Willpower's Not Enough: Recovering from Addictions of Every Kind [Paperback]

Arnold M. Washton (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 26, 1990

Many people think that what the addict needs is willpower, but nothing could be further from the truth: When a person has already lost control over a drug or activity, attempts to control its use almost never work. Because the source of addiction isn't the drug or activity itself but a desire for a mood changer, successful recovery means ultimately changing the way we live, giving up the addictive life-style. Willpower's Not Enough will show you how to change your life-style and to recover from your addiction.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Arnold M. Washton, Ph.D., is founder and executive director of Recovery Options (www.recoveryoptions.us), a private addiction treatment practice located in New York City and Princeton, New Jersey. An internationally recognized addiction psychologist and book author, Dr. Washton has developed an directed several well-known substance abuse treatment programs and has served as consultant to professional sports teams, government agencies, and major corporations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks; Reprint edition (September 26, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060919698
• ISBN-13: 978-0060919696
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,088 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #40 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Mental Health > Compulsive Behavior

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

88 of 89 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A deeper perspective on addiction September 27, 2004

By Cassiopea

Format:Paperback

I disagree with the last reviewer. This book offers an unusual, and highly useful, perspective on the causes and treatments of addiction. Typically, the goal of most self-help books on the subject is abstinence from use. The present book considers abstinence only the first step in the life-long process of addiction recovery. The book focuses on addictive behaviors and personality traits, how they originate, why they lead to addiction. It gave me terrific insight into why I can quit smoking, but then relapse after a few months. Highly recommended to any thinking person interested in understanding and recovering from their addiction.

64 of 68 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars It is good book for everyone! February 14, 1999

By Chan Ho Mei

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Even though the book targets the American readers, i found that it is also useful for everyone as long as they are exposed to addictions of all kinds. This book helps me understand more about myself (and the reasons for my addictions) and the other, that now i can learn how to be more compassionate and understanding, not only to myself, but also to the whole human world. It would be a great loss if you miss this book!

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book; negative review below misses the mark February 16, 2005

By This book opened my eyes

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I rarely write reviews of books I've read but had to chime in with the previous reviewer to say that this is a TERRIFIC book for anyone who finds himself/herself ashamed or frustrated by the inability to stop an addiction. It's more than I've gotten from 12-step meetings because it delves into the creation of an addiction from a neuropsychological point of view. That has really helped me recognize what's going on in my head, so I can appreciate the fact that from a physiological point of view, I REALLY AM ADDICTED to some things, and need the group process to fight the battle.