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BOOKS ABOUT ALCOHOL ABUSE
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What others have said... |
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This is a well-written, seriously scary book that will likely have many readers cringing when they read about the problems alcohol led to for Zailckas. As someone with a young daughter, I found it to be both a cautionary tale and an engrossing memoir. For anyone who has an alcoholic or binge drinker in their family, you'll be able to relate on some level. For me, it was interesting to hear about the experience from the perspective of a young woman.
The author writes lucidly and poetically about her past, showing the effects of her lifestyle without ever trying to invoke pity for anything that happened to her in the past. It makes one wonder how common her story, or at least certain elements of it, are to many young women.
Although the material is often heavy and depressing, this one will keep your attention. A terrific and frightening account.
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I love the fact that this book was written and done so well. This subject is very dear to me - as I am a product of a family of women who suffered from this toxic triangle. The legacy was simply passed down from generation to generation. It was a hard thing to watch - and was a major reason why I chose to be a therapist.
What I love about this book is that it addresses the very issues that many women who suffer from "depression" rarely hear when they go for counseling or read the common depression literature out there. There is usually a combination of abuse - a deadly team of alcohol, food and despair. Not just despair. And they are all interrelated and play off of each other in the most horrible way.
Not one member of my family has yet been able to break free from this bermuda triangle. Its such a waste of time. Months, years, a whole lifetime will go by and you don't know where it went. If this is you - this book will serve as a valuable resource to direct you towards solutions. It's well done. Very thought out and chock full of valuable information. I highly recommend it.
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Sub-titles say what this book provides: How to help someone who doesn't want help! "for families and friends of chemically dependent persons."
Step by step led help to do this necessary but difficult process. Ends with a most useful "intervention scenario" with also the strong admonition to "seek professional aid" when dealing with cases involving mental illness, violence, etc. Short, concise, yet jam full of what you'll need to have prepared for, thought through and rehearsed.
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This book is a must for anyone studing to be a Substancce Abuse Counselor. The author covers everything one would need to know regarding the disease of addiction.
Historical information regarding alcohol and drugs is also provided. Having worked in the field of substance abuse counseling for a number of years, I have noticed that hearing officers for the Secretary of State of Illinois often use this book and quote from it when writing out their decisions on DUI offenders seeking reinstatement of their driving privileges through the formal hearing process. I make sure I keep my copy in my bookshelf for a reference book.
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This is a great book. It gives you the science of alcoholism and what is needed to defeat its hold on an individual. There's a lot of not so useful information about alcoholism out there promising quick cures if only you just . . . . but this book is exceptionally good. If I could give it to each family affected by alcoholism I would. It's for the alcoholic and it's for those amongst family and friends that don't understand--I think many in the medical community could use it. Insurance companies should really have a look. Alcoholism is a nasty, exhausting, baffling disease--this book was my first step in understanding and having some modicum of hope that it doesn't need to be that way with the proper help and treatment. It really helped me separate the disease from the person. |
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Having been a "social" drinker since age 20, my dependency on alcohol crept up on me; not until I realized my relationships were going downhill(friends as well as spouse) did I try to cut back drinking---not very successful so I decided to research my condition. This book was full of inforrmation I needed; I didn't change my diet that drastically but relied on the nutitional supplements which I still take altho not all of them or as many anymore. Not sure I could have done it alone. |
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First, even if you are in AA, this is a must read. This program addresses alcoholism not only from a psychological standpoint, but as a physiological problem that many rehabs and programs don't address adequately. The recommendations in this book have done wonders for my alcohol cravings, and for the first time in my life, I think I may be able to live without this substance that I have come to love and depend on so much. This program gives you the option to drink moderately or be abstinent and certainly does not have a negative view towards AA, which means that I think those of you who are struggling in AA could combine this program with that one and see things improve greatly. There isn't a magic cure, but if you have motivation and follow this program to the tee, I guarantee you will see the results you are hoping for. Good luck! |
