult I wish to have nothing to do with.I simply don't agree that people must admit being powerless over their addiction.Why hand your power over to intangible gobbledegook?Dodes is to be commended for his research and well-written prose that can be understood by anyone from 16-96.

New Approach
This book will for sure give you a new view on addiction, whether you suffer with one or not. It's all about the human-ness of addiction. Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? Are all answered in an easy to follow way, with many different examples of what Dodes is talking about. This is a well-written book on a much-needed view of this problem, and what to do about it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism    2. Controlled drinking    3. General    4. Self-Help    5. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    6. Substance abuse    7. Treatment    8. Addiction & therapy    9. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    10. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (2)

A great book
I recently purchased this book in order to understand the complexity of behavior of certain people. Often times, health professionals make a mistake of targeting only one causative aspect of the problem while either ignoring or not recognizing the other. Ignorance of many psychologists and psychiatrists about dual disorders is due to the rarity of this problem. This book is a must read for both mental health providers and their patients. I also believe that many others will benefit from this book even those who do not show underlying symptoms of this disorder. This book helped me understand the reasons as to why some people seems as if they are not making any effort when they actually are. Excellent reading
This book explores the ways in which family members can understand dual diagnosis. It is helpful for the parent who struggles with kids that have really two troubles (addiction and other mental disorders). Dr. Ortman is concise and offers case studies to explore this issue. I would recommend the book to anyone who is struggling themselves with dual diagnosis or has a loved one who suffers from addiction as well as mental illness.It is easy to read even for a lay person and offers helpful ideas for anyone interested in this issue. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects)    2. Dual diagnosis    3. Health/Fitness    4. Mental Disorders    5. Reference    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    9. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    10. Health & Fitness / Reference    11. Popular medicine    12. Psychiatry    13. Rehabilitation   

Subjects:  1. Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry)    2. Dual diagnosis    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Medical    5. Mental Disorders    6. Mental Health    7. Mental Illness    8. Psychology    9. Psychopathology - Addiction    10. Psychotherapy - General    11. therapy    12. Mental health services   

Subjects:  1. Psychology    2. Psychopathology - Addiction    3. Rehabilitation Therapy    4. Behavioural theory (Behaviourism)    5. Psychology & Psychiatry / Addictions   

Reviews (2)

THIS IS A MUCH NEEDED BOOK...
WHEN I READ THIS BOOK, I SAW MY FRIEND TIFFANY ALL OVER IT.SHE CREATES CONFRONTATIONS AND THEN WITHDRAWS.I THINK SHE NEEDS TO READ HIS OTHER BOOKS.I REALLY CARE FOR HER, SO I HOPE SHE DOESN'T TAKE IT PERSONAL THAT SHE CAN BE CRAZY AND STUBBORN AS AN OLD MULE.I THINK I READ A SENTENCE ORTWO ABOUT MYSELF ALSO.

Best yet
The style of this book surpasses anything that Mr. Bradshaw has written.In other words, although his other books are nice, his writing style is not fluent.He must have had help perhaps, but this one flows fluently.Thequality of the material is earth shattering.Very few books have I readfrom cover to cover within a week and this one I did.This is something Ican go over and over. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Emotions    2. Love    3. Motivational & Inspirational    4. Recovery    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    7. Psychology    8. Self-Help / Motivational   

Reviews (9)

