Editorial Review
This companion book to the HBO documentary of the same name sheds light on the hidden American epidemic of addiction. Blending compelling personal narratives with statistics and expert opinion, all gleaned from over two years of research and reporting, ADDICTION offers a comprehensive and provocative look at the impact of chemical dependency on addicts, their loved ones, society, and the economy. Breaking the stigma that addicts are simply weak and immoral, it delves into new brain research proving that drugs and alcohol change the chemical composition of addicts' brains, making it veritably impossible for them to quit. The nation's top experts persuasively argue that the time has come for the blame to stop and the healing to begin.
ADDICTION also features material not included in the documentary: testimonials, original graphics and images, additional elaboration on theories and treatments of addiction, and more. Featuring a foreword by Sheila Nevins, the president of Documentary and Family Programming at HBO, an afterward by the best-selling author Susan Cheever, and the writing of David Sheff, this book is essential reading for anyone who has been impacted by what is now realized to be a very real and widespread disease.
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Customer Reviews
understanding the diesase 
2008-09-22
Wow, this book is so jam packed with information on just about every addiction out there. It touches every addiction from many different angles. It is good to know that Science is progressing in finding ways to help the addicts to recover better. I learned so much about alcoholism and how it really affects the brain. It explains everything so good that anyone can understand "Why they can't just quit". I recommend this book to anyone.
New perspective - helpful 
2008-08-21
Although I had never read a book about addictions before, I found the perspective a little different than expected. I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of science and stories. An insightful look into how addiction shapes the brain and thought processes. Very helpful for those who know someone struggling.
A dissenting voice 
2008-03-10
This book starts off with Al-Gore-type big lettering at the beginning, which I guess is supposed to subdue us into accepting its message. Next come CAT scans of brain slices, showing "addicts" on drugs. I guess this is designed to cull those of us who have never seen a CAT scan before into thinking that it means something or proves something. Next come a bunch of scare stories on addiction. The overall ideology of this book is that the human brain on drugs is "hijacked", and that once addicted, the addict is can't stop using. Not withstanding the "all or nothing" approach here, which obviously is wrong, the "hijacked brian" or "diseases brain" has already been refuted (for instance, read the book "One Nation Under Therapy", by two clinical psychologists, which totally refutes the "brain hijacked by drugs" theory.
This book is hugely disappointing, and does not reflect the current thinking on addiction. What it does reflect is the addiction treatment centers, which of course have a vested interest in making us believe that we can't quit substances without their expensive "treatment" plans. I find it interesting that people can't see beyond this in the U.S., that there is a pharmacological/medical/treatment complex. In short, let's face it, there is no money to be made if we all just stop using and don't need pharma products, $ 200-an hour therapy, and "in-patient treatment" centers.
Despite this, we all know people who quit various drugs, without "treatment".
To read the current thinking on addiction, see Miller of Univ. New Mexico and read up on Motivational Interviewing. This book is not, and I repeat, NOT up to date on current thinking in this field.
The reality is, millions of people have quit even the most serious addictions on their own, without expensive in-patient "treatment" or 12-step programs. In the U.S., we have allowed some people masquerading as "experts" to cull us into this ideology. It is time we start to say: the emperor has no clothes !
Excellent Book!! Highly recommended!! 2007-08-26
The book reviews the newest treatments of a really complex disorder. It also has some of the most recognized experts that work with addiction. It helps you understand addiction and it is a great source to help addicts.
Very educational 2007-07-09
This book was very informative and educational. I even earmarked a couple pages that I will reference in the future. Highly recommended for anyone who is looking to understand substance addiction, it's causes, effects and treatment options.
Highly recommended.
You'll understand that addict and know what to do! 2007-05-14
This companion book to the HBO documentary of the same name sheds light on the hidden American epidemic of addiction. Blending compelling personal narratives with statistics and expert opinion, all gleaned from over two years of research and reporting, ADDICTION offers a comprehensive and provocative look at the impact of chemical dependency on addicts, their loved ones, society, and the economy. Breaking the stigma that addicts are simply weak and immoral, it delves into new brain research proving that drugs and alcohol change the chemical composition of addicts' brains, making it veritably impossible for them to quit. The nation's top experts persuasively argue that the time has come for the blame to stop and the healing to begin.
ADDICTION also features material not included in the documentary: testimonials, original graphics and images, additional elaboration on theories and treatments of addiction, and more. Featuring a foreword by Sheila Nevins, the president of Documentary and Family Programming at HBO, an afterward by the best-selling author Susan Cheever, and the writing of David Sheff, this book is essential reading for anyone who has been impacted by what is now realized to be a very real and widespread disease.
2007-05-07
If possible, I need to order (1) copy of the old VHS Video cassette in "Addiction: Why Can't They Just Stop".
Please e-mail me if available.
Thank you for an opportunity to respond.
very good information 2007-05-07
Very good information given in a simple way. Important for anybody who needs to know facts about this disease.
A must read 2007-04-17
This is a MUST read for those suffering with addiction. I have read countless books on the subject. This is the only book that I have read that gave me clear cut understanding of addiction. It is very hard to find out where to go for help and this book lays out all of the options and gives the good and bad of each. Before we had insurance, I didn't know there was help out there. This book leads you to places that will help. It will give you a clear starting point. No more calling around and practically begging for information. Its really sad our medical system is like this. This book will surely help. Thank you so much.
Understanding my son's addiction 2007-04-10
I have asked my son a thousand times----"why can't you just stop?" His "I don't know" would leave me feeling even more bewildered, hopeless, and sad. This book gets to the heart of the matter ----- the difference in brain chemistry ----- which precedes that first drink, hit,or fix and the alteration of brain chemistry-----which follows. My son just entered rehab today and for the first time in a long time I feel a sense of empowerment and HOPE !!! Thank you HBO for delving into this societal problem which is destroying many of our best and brightest.
