by Thomas F. Harrison ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 1, 2018
A valuable guide to recovery for substance abusers and their loved ones.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
A debut manual focuses on the survivors of addiction as well as family members and friends who cope with the effects.
This well-organized book sets itself apart from others in its genre by not only examining the science behind addiction, but also the emotional aspects and strategies to overcome the condition. Harrison begins by breaking down misconceptions about substance abuse—specifically those that demonize or blame the afflicted—and exploring the adverse effects on the user’s brain and body. For example, the author explains in Part I that an addiction cannot be identified based solely on the amount of a substance a person uses or the frequency of the behavior. This section distinguishes between heavy recreational drug and alcohol users and addicts, who suffer a loss of control and a hijacking of the brain’s reward center. The author dissects the biological process of addiction, pointing out the way dopamine “flooding” can affect a person’s free will. Though the science is complex, Harrison describes it clearly and simply, making this title a worthy one for families hoping to better understand their addicted loved ones. In addition, the author meticulously depicts the way that substance abuse can intersect with other types of addictive behaviors, like gambling, eating, and sex, because an afflicted person is attempting to feed the brain’s reward system and compensate for a lack of dopamine. Part II of the book effectively delves into the emotional experiences of the addict’s family, exploring in depth denial, codependency, and enabling. These behaviors occur when family members are not cognizant of the problem or don’t know how to help. Harrison presents numerous strategies to allow relatives to break through the tensions of addiction and begin to work together to beat it. For example, the author emphasizes the importance of positive communication and reinforcement rather than criticism or punishment, tactics that can turn addicts away from their families and back to drugs or alcohol. Harrison also explains rehab: what it entails, the costs, and how it supports recovery. For family members seeking psychotherapeutic approaches, the author details different forms of behavioral therapy and how they have aided substance abusers. Overall, this book is comprehensive, lucid, and useful for readers hoping to help addicts or learn more about their condition.
A valuable guide to recovery for substance abusers and their loved ones.Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-9991215-0-4
Page Count: 232
Publisher: Regalade Publishing, LLC
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2018
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Share your opinion of this book
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
Share your opinion of this book
More by E.T.A. Hoffmann
BOOK REVIEW
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson
BOOK REVIEW
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis
by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
Share your opinion of this book
More by Ludwig Bemelmans
BOOK REVIEW
developed by Ludwig Bemelmans ; illustrated by Steven Salerno
BOOK REVIEW
by Ludwig Bemelmans ; illustrated by Steven Salerno
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.