excellent
Besides going to alanon, this is an excellent starting point to validate and identify your problems with an alcoholic. Also buy Jeff Jay's LOVE FIRST--on how to do an intervention.I bought both of these books for myself and my friends so they would understand what I was going through (friends give you all the wrong advice until they really understand)and help me with the intervention--which WORKED!!! Don't be afraid to tell people. You are hurting yourself and your children by keeping secrets.Believe me, my 6 year old knew way more than i could have imagined when I started being honest with her--I was shocked--sometimes it seemed like she understood more than I did). To my shock--My husband went into a 28 day detox/alcohol rehab program after I did the intervention---it MUST be done RIGHT to work!Even the interventionist said he was a really tough case.These 2 books did the trick (I read many other books that did not "speak to me" the way these 2 books did. After 2-3 years of research online and in books--these are the 2 books that worked for me and my husband.After his 28 days treatment he refused a sober house (which was a mistake--it would have been better if he was recovering away from me and my daughter for OUR sake not his).In a sober house, the newly sober alcoholic can still go to work, see family, etc--he just lives in the sober house for support and checks and balances). So, After the 28 days, he has now been in outpatient rehab for 2 months.A very slow, emotional time for the family, but at least he is abstaining from alcohol.They tell me it takes 4-6 months for their heads to clear and really start a true recovery. THUS, I cannot stress enough that AFTER treatment the follow up is almost as tough. You must get your WHOLE family into recovery/treatment--the best thing is to insist that you alcoholic spouse/friend/dad/eic. go to outpatient rehab after inpatient rehab (even better, to a sober house first after inpatient treatment) and then the family and significant other should be in any and all programs available at the out patient tratment.That is when you realize that YOU need to help YOURSELVES and stop worrying about the alcoholic.PLEASE, go to ALANON as well and read these books. Also look at books on co-dependency to help you and your children get a life.The books by Beatty (I forgot her first name)on co-dependent 12 steps are excellent too. ESPECIALLY if you have kids involved.

A good place to start...
This book is a good place to start when you realize there need to be changes in your life -- especially when you are married to an alcohol abuser.While not everything in the book was tailored to my situation, I found the information to be helpful and insightful.The style of writing is a bit casual, but I think that is purposeful to keep the reader involved.I plan to purchase the books about adult children of alcoholics by the same author.

better answer than this horrible solution is available
I understand that it's not easy to leave your spouse-- even when you can't find him anymore under all that alcohol.However, if the environment is entirely sick and you have children involved, how can you justify staying?This book IS helpful if that's your decision, but the truth is, you'd be better off thinking about holding an intervention and help the person.They don't have to hit bottom and you don't have to settle for a life loneliness and sadness and disappointment.Drunks are irrational, illogical, and can be MEAN.If you are in a relationship with someone exhibiting these characteristics secondary to alcohol abuse, why would you stay indefinitely?
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Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism    3. Family relationships    4. Psychological aspects    5. Recovery    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    8. United States    9. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    10. Self-Help / Alcoholism   

Reviews (8)

True zen!
As a "recovering alcoholic", I have had MUCH trouble within and without the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous when people find out that I am a Buddhist skeptic who does not believe in the idea of a deity called "god".As a practicioner of Zen, I am pleased to see that Mr. Ash has a solid grip of the "Zen of recovery".
This is a fantastic book
As a person with an addictive nature I cannot speak highly enough about this book - it is lovely! I want to buy copies for everyone I know - whether they are in recovery or not. As for the review saying, "any zen book can give you principles to quit drinking..."I don't think the purpose of this book was to stop ppl from drinking, but rather: to accompany ppl who may already struggle w/ a higher power w/in the twelve steps. I suspect that most ppl reconnect with themselves AFTER moving into the program and encounter obstacles along the way. For me, this book acts as a liason between the twelve steps and my internal obstacles.
Intelligent & Insightful
Mel Ash, using Zen as the spiritual component, adapts the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and zens it up. It's easy to swallow for me because the emphasis is not singularly recovery from alcoholism but also eating disorders, narcotic addiction, etc. The reading is gentle and doesn't underestimate or devalue the audience with sterile language. It gets awfully real world and how we can intermingle our recovery into our lives, which is what I wanted when I entered into recovery.
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Subjects:  1. Adult children of dysfunctiona    2. Adult children of dysfunctional families    3. Codependency    4. Religious aspects    5. Religious life    6. Self-Help    7. Spiritual    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    9. Twelve-step programs    10. Zen Buddhism    11. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    12. Self-Help / General