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After over 15 years of watching my mother's drinking problem worsen, my family came to the conclusion that there was nothing we could do to help her. We thought, "How can you help someone who doesn't want help or doesn't think there is a problem?" This book very clearly shows you that with the right approach, there is something that you can do to help your loved one get the necessary treatment required to overcome his/her addiction. Bruce Cotter uses a very clear, personal approach that everyone can understand. After reading this book, I felt empowered to help my mother into the treatment program that she desparately needs. |
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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 that drugs/alcohol is a problem for her or him. By presenting treatment options and contracts as her or his "choices," parents and others can also give up the sense of fear that leads to ineffectual efforts to control someone else's drinking or drug use. Once you let go and realize that--just as the teen you care about has a choice (including using)--you have a choice to impose consequences that range from mild to severe. The book is oddly reassuring and direct. A must-read for any parent or friend of a substance using teen. |
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Dr. Tate has written a thoughtful, practical guide for overcoming self-defeating addictive behavior. The book is an easy to read, self-help guide, which focuses on the application of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy for quitting alcohol and drugs now and for good. Dr. Tate explains and shows how to take control of your behavior and emotions--without having to attend meetings for the rest of your life. By recognizing and eliminating the irrational beliefs behind addictive behavior, alcohol/drug-free living becomes a natural way of daily life, not a meeting after meeting challenge to try and remain sober, one-day-at-a-time. Alcohol: How To Give It Up and be Glad You Did, is an exceptional book, which answers many of the questions traditional 12-step programs do not. Required reading for professionals and lay-persons in need of alternatives to largely innefective policies of America's Addiction Treatment Industry. |
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I've been waiting years for this book! As a physician I see many patients with addiction problems, yet I've never had a truly "user-friendly" book to recommend to the average reader. Now I do! This book is easy to read, it's concise, and it covers virtually all the important addiction topics in its well organized 20 chapters. The topics are covered in a sensitive, heart-felt manner while delivering critical information. It is obvious that Shaw, Ritvo, and Irvine know their topic and have empathy for clients and friends plagued by addictions. If you want to feel respected by the authors of the book you read, this is a good book. Even if you're struggling with an addiction, yourself, I can't imagine feeling 'talked down'. As they say, addiction can happen to anyone - no matter how strong or strong-minded. |
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As a long term sober member of AA, I approached this book skeptically thinking is would be just another in the 'bashing' series. But it's not. Fletcher does a very competent job surveying the various means of achieving sobriety. This book is a valauble tool for someone who is struggling with their drinking. It shows that there are a range of options for the person and that they have an opportunity to find which approach works for them.
It is also a strength of SOBER FOR GOOD that Fletcher shows how many people with long-term sobriety have migrated thru various programs thru different phases of their recovery. This would be a good book for one who has been sober for a while, but is feeling the need to expand beyond the limits of what their current program has to offer.
The one drawback in the book is the use of jargon in too many places. For example, use of the term 'master' to describe a person who has achieved sobriety smacks of the guru feeling of many other self-improvement books. A good editor would have made Fletcher find other terminology.
All in all, well worth the $12. I went ahead and bought 5 copies for use with my AA sponsees to let them know that if they don't feel comfortable with the work of the program, then it doesn't mean they're doomed to an early grave.
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It may seem trite to say but this book literally saved my life. After doing tons of research and making many telephone calls, this was the ONLY resource about addiction that covered the topic honestly, compassionately and COMPLETELY. It provided me with the clear, unbiased information I needed about addiction and recovery and helped me make an informed choice about treatment.
It was clear to me from the start that the authors have a very open minded approach, non-judgemental approach to addiction treatment that is unusual and very refreshing. They make it clear that there is no one "correct" way to deal with addiction. Instead they explore the pros and cons of all available treatment methods so that each reader can decide for him or herself, which course of action is appropriate.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who feels that they, a loved one or a friend might have an addiction problem and to anyone who wants honest, up to date information based on scientific research. The authors include many examples of real people (including themselves) which makes this book easy to read and relate to.
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