Beating Heroin [Paperback]

Neil Beck (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2000

This book was written for heroin sufferers, their families, friends and health carers. Dr Beck uses Buprenorphine, Group Therapy and to a lesser extent Naltrexone ( as he has found that in most cases Buprenorphine is more beneficial ) and other medications where necessary. The most up to date information has been condensed into this book. To name a few, it covers topics as the "Beating Heroin" Program, the Great Buprenorphine Breakthrough, a comparison of detoxification methods, pre-existing underlying factors which can lead to heroin addiction, the commonest cause of substance abuse and addiction, depression/ anxiety/ stress/ insomnia, chemicals and chemically disturbed people, 8 case studies,  narcotic tolerance and deaths following heroin treatments, diet,  E.E.G. Biofeedback, therapy groups in the treatment of heroin addiction, Buprenorphine or Methadone Maintenance as an alternative to detoxification, practical social, psychological and general factors and a summary of the medications which are sometimes used to help beat heroin.    

Editorial Reviews

Review

Beating Heroin is a timely, useful and practical book for all people dependant on heroin, their supporters, doctors and counselors. -- Dr C. J. Carter BSc, MBBS, FRANZCP. Consultant Psychiatrist.

Dr Beck gave me buprenorphine, I have not used illicit narcotics since, I am much calmer and happier, sleeping well. -- K.B. female age 31.

Dr Beck started me on buprenorphine and Epilim right away. I have not needed methadone or illicit narcotics since. -- G.D. male, age 44.

My life has been totally turned around by Rapid Detox, Naltrexone, and the discovery that suffer from Bi-polar Disorder. -- A.J., 31

My life was a nightmare for both me and my family, until Rapid Detox, Naltrexone Maintenance and the ADD diagnosis. -- C.M. 29

From the Publisher

Beating Heroin is a book written by Dr Neil Beck, who treats 60 - 70 drug and alcohol patients each week, the great majority being heroin addicts. He is the owner of The Chemical Health Centre, an outpatient treatment centre for heroin and other drug sufferers. It is a book written for heroin sufferers, their families, friends and health carers. Dr Beck uses Buprenorphine and Group Therapy S.P.E.E.Q.E. detox to treat his patients. It is a far gentler, safer, more economical and less traumatic form of treatment than Rapid Detox. He also uses Naltrexone and other medications where necessary.

In Dr Beck's opinion substance abuse and addiction, are about some people having unusual/disturbed/distressing chemistry which causes these individuals suffering, and disturbed function/performance, sufficient to cause them to seek to relieve their distress, and to change their function/performance, by taking drugs.

In his book he discusses the great Buprenorphine breakthrough. Buprenorphine is a man made narcotic and is the least addictive mid strength narcotic there is. It is also a powerful antagonist (blocker) of the opioid nerve receptors. This means that it provides both moderate narcotic effect and relief, and also strongly blocks craving for and the effects of, other narcotics. Patients can be weaned off it without any difficulty or suffering, unlike methadone which is horrendously difficult and painful to get off. Addicts enthusiastically describe it as being far better than any other method of getting clean that they have tried. They are amazed at how quickly, easily and painlessly it gets them off heroin, morphine and oxycontin. Buprenorphine has been available for treating pain for twenty years in this country.

He also gives information on his clinical impression and the analysis of 121 consecutive cases which indicates that ADD is the commonest cause of substance abuse and addiction amongst his patients. However the commonest clinical conditions found amongst his patients are those of depression/ anxiety/ stress and insomnia; sometimes as the cause and sometimes as the effect of the addiction. 10% suffer from Manic Depressive (Bipolar) Disorder, with or without comorbid ADD.

The team at the Chemical Health Centre includes a psychiatrist who specializes in ADD/ADHD, a psychologist, a social worker and a nurse as well as Dr Beck. The book clearly explains how and why S.P.E.E.Q.E. detox works. It includes 8 case studies and gives a comparison of commonly used detox methods and information about Dr Beck's pioneering method of shared consultations. It also discusses chemicals and chemically disturbed people, narcotic tolerance and deaths following heroin treatments, a simple overview of how we human beings function and some of the ways in which we may malfunction. It includes a comprehensive chemical health record, an ADD diagnostic questionnaire and treatment record for adolescents and adults as well as a comprehensive bundle of strategies for beating heroin addiction. The book is an invaluable resource for anyone trying to understand their own or somebody elses addiction and how it can be treated easily, effectively, safely and economically.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: Dr. Neil Beck (June 1, 2000)
• ISBN-10: 0957798105
• ISBN-13: 978-0957798106
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,627,236 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars heroin addiction book review, May 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Beating Heroin (Paperback)

This book is an invaluable source of information for heroin addicts as well as those who are affected by their addictions. It can offer excellent advice to those who are supporting a recovering addict. It gives the true hard facts about the type of behavior of the drug dealers themselves. It also discusses the emotional aspects of all involved during the recovery process. In short, it is the book to get when you don't have the answers to this serious problem.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hope for the Hopeless, August 31, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Beating Heroin (Paperback)

THE most important book written on heroin addiction (the "Good News" book is what I call it). A MUST read for family, friends, health care providers, rehabilitation centers and others interested in helping the hopeless find hope! Dr. Beck discusses the two missing pieces of the puzzle in helping addicts "beat" heroin addiction. I have read a gazillion books, articles, scoured the internet for three years seeking and searching for answers and this is IT!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wake up America and smell the heroin, September 17, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Beating Heroin (Paperback)

Dr. Beck's book gave me hope for my son. He has been addicted to heroin for 8 months. American psychiatrists need to read this and start a program here. It is needed so badly. Methadone only gives you another addiction to break and opportunity to sell again to support the heroin habit when the cravings kick in. The FDA needs to approve buprenorphine.Buprenorphine along with treating the underlying problems, usually ADD, is the key.The holistic approach is the only way to treat with permanent results. The underlying problems, usually ADD, are brought out in this book. When I read this book everything fell into place and made sense. I am now seeking people that may be able to promote this book and help get clinics open.