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bootman's review against another edition
5.0
When I was about two years clean, I was losing my mind and about ready to relapse. After getting sober in 12-step programs, I couldn’t understand why I was “different” and needed answers. So, I looked up books on the science of addiction, and just happened to stumble across this book, and it may have saved my life. This book educated me about the causes of addiction that include biology, psychology, and environment, and it also goes through just about every form of treatment and intervention strategy you can imagine. The book is from 2014, and we’re constantly learning more about effective addiction treatment methods as well as the science of addiction, but I really think that this book is a great place to start if you want an amazing book on this topic.
bookishadvocate's review against another edition
4.0
Great read, but I have one issue.
I'm an addict, 5 years clean this month. I read this book because I want to be a voice for other addicts. I live in Southwest Florida, and they don't take kindly to us down here. Things need to change, and I'm ready to make that happen.
This book is exactly what I needed to read when I started doing drugs at 13. It's a shame everyone doesn't view addicts like this David. He offers some excellent insight into our disease, and I learned a lot. However, I disagree with his stance on cannabis.
I never went to treatment. I was given an intervention once a few years in, but it never lead to it. I was forced to go to one NA meeting by my roommate and good friend, but I was high when I went and never returned. There's more to this story but I'll get to the point.
I didn't care about cannabis growing up, ecstasy was my gateway drug. I believed the hype about cannabis being the worst thing in the world. I smoked here and there but it was never my thing, until my husband came along. He opened my eyes to the truth.
This plant saved my life, along with a lot of love. I agree with the author that we need more research, but we also need to research cannabis FOR addiction. It gives me what the drugs gave me without ruining my life. I've become a completely different person.
I would love to talk to the author more about this topic. I highly recommend this book for anyone suffering from addiction, friends or family of addicts, or anyone curious about it. It's very insightful. It should also be required reading for anyone in the field.
I'm an addict, 5 years clean this month. I read this book because I want to be a voice for other addicts. I live in Southwest Florida, and they don't take kindly to us down here. Things need to change, and I'm ready to make that happen.
This book is exactly what I needed to read when I started doing drugs at 13. It's a shame everyone doesn't view addicts like this David. He offers some excellent insight into our disease, and I learned a lot. However, I disagree with his stance on cannabis.
I never went to treatment. I was given an intervention once a few years in, but it never lead to it. I was forced to go to one NA meeting by my roommate and good friend, but I was high when I went and never returned. There's more to this story but I'll get to the point.
I didn't care about cannabis growing up, ecstasy was my gateway drug. I believed the hype about cannabis being the worst thing in the world. I smoked here and there but it was never my thing, until my husband came along. He opened my eyes to the truth.
This plant saved my life, along with a lot of love. I agree with the author that we need more research, but we also need to research cannabis FOR addiction. It gives me what the drugs gave me without ruining my life. I've become a completely different person.
I would love to talk to the author more about this topic. I highly recommend this book for anyone suffering from addiction, friends or family of addicts, or anyone curious about it. It's very insightful. It should also be required reading for anyone in the field.
iamericat22's review against another edition
4.0
Very informative, solid information. The science of addiction and recovery is 40 years behind where it could be, and Sheff makes this clear with facts and the stories of those affected by addiction: pretty much all of us in one form or another as taxpayers, family members, friends, and ultimately humans prone to this chronic illness.
islandewert's review against another edition
3.0
This book did a great job of getting me to think about addiction treatment programs differently. It was a little too preachy at times. While it obviously takes a hard stance against any and all drugs, it came off a bit one sided because some drugs can be used in controlled environments for positive outcomes, not just addiction. Well done and interesting!
sarajean37's review against another edition
4.0
I personally did not find this a four-star worthy book; however, if I were the book's intended audience, I am sure I would. Less the scientific explanation of new addiction research that i was expecting and more an extended vocabulary primer with helpful hints, this is ideal for the parent of a child with a drug problem. It was slightly disorganized but I am sure that is par for the course for a parent or loved one. Overall an interesting book but more interesting for others than for me.
morgan_blackledge's review against another edition
4.0
Brave. Factual. Crucial reading for anyone who is curious about, or in some way effected by addiction. This is the book on substance dependence that needed to get written. Its going to do a lot of people, a lot of good!
khoerner7's review against another edition
3.0
Well researched and well written analysis of the best methods to prevent and treat addiction. Lots of great ideas for how current methods could be improved and addicts treated more compassionately.
maevejreilly's review against another edition
4.0
Really eye-opening book about addiction and mental illness. A MUST READ for all parents! One takeaway: NEVER let your child "hit rock bottom." Rock bottom could equal death. Get your child help, as soon as you realize that she or he is involved with addictive substances. Don't wait.