Product Details

Library Journal

With in-depth explanations of street drugs, pharmaceutical drugs, and handy tips such as how to select a counselor, a treatment, or a self-help group, this work is chockfull of valuable information geared primarily to substance abusers in any stage before and during recovery. The book also offers "For Family Members & Loved Ones" segments as well as "Knowledge Is Power" sections that summarize many of the chapters but don't quite compensate for the lack of an index. Volpicelli, a senior scientist at Penn/VA Center for Research on Addictive Diseases, shares his impressive knowledge of addiction with scientific precision but uses practical advice and vignettes to illustrate topics. Szalavitz, a Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist and recovered addict, lends an experiential voice that makes this book even more empathetic. Recommended for public, medical, and academic libraries with clinical concentrations.--Paula N. Arnold, ingenta inc, Boston Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\

What People Are Saying

Fred Rotgers, Assistant Chief Psychologist, Smithers Addiction Treatment and Training Center

At last a sensible, clear guide for consumers who are facing the tough choice of seeking treatment for addictive behaviors. In a field long driven by emotion and minimal scientific evidence, Volpicelli and Szalavitz impartially review the options and explain them in clear language. In addition, they take some of the hysteria out of the issues facing substance users and their loved ones by providing a coherent summary of what we really know about alcohol and other drugs. A must read. Bravo!

What People Are Saying

Mark Kleiman, Professor of Policy Studies at UCLA and author of Against Excess: Drug Policy For Results

Wise, accurate, responsible, accessible, and well written. I'm assigning it for my course in drug policy.

What People Are Saying

William Cope Moyers, Vice President of Public Affairs, Hazelden Foundation

Comprehensive, illuminating, and easy to read, this book points out the diverse paths to the ultimate goal—recovery from alcohol and other drug abuse.

What People Are Saying

Laurie Garrett, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Coming Plague

Finally! A no-nonsense, state-of-the-art guide that one can hand to anybody who is having trouble with drugs, alcohol, tobacco or foods of various kinds. What a gift Volpicelli and Szalavitz have given us: a stupendous, practical way to help the colleagues and loved ones in our lives who are struggling with chemical dependency.

What People Are Saying

Charles P. O'Brien, MD, PhD, Kenneth Appel Professor, Department of Psychiatry, VA Medical Center, President, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology

Joe Volpicelli is one of the most creative research scientists and clinicians in the addiction field. With Maia Szalavitz, he has put together a highly practical and effective book describing a modern approach to the treatment of alcoholism and other addictive disorders. This approach is steeped in pragmatism and soundly based on science. It utilizes techniques that work and that have been adapted to the needs of individual patients. The writing is clear, succinct and understandable. It should be a very useful guide for patients, their families, and professionals in addressing this terrible disease.

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents