Substance Abuse Books - Page 3

Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill

Matthieu Ricard

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 33 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

I Should Be So Lucky 4 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I read this book during a bout of depression. It is proverbial that Conspicuous Displays of Contentment push the depressed into even deeper despair more effectively than anything else. Yet I didn't find this book infuriating; it didn't drive me to suicide. No, I enjoyed it immensely and finished it rapidly.

The ramifications of the subject matter are endless. What ancient and modern Western philosophers thought about happiness; what they thought in Asia. The social conditions conducive to happiness, the brain-states that coincide with it. Then what the author's own Tibetan Buddhist tradition has to say about happiness and mental afflictions.

You only have to glance at the design of this book to know you're not going to get any great depth. But that's fine. Always room for compact and lucid accounts of Big Subjects. If you want reams of detail about neurochemistry or Buddhist meditation practices, you can find that elsewhere.

I have only two complaints. One is that, as somebody who has suffered from life-long severe depression, I didn't find anything here that would help me to be happy. Everything here I have seen before, and it doesn't work. It may work if you're already happy, but then, well, you don't need it, do you?

I suspect the reason for this lies in my second complaint. The author tells of his famous father, of his upbringing in elite French cultural and intellectual circles, hobnobbing with luminaries and jetsetters. When he finds all of this... somehow lacking, he toddles off to a sheltered enclave of Ancient Eastern Wisdom, where he hobnobs with the Dalai Lama and endless Rinpoches... (To be honest, I'm not exactly sure how you "hobnob".)

My point is: you Would be happy, wouldn't you? A book about Happiness would be so much more convincing if the author were the child of a Haitian beggar, born with a speech impediment, and... we don't want to get into sick humour territory, but you get my drift. If someone like That managed to be happy, Then I would be impressed.

Editorial Review:

" You may not find happiness in a book, but if reading a book can precipitate a tectonic shift in your life and mind toward robust, genuine, deeply rooted happiness, this would be the book." --JON KABAT-ZINN, AUTHOR OF COMING TO OUR SENSES This is a revolutionary look at happiness, deeply philo-sophical and tremendously engaging, from one of the world's most compelling voices on the subject. Drawing from works of fiction and poetry, contemporary Western philosophy, Buddhist thought, current psychological and scientific research, and personal experience, Ricard weaves an inspirational and forward-looking account of how we can begin to rethink our realities in a fast-moving modern world. With revelatory lessons and exercises that blaze a clear path for readers, this book offers an eloquent and practical guide to a happier life.

The Orgasm Bible: The Latest Research and Techniques for Reaching More Powerful Climaxes More Often

Susan Crain Bakos

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Beautiful pictures 3 out of 5 stars.
16 of 18 people found this review helpful.

This book reminds me of a Cosmo article with illustrations. For example, page 70 is nothing more than a brief explanation of caressing, use of feathers, silk and stroking. The book is only 160 pages and much of that is pictures. That leaves very little room for actual instuction.

Lacking is a detailed explanation of the orgasm and the anal component of the female orgasm. Anal sex receives only a few comments on pages, 122-125. I was fairly disappointed in the lack of information in this book.

For a better explanation of orgasm, I recommend "The Technology of Orgasm" by Maines and "Anal Sex for Couples" by Strong.

Editorial Review:

The Ultimate Guide to Great Orgasms!

Everything that readers should know about orgasms is here, from the best ways to make one happen to the latest research that explains them. Sexy and instructive photography lead the reader on an authoritative journey through the world of ultimate pleasure.

An orgasm is something to cultivate, and learning how to experience an orgasm -- or multiple ones -- can take you and your partnerÆs sex life to an exciting new level. The Orgasm Bible teaches readers how to do just that, instructing them on how to build seduction and foreplay into their lovemaking (no matter how long theyÆve been together as a couple), the importance of communication, and myths they need to dispel regarding techniques and strategies. Commanding content paired with inspirational photographs of people in orgasmic ecstasy make the book a truly ômind-blowingö read.

• An amazing, four-color orgasm guide -- with inspirational photos

A Woman's Way Through the Twelve Steps

Stephanie S. Covington Ph. D.

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

This book has provided help and understanding for many women in recovery 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

The language of the 12Steps, writen over 70 years ago, primarily for male alcoholics is a tried and true series of 'suggestions' that have seen many men and women find sobriety and a better way of life. A Woman's Way Through the Twelve Steps is very faithful to the 12 Steps as written in the Big Book but 'plumps out' the language in a way that is helpful and speaks to the spiritual and emotional needs of women. We have used this book in several groups and found the content to be so rich that we have to often take the Steps in two or three sessions. Its a gift!

