Love First: A New Approach to Intervention for Alcoholism and Drug Addiction (A Hazelden Guidebook) (Hezelden Guidebook) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Debra Jay (Author) "I don't know much about this problem, but one thing I know is that you can't help an alcoholic until he's ready for help..." (more)
Key Phrases: innocent enabling, intervention letters, professional interventionist, Alcoholics Anonymous, Twelve Step, Narcotics Anonymous (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Building a team, choosing a chairperson, anticipating objections, using checklists, and rehearsing for the intervention itself. The reader will find it all here!' - Robert M. Morse, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry Emeritus, Mayo Medical School

'The most comprehensive book available on the technique of intervention, Love First will save lives!' - Kathy Ketcham, coauthor, Beyond the Influence and The Spirituality of Imperfection

'A landmark book that gives families life-saving tools to help get a loved one into recovery. Bravo!' - Jim Ramstad, United States Congressional Representative

'A no-nonsense approach to how to save someone you love from the ravages of addiction disease.'  - William Cope Moyers, author of Broken

 'A significant contribution to intervention literature, and an empowering antidote to the disease of addiction.'  - William I. White, author of Slaying the Dragon: The History of Addiction Treatment

'I am truly excited about the book Love First. Families and loved ones who read this look at intervention will find the keys to begin the process of recovery. ' - John T. Schwarzlose, President, Betty Ford Center

'A convincing new approach to intervention that puts love and respect first.' - Jack Canfield, coauthor, Chicken Soup for the Soul series

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Description

A straightforward, simple and practical resource written specifically for families seeking to help a loved one struggling with substance addiction. Jeff and Debra Jay dispel two all-to-common and damaging beliefs: Addicts, they say, don't have to hit bottom before they can get help and get sober, and second, interventions don't have to be confrontational-hence their emphasis on a love first approach.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Hazelden (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568385218
• ISBN-13: 978-1568385211
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #136,177 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

97 of 98 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best single source for friends and family of addicted, December 30, 2001

By A Customer

I've read several books and online materials about substance abuse and how to help someone out of addiction. This book is the most comprehensive, considerate, simple, and useful source for friends or family members. It is more complete and helpful than the better-known cornerstone works from the Betty Ford Clinic and Dr. Vernon Johnson. Not only is the text full of information, but the charts offered at the end to help organize an intervention are most user-friendly and designed to give you a thoughtful helping hand. This one is the best investment.

54 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best I've read on this subject, May 23, 2001

By A Customer

Whether you are a family member, a friend or a professional counsellor, this book is a "must-read" for anyone dealing with alcoholism or drug addiction. It may be painful to read, but it's so true. I am purchasing copies to share with friends. I need their support.

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love First, a way to enter the path to recovery, August 6, 2004

By	Kevin Killian (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

People who are addicted to alcohol fall into one of three categories, according to the Jays: those who know it and want help (whether consciously or unconsciously), those who don't believe it's true of themselves, even though they may be the first to spot alcoholism in others, or attribute it to them; and the third, slightly smaller group that wavers between the first two, sometimes convicted and guilty, sometimes defiant. To all three of these groups the Jays, a pair of strong advocates for recovery, urge us to love them first.

I have seen my share of alcoholics who have finally seen the light and attempted sobriety, and it is very striking how what we read here (that you don't have to "hit bottom" to want to be helped) is often seen in life but seldom seen in the literature. It's always drama, drama, drama and "Days of Wine and Roses" in other recovery literature. Thus LOVE FIRST is a rather genteel approach to recovery, but I'm sure it will have an impact all across America, wherever people are honestly trying to change their ways. And, in addition, this book and the program of the Jays will bring solace to suffering families of all ages, right through the generations.