The Link Between A.D.D and Addiction: Getting the Help You Deserve [Paperback]

Wendy Richardson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1997

As many as 50% of people with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) use drugs, alcohol, and other addictive behaviors to self-medicate their ADD symptoms. Here's what you need to know to get help or help others in this situation.

Includes:

• self tests
• checklists of symptoms
• practical solutions

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

GET THE HELP YOU DESERVE. It has been estimated that 15 million American suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and that as many as 50 percent of them use alcohol and other drugs to medicate their ADD symptoms. Alcohol and drugs can reduce the symptoms of ADD-short attention span, difficulty in relationships, chaotic energy-allowing those with ADD to focus on tasks and calm their restless bodies and minds. But drugs, alcohol, food, and other addictive behaviors-like spending, working, or gambling-cause numerous problems of their own. The Link Between ADD & Addiction offers both hope and help for those with ADD who find themselves involved in addictive behaviors. Complete with self-tests and checklists to help identify ADD symptoms and addictive behavior, The Link Between ADD & Addiction sensitively addresses the problems and offers insight and practical solutions readers can use to take action to solve their problems and be successful in recovery.

About the Author

Wendy Richardson MA MFT CAS author of The Link Between ADD and Addiction and Getting the Help You Deserve is a licensed marriage family therapist and a certified addiction specialist who has worked in addiction treatment since 1974. She is a nationally recognized expert on ADHD and co-occurring addictions eating disorders and criminal behavior. Wendy also has a private counseling practice in Soquel California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: NavPress (May 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576830047
• ISBN-13: 978-1576830048
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #229,671 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #67 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Disorders & Diseases > Attention Deficit Disorder

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ADD + Drugs = Why?, March 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Link Between A.D.D and Addiction: Getting the Help You Deserve (Paperback)

I read this book while I was in jail for possesion of cocaine with the intent to deliver. Although I had read books previously that alluded to a relationship between ADD type disorders and self medication with various street drugs as well as alcohol and perscripton drugs (whatever one can get be it benzodiazapines, opiates, etc.), this book defines that causal relationship in a very extensively and clinically yet logically and understandable at the same time. The book allowed me to gain insight both in my own use/abuse patterns and the patterns in the people around me. As a veteren coke dealer of ten years (before being caught), I saw a lot of patterns and I can now attribute a great majority of these addictive and compulsive behaviors to underlying clinical problems that can be dealt with on a level that is astigmatic and non-dehumanizing.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars concise, complete explanation of ADD and addiction link, December 20, 1999

By 

Cynthia Hammer - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Link Between A.D.D and Addiction: Getting the Help You Deserve (Paperback)

Wendy has written a clear explanation of what ADD is and how it impacts a person's life. She explains how many people with ADD also have problems with a variety of addictions, and what they can do about it. Wendy has personal insight into both problem areas, as well as extensive professional training, so her writing on these topics has both depth and breadth. The book is written for the lay person, is not over-whelming, and is clear and concise. Anyone who thinks they have both ADD and addictions would greatly benefit from reading this book.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for ADDers, January 18, 2003

By 

Tara McGillicuddy (South Shore, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Link Between A.D.D and Addiction: Getting the Help You Deserve (Paperback)

This is very well written book that connects AD/HD and ADDiction. Not only does it explain both of them it offerrs suggestions on how to deal with AD/HD and ADDiction. The chapter "Feeling your Feelings" is very helpful.