Customer Reviews

Addiction & Recovery for Dummies

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

Although "Dummy" books are generally of high calibre, Addiction and Recovery for Dummies is outstanding. As a professional who has studied the issues for 40 years, I found very little to argue with and I learned a very great deal about the subject from this scholarly, clinically insightful and caring presentation.

The authors obviously both know their technical "stuff" and are clearly heartfelt and dedicated to helping people who are stuck with the misery of addiction and those caring people in their social worlds.

I recommend this book for addicted people, for their friends and families, and for professionals who would like to clarify, organize and deepen their understanding of how to work with suffering people.

I can't recommend this book too highly. I have been working in this field for years and have searched for a book that would not turn off people struggling to come to terms with addictive problems. This book is easy to read, concise and presented in a manner that invites the reader to stay with the material. In addition to giving great information on the biology of addiction, it is full of excellent suggestions on how to practically go about attacking the problem. And it is optomistic! So important when someone feels overwhelmed by the problem and has struggled, often unsuccessfully, to change behaviors that are self-defeating. I would also advise relatives and friends of addictive persons to use this book to help them cope better with this issue and to find hope.

This is a wonderful book, compassionate and full of important information that is presented in an objective, clear manner. Anyone struggling with this problem, either personally or because a loved one is addicted could benefit mightily from reading it. This is the book I would choose as a first step in getting someone to think honestly about the challenge of overcoming addiction and finding the path to recovery. The authors are clearly very knowledgable and have laid out all the latest research in the field in a way that is engaging and enlightening. I gave it to a friend who has thanked me over and over again for being both honest and helpful.

I am a professional in the Substance Abuse field, there are ALLOT of crap
books out there...

This one is simple and to the point...

JUST BUY IT...

This is a wonderful book, it explains all you need to know about
addictions, addiction types, dual diagnosis being whether the
person has a mental illness that is contributing to the addiction.
Recovery groups,rehab and alternative treatments.
How to handle relapses,checking into genetics and the triggers.
It covers addictions such as alcohol,gambling,substance use and abuse and more. I found this to be very educational and recommend it for anyone who likes to learn in small amounts at a time, an
easy read.

i skimmed this book at the bookstore one night and it has a lot of websites and resources that i was not aware of. it has helped in my career as a substance abuse counselor.

I am medical doctor,but not an expert in addiction.With this book ,I could
understand some issues about addiction and help one member of my family.
I recomend purchase this book if you have problems with addiction or know a friend or a member of your family with this problem.