Addiction & Recovery for Dummies [Paperback]

Brian F. Shaw PhD (Author), Paul Ritvo PhD (Author), Jane Irvine D.Phil (Author), M. David Lewis (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 24, 2004

Evaluate medications and treatment programs

Break free from addictive substances or behaviors and get a fresh start

Think you have an addiction? This compassionate guide helps you identify the problem and work towards a healthy, realistic approach to recovery, explaining the latest clinical and self-help treatments for both adults and teens. This book also offers tips on reducing cravings, handling your relationships, and staying well for the long run.

Discover how to
* Identify the reasons for addiction
* Choose the best treatment plan
* Handle slips and relapses
* Detect addictions in a loved one
* Find help and support

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Evaluate medications and treatment programs

Break free from addictive substances or behaviors and get a fresh start

Think you have an addiction? This compassionate guide helps you identify the problem and work towards a healthy, realistic approach to recovery, explaining the latest clinical and self-help treatments for both adults and teens. This book also offers tips on reducing cravings, handling your relationships, and staying well for the long run.

Discover how to

• Identify the reasons for addiction
• Choose the best treatment plan
• Handle slips and relapses
• Detect addictions in a loved one
• Find help and support

About the Author

Brian F. Shaw, PhD, Paul Ritvo, PhD, and Jane Irvine, DPhil, are all university professors with more than 20 years' experience in private consulting.

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (December 24, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764576259
• ISBN-13: 978-0764576256
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #156,930 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Forget the title-This is a really smart book!, February 4, 2005

By 

Esther B. (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Addiction & Recovery for Dummies (Paperback)

The title of this series always turns me off--so formulaic and usually simplistic. But this book is different! The format is simple and the material is presented in the clear, crisp and easily readable style typical of this series but this book is also truly wise, practical and compassionate in its approach. There is up-to-date information on medications, the physiology of addiction, treatments and groups that can offer support to the addicted person and plenty of practical advice for those on the sidelines (family, friends, spouses) who want to help but don't understand the problem. The book makes practical suggestions for treatments/groups that can help, how to deal with relapse cravings and moving forward in life without relying on an ultimately self-destructive habit. I have 30 years of experience as a therapist and this is one of the few selp-help books that I respect. I plan to give it to my clients and to recommend it to colleagues. Buy it---you won't be disappointed!

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great "user-friendly" book!, January 20, 2005

By 

F. Tudiver (East TN, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Addiction & Recovery for Dummies (Paperback)

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.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No Axe To Grind, March 7, 2005

By 

Lewis Engel "Lewis Engel Ph.D." (San Rafael, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Addiction & Recovery for Dummies (Paperback)

Clear readable practical education and guidance on dealing with your or your loved one's addiction. Covers all the most important treatment approaches without moralizing and helps you choose what is most helpful or appropriate to your situation. I have already recommended to two patients who both found it tremendously helpful.