Sex, Drugs, Gambling, & Chocolate : A Workbook for Overcoming Addictions (Paperback)

by A. Thomas Horvath (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
..".intelligent approach...I recommend this book to all professionals interested in innovative and logical steps to enlist the patient's active involvement in treatment and recovery."

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Impact Publishers (December 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886230153
• ISBN-13: 978-1886230156
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,046,602 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

89 of 89 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Will put you back in control of your life, July 26, 1999

By A Customer

This workbook is loaded with practical suggestions and will appeal to anyone who has unsuccessfully sought to overcome a serious addiction or habit using more traditional (i.e. 12 step) treatment approaches. Horvath, whose credentials are extensive and impeccable, leads you step by step through a rethinking process designed to accomplish goals you may have thought impossible. The workbook approach is straighforward and adaptable to a variety of addictive behaviors (over 100 are identified!--you can add your own). The author's warm good humor and tolerance will support you through the tough times. He is there to hold your hand in the darkness and encourage you when you slip. He gives you full credit for your own accomplishments. It's the closest thing to individual therapy you will find in a bookstore (virtual or otherwise). There are many up-to-date references and a useful reading list. Incidentally, the information presented is not hostile towards, or totally incompatible with other approaches to addiction, but is primarily intended for those who want a scientifically proven, rational approach to behavior change.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sex, Drugs, Gambling, & Chocolate, March 28, 2002

By	Cassandra Barnes "Cassandra" (California) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Not everyone is a candidate for 12-step programs like Alcohol Anonymous. Clinical psychologist A. Thomas Horvath provides an alternative to 12-step in Sex, Drugs, Gambling, & Chocolate: A Workbook for Overcoming Addictions. He says "the purpose of this workbook is to draw together ideas and techniques that have been well studied and used in the field of addiction psychology and to present them in one readable workbook."
Dr. Horvath begins with the concept that addiction is a habit, and like other habits, it can be changed. While addiction usually has worse consequences than most habits, and changing it can be extremely difficult, it is still a habit, and it can be changed. He defines addiction as "repeated involvement with anything, despite excessive costs, because of craving." He adds that "an addiction is a type of relationship between an individual and [a] substance or activity." The idea that the person is a victim of the substance or activity is erroneous.
He divides his workbook into chapters on the perceived benefits of addiction, the costs of addiction, understanding and coping with craving, choices, and building a new life. Each chapter has an overview, followed by a detailed discussion of the subject. Then comes questions which help readers connect the information to their personal circumstances. Each chapter also includes two or three simple projects designed to help individuals apply the previous information in their lives. Chapters end with a section titled "What's Important Now?" which give readers an opportunity to record their personal growth.
Horvath is at all times encouraging and supportive, realizing that change comes in small increments. He also keeps his advice very practical and doesn't resort to jargon or "psychobabble." He maintains that we all have choices, and recognizes that people feel resentment when told that they have to overcome addictive behavior. Horvath says "regardless of what anyone else thinks, its up to you what happens with your addiction."
Sex, Drugs, Gambling, & Chocolate is designed for those who are choosing to overcome any addictive behavior and need practical help with achieving their goal. Horvath's workbook is based on taking personal responsiblity for your behavior and does not require total abstinance or turning your life over to a "Higher Power," unless you choose to do so.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There's more than one way to knock a monkey off your back..., October 30, 2003

By	Cricket in the Corner (Virtual North Woods) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sex, Drugs, Gambling & Chocolate: A Workbook for Overcoming Addictions (Paperback)

One of the best things about this workbook is that it lets you decide what degree of change is best for your recovery. Choosing between total abstinence or moderation may not seem like a wise approach if your addictions have your will power out-gunned. But Horvath models his strategies on the idea of harm reduction -- i.e., some improvement is better than none, particularly since taming a major negative fixation usually takes changing many smaller unhealthy behaviors too. He defines addiction as an extreme form of habit, and makes a logical case for conquering it by increasing self-awareness, resolving conflict, substituting positive behaviors, finding support, avoiding temptation, and being persistent. Much of the guidance you'll get in this book will come from you. The work you'll need to do is customized by your responses to questions designed to help you understand how addiction issues affect your life. Projects at the end of each chapter encourage you to try out the ideas you've just read, and the space allotted for your own notes makes this a valuable personal journal of your progress. This is a process you can return to as often as you need to. Additional resources, including a detailed bibliography and a list of support groups, offer an innovative network of help and info. Horvath acknowledges that 12-step programs work for a lot of people. But he doesn't believe they are the ONLY way to overcome addictions. For those who might prefer a more flexible alternative, this one offers an effective, creative range of options.