11 years sober 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

If you need help understanding how the 12 step work, for you or a loved one, read this book

Editorial Review:

Created to make the Twelve Step program more accessible to women and the way they experience addiction, this book illuminates each step to reveal the underlying meaning from a woman's viewpoint. In the second part, the author discusses major themes in the lives of recovering women, including spirituality, powerlessness, and the emergence of the feminine soul.

A Gentle Path Through the Twelve Steps: The Classic Guide for All People in the Process of Recovery

Ph.D., Patrick Carnes

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A Gentle Path Through The Twelve Steps 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book is an excellent resource for guiding someone through the twelve step process or for working the twelve steps as part of an individual recovery program. Each step requests detailed information which encourages the participant to dig deep into ones core beliefs, thoughts, and feelings as they pertain to themselves and the subject matter. I would recommend this book to anyone contemplating or interested in the 12-step process of recovery.

Don't go into recovery without me! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book really is the gentle path out of addiction - works well with all 12-step groups. I also recommend "The Craving Brain".

Good workbook; helpful 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

The book is very helpful. The only concern that I have is that it tends to reiterate the need for a sponsor. Although a sponsor is greatly helpful in going through the steps...I wouldn't want anyone to quit doing the work just because they haven't had the courage to get one yet.

Editorial Review:

This workbook provides a unique set of structured forms and exercises to help recovering people integrate the Twelve Steps into all aspects of their lives.

Beyond Codependency: And Getting Better All the Time

Melody Beattie

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

READ ALL ABOUT IT**** THE REAL STORY 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

The truth of the matter is:

We don't want to hear it and we make any excuse to deny it. This book is a denial killer!

I have been in recovery for years and let me just tell you, Beattie is right on top of the root problem. No matter who reads the words, the truth is loud and clear. I would recommend this item to anyone having problems with any relationship.

You don't need to be a doctor or a shrink to see the writing on the wall. Beattie spells it out and even if you don't agree, it will open your mind to change. Worth every penny spent!

melody beattie does it again 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Melody Beattie's follow up to Codependent No More does not disappoint. I love it. It has fantastic stories and helpful strategies to live a happier life. I love this author.

Healthy relationships 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I've been a counselor for a good number of years and I have often recommended this book for individuals who desire healthier relationships where you can respect others and take care of yourself as well.

Editorial Review:

this follow-up book to the best-selling classic codependent no more shows how recovery continues by developing positive ways of relating to others. personal stories and suggested activities provide a framework for growth and change.

Seven Weeks to Sobriety: The Proven Program to Fight Alcoholism through Nutrition

Joan Mathews Larson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 33 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A Personal Success Story with "Seven Weeks to Sobriety" 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

I can personally attest to the validity of the nutritional approach described in Seven Weeks to Sobriety. Five years ago I attended the outpatient Health Recovery Center operated by Joan Mathews Larson in Minneapolis, MN after about twenty-five years of almost daily alcohol use. During the five years since then I have never had a drink, except for one brief relapse from which I quickly recovered when my wife was critically ill with a rare neurological disease, shortly before she died.

The nutritional program at the center is virtually the same as described in the book except that during the first week or so patients receive three or four intravenous injections with large amounts of vitamin C and other nutrients to jumpstart the program and speed the detoxification process for serious cases. The balance of the program consists of occasional lab work in the mornings and weekly check-ins with a nurse. Afternoons and evenings consist mostly of educational sessions and discussion groups; fine tuning of the nutrients with a nutritional counselor, and occasional meetings with a therapist.

My recommendation to anyone wanting to use this approach at home is to purchase the book and buy the supplements directly from the Health Recovery Center, to ensure high quality. The cost of the supplements for the first six weeks is about $600. At the end of the six weeks it is highly recommended that a scaled down set of nutrients be continued for at least three to six months to continue the repair process. It may also be helpful, but not necessary, that you see a nutritionist to help tailor a meal plan to your liking and possibly see a therapist, if you feel you need additional support. An alternative, of course, is to attend the program in Minneapolis at a cost of about $16,000. In either case, the keys to success are taking the nutrients and controlling your blood sugar through a low carbohydrate diet (e.g., 75 grams per day). Also, avoiding caffeine and, if at all possible, stopping or reducing smoking.

Editorial Review:

In recent decades, many of those studying alcoholism have come to see it as a disease, rather than as a character flaw or a failure of will. And yet, alcoholism is most often treated through counseling. Joan Mathews Larson and her colleagues at the Health Recovery Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, discovered a series of nutritional deficiencies in alcoholics, and found that with proper dietary adjustments, they could help almost three-quarters of their patients kick the bottle for good. Seven Weeks to Sobriety is the updated version of the less interestingly titled Alcoholism--The Biochemical Connection, which was published in 1992.

