Synopses & Reviews
A sympathetic, practical guide for anyone with an alcohol, substance abuse, or other addictive problem
An estimated 20 million Americans are currently addicted to alcohol or drugs, and nearly 1.9 million people are admitted to publicly funded substance abuse treatment programs every year. In this compassionate guide, three psychologists explain what addiction is, what substances and activities can be addictive, how people can determine if they have a problem, and how to get help. They offer an overview of various treatment approaches and philosophies such as 12-step programs, discuss the pros and cons of in-patient and out-patient treatment, and deliver the lowdown on medications to reduce cravings, support groups, and other ways to help the recovery process succeed.
Brian F. Shaw, PhD, Paul Ritvo, PhD, and Jane Irvine, DPhil (Toronto, ON, Canada), are all psychologists in private practice with more than 20 years of experience. Shaw teaches at the University of Toronto; Ritvo and Irvine teach at York University.
Synopsis
Evaluate medications and treatment programs
Break free from addictive substances or behaviors and get a fresh start
Think you have an addiction? This compassionate guide helps you identify the problem and work towards a healthy, realistic approach to recovery, explaining the latest clinical and self-help treatments for both adults and teens. This book also offers tips on reducing cravings, handling your relationships, and staying well for the long run.
Discover how to
- Identify the reasons for addiction
- Choose the best treatment plan
- Handle slips and relapses
- Detect addictions in a loved one
- Find help and support
Synopsis
Evaluate medications and treatment programs
Break free from addictive substances or behaviors and get a fresh start
Think you have an addiction? This compassionate guide helps you identify the problem and work towards a healthy, realistic approach to recovery, explaining the latest clinical and self-help treatments for both adults and teens. This book also offers tips on reducing cravings, handling your relationships, and staying well for the long run.
Discover how to Identify the reasons for addiction Choose the best treatment plan Handle slips and relapses Detect addictions in a loved one Find help and support
About the Author
Brian F. Shaw, PhD, Paul Ritvo, PhD, and Jane Irvine, DPhil, are all university professors with more than 20 years' experience in private consulting.
Table of Contents
Foreword.
Introduction.
Part I: The Hole in the Heart: Detecting Addiction.
Chapter 1: Addiction: What Is It?
Chapter 2: Substance Use, Substance Abuse, and Addiction.
Chapter 3: Behavioral Addictions: Addictions Without Substances.
Chapter 4: Dancing with the Tiger: The Risks of Experimenting.
Part II: Taking Those First Steps.
Chapter 5: Recognizing Addiction in Yourself and Others.
Chapter 6: Assessing Your Readiness: Do You Need Help Now?
Chapter 7: Quitting: Easy to Say, Hard to Do.
Part III: Examining Treatment Approaches.
Chapter 8: Treatment Choices.
Chapter 9: Reviewing Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Options.
Chapter 10: Treating Physical Dependence.
Chapter 11: Twelve-Step Programs.
Chapter 12: Joining Self-Help and Support Groups.
Chapter 13: Alternative Treatments.
Chapter 14: Teen Treatment.
Part IV: Life in Recovery.
Chapter 15: Overcoming Barriers to Recovery.
Chapter 16: Handling Slips and Relapse.
Chapter 17: Handling Work and Family During Recovery.
Chapter 18: For Families and Friends: Ways to Make a Difference.
Part V: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Help a Friend or Loved One.
Chapter 20: More Than Ten Self-Help Resources.
Index.