Customer Reviews

Stop Me Because I Can't Stop Myself : Taking Control of Impulsive Behavior

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

 

 

I have been searching for help my entire life. Having had lifelong problems with impulse control I have problems with relationships and even trouble with authorities occaisionally. No one would take me seriously labling me as weak or of low moral character. Having heard Dr Grant on television and radio speaking wih such empathy for Winona Ryder I new he could help me. I bought his book the instant it came out. I was imediately able to apply his techniques to my own life. I really feel I have taken control of my life for the first time. The book is so well written, full of keen insight and examples drawn from Dr Grant's clinical practice. It is about time someone took my problems seriously.

An excellent examination of a poorly understood disorder. Few of us are able to distinguish between compulsive behavior and criminal acts. However, Dr.s Grant and Kim clearly show that people who suffer from compulsive urges are struggling with behavior they cannot control. This book is a comprehensive review of every aspect of the compulsive behaviors associated with uncontrollable urges to gamble, shop, steal, and have sex. Both those suffering from uncontrollable urges and their family and friends will benefit from the authors explanations of how to identify a compulsive disorder, possible causes and treatments, and resources for finding help. This was the first book I've found that focuses on the patient's own stories. Throughout the book I was struck by the authors' deep compassion for their patients and join their call to all doctors to familiarize themselves with the characteristics and current treatments for compulsive disorders. Just as many people have benefitted from the treatments described in this book, I am hopeful that a friend of mine will also regain health and happiness by reading this book. It may even save her life. This study also has important implications for the examination of other compulsive disorders and how we may be able to help many others take back control of their lives.

Every year I read a few books which I would consider life changing and this is one of them. Impulse control disorders have been around for a long time but they are still difficult to treat. A patient may have to go on several medications before the right one is discovered. If you or someone you love has problems with gambling, compulsive shopping, kleptomania (stealing) or compulsive sexual behavior this book may offer hope and a real solution to these problems.

To be honest, I bought this book because I'm on a low-carb diet and I thought it might have some solutions for carb cravings. I wanted the magic formula to appear and solve my current issues with dieting. I seem to do well for a week and then I give in to a carb craving which then sets me back a few days and makes me lose less weight. While this book does not really discuss dieting I think it should.

I did find the sections on compulsive shopping to be very interesting because I used to have a problem that was solved by cutting up my credit cards. For me the solution was simple and I was able to stop, but for some people the urge to shop is overwhelming. They must shop daily. I'll admit there is a certain high that goes with charging stuff on a credit card. The problem is paying off that card or maybe two or three cards if not more. Some of the people featured in this book were overwhelmed by credit card debt and felt guilty and out of control. Thankfully there are some solutions that work. This book explains what medications work for each particular problem.

The problem with many of these impulse control disorders is that people start to feel helpless to control themselves and end up trying to kill themselves. Reading this book gave me a complete sense of compassion for anyone struggling with these disorders. It is quite possible that you know someone who has one of the disorders discussed in this book. I personally know someone who has trouble with gambling and so I'm going to send them this book immediately! When you spend almost your entire paycheck on gambling something is definitely amiss. A lot of people discussed in this book ruined their marriages and lost all their friends because of gambling.

So dealing with an impulse control disorder is a real challenge and finally there is a book that describes exactly what someone goes through on a daily basis. I'd highly recommend this book to everyone interested in psychology. This should be required reading for family physicians, psychologists, counselors, social workers and psychiatrists. If you or someone you love is struggling with an impulse control disorder I'd highly recommend this book! There is hope and there are many solutions. Reading this book could save your life or the life of someone you love.

~ The Rebecca Review

I like the format, the information, it's an easy read- what I don't like is there seems to be no hope for this behavior other than medication and therapy. I was hoping for more- like natural remedies, diet change, any thing other than a prescription. Ah, well, the search goes on.