Living Sober

AA Services

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good information 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This is a really good book for anyone starting out on their alcohol free life. It's easy to read and has some humor too. I recommend this book.

Awesome, user-friendly intro to AA 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This is an AA book addressed not to members but to people who are in deep trouble with alcohol and don't know where to turn.

Long before I joined AA, my sister gave me this book (hint, hint). I was a little huffy about it at first; all I knew about AA was that you could never drink again.

I expected preachiness. And at the time I thought I was a disgusting female drunk and I expected to be treated as such in the book. But from the beginning, the tone of the book was so kind that it made me less afraid of AA.

I know some reviewers found it simplistic, but given that its audience was composed largely of practicing alcoholics, I think it was just right.

I know that this is by far the most useful book I've read for people who are pretty sure their drinking is not normal,but are still afraid to seek help.

I can't recommend it highly enough.

Editorial Review:

An extremely informative book which does not offer a plan for getting sober but does offer us sound advice about how to stay sober. Basic, essential information from Alcoholics Anonymous.

As the book states, "Anyone can get sober. . .the trick is to live sober."

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

Arnold M. Washton

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

One of the Best 4 out of 5 stars.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful.

As an addiction counselor, I am always looking for books to recommend to my clients. This book in my opinion is one of the best out there. I usually will have my clients read this along with "7 Tools to Beat Addiction" by Stanton Peele. This gives them an understanding of two very different ways of approaching the problem and between the two you get a pretty comprehensive overview of treatment strategies.

this is the best book on addiction I have ever read! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Willpower is not Enough is the best book on addiction that i have read so far and i have read dozens. it gives a brilliant breakdown of the personality traits that most addicts tend to have, why people become addicts and why they continue to use drugs despite such painful consequences, the typical kinds of families that addicts tend to come from, what drugs really offer the drug addict that make the consequences so worth it, what codependents get out of their obsession, and finally a step by step guide explaining how to pull oneself out of the hopeless cycle of addiction and into healthy living. this book is comprehensive, brilliant, original, brave, and hopeful.

Editorial Review:

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.

Drop The Rock: Removing Character Defects, Steps Six and Seven, Second Edition

Bill P., Todd W., Sara S.

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

drop the rock 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book has helped me in my 12step recovery. I've been working the steps for over 20 years and I now realize how I have not done thorough 6th and 7th steps. That is what my life was lacking. Great read, great book. Happier life.

Editorial Review:

Resentment. Fear. Self-Pity. Intolerance. Anger. This cast of character defects will undermine the best-laid plans for recovery from addiction. It's not uncommon for individuals in recovery to hang on to negative, self-defeating behaviors after they've given up their addiction. These are the "rocks" that can sink recovery - or, at the least, block further progress. With more than 100,000 copies sold, Drop the Rock is the definitive guide to removing character defects that can prevent gratifying, long-standing recovery. Based on the Twelve Step program, particularly the principles behind Steps Six and Seven, Drop the Rock combines personal stories, practical advice, and powerful insights to help readers move forward in recovery. The second edition features additional stories, a reference section, and information about starting a Drop the Rock study group.

Don't Call It Love: Recovery From Sexual Addiction

Patrick Carnes

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

"Dr. Patrick Carnes is a creative,  pioneering, and courageous human being. His books are  changing the lives of  thousands!"

"I lost three marriages, all because of affairs."  "I became suicidal because of multiple intense  involvements."

"I spent money on sex when I  needed it for children's clothes."

"I  lost promotion opportunities and a special  scholarship because my co-workers found out about my sex  life."

Every day they face the possibility of  destruction, risking their families, fiances,  jobs, dignity, and health. They come from all walks  of life: ministers, physicians, therapists,  politicians, executives, blue-collar workers. Most were  abused as children--sexually, physically or  emotionally--and saw addictive behavior in their early  lives. Most grapple with other addictions as well,  but their fiercest battle is with the most  astounding prevalent "secret" disorder in  America: sexual addiction. Here is a ground-breaking  work by the nation's leading professional expert on  sexual addiction, based on the candid testimony of  more than one thousand recovering sexual addicts  in the first major scientific study of the  disorder. This essential volume includes not only the  revealing findings of Dr. Carne's research with  recovering addicts but also advice from the addicts and  co-addicts themselves as they work to overcome  their compulsive behavior. Positive, hopeful, and  practical, Don't Call It Love is  a landmark book that helps us better understand  all addictions, their causes, and the difficult path  to recovery.