Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #16220 in Books
• Published on: 1990-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

Synopsis
This is the second edition of a work that aims to explore the processes of addiction. It examines how addiction starts, how society pushes people towards addiction, and what happens inside those who become addicted, examining topics such as genetic factors and addiction, cultural influences, the progressive nature of addiction and steps to a successful recovery. It may be of use to health practioners as well as those setting out on the road to recovery.

Customer Reviews

How to replace addiction with born again christianity...
I can't believe that this book is sold as a serious tool in the understanding and treatment of addiction.

It begins well discussing the addict as a sufferer of a disease - but draws a tenuous conclusion that it is a disease of spirituality. And from there it's only serious recommendation is that the addict needs to find God.

In addition, the only practical advice that is offered is that the reader should join a twelve-step program. Great idea, if you live in Manhattan. Not such a brilliant plan for someone in Kilburn.

To summarise, this book starts well, tails off in the middle and the less said about the end the better. It does give some insights into the behaviour of addicts and what they search for through addiction. However it's thinly veiled theologian bias does nothing to make this a serious contribution to literature on the topic, nor does it allow people suffering from the problem any opportunity to cure themselves.

An important book for understanding society and addiction
Craig Nakken is a family therapist and addictions counsellor at the Family Therapy Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota. He describes the addictive personality as "the most important idea expressed in this book". Nakken believes that some people are more prone to addiction than others. He examines various causes of this including influences in childhood. He does not rule out agenetic element saying that, "In all likelihood, it will be found to be a combination of the two" (environmental and genetic influences). An addictive personality may express itself in any addiction. This has important consequences for treatment. As Nakken observes:- Recovery is not just about breaking off one's relationship with an object or event, though this is of great importance. Recovery is primarily about coming to know one's addictive personality and taking the necessary steps to rid oneself of addictive attitudes, beliefs, values and behaviours. An example of the effect of this is given:- "People in a recovery program for alcohol addiction need to clearly understand thatthey are prone to form a possible addictive relationship with another object or event - food for example. For these people, sobriety acquires a new dimension; instead of only monitoring their relationship with alcohol, they also need to learn how to monitor the addictive part of themselves." Craig Nakken believes that Society "can push a person with addictive tendencies toward addiction". In his book he outlines some values in modern society which are similar to addictive values. For those who are politically conscious this section provides an interesting slant on one effect of a consumer society. The section of the book devoted to the topic of recovery is perhaps the weakest section. This section would have benefited considerably from case studies and more detailed advice. -Reviewed by Patrick Harrington  

Essential reading for anyone born after 1945
This book, written in clear easily understood terms, is a MUST for anyone who thinks or feels they are family, friends or co-workers with someone prone to compulsive behaviour. Those of us who have not been through de-tox and/or a 12 step programme are so deficient in awareness of the illness of addiction as to be unable to understand the effect close proximity to this illness can have upon their own lives. Nakken explains the causes of addictive behaviour and the common theme between all forms of addiction. Whether you work with or for a 'Control Freak' live with an alchoholic or a gambler/shoplifter/over-eater, or have a child who is on drugs/shoplifting, this book is for you. An excellent first step to understanding the 'illness of the 20th Century'.Although revised for the 2nd edition (1996), it lacks a section on 'Further recommended reading', but anyone getting this far should contact the publisher for advice on books on more specific topics arising.