Addiction: Why Can't They Just Stop?

by John Hoffman, Susan Froemke (Editor), Sheila Nevins (Foreword)

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.

Genres: Addiction, Nonfiction, Medical, Psychology, Research, Self Help

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

For every alcoholic and addict either sober or trying to get sober, or lost in the maze of addiction; this is your bible.

Learning the details of wanting help, but only to find your insurance company is in control of your disease was addressed over and over with websites that can help everyone who is suffering.

I have been sober for 17 years and I owe that to AA. Had I known all the other mental problems that came with addiction, I would have sought help for that, too. I suffered for 14 years of the "crazies." I just recently learned the mania that goes along with depression. The mood stabilizers that accompany Celexa-Zoloft-Lexapro, etc. have changed my life as much as sobriety has. Not everyone believes in living life through modern chemistry who are in AA, but I do. We have one very precious life and I would rather live it chemically stable so I can attend AA meetings and become that much better of a person. I'm finally living my authentic life at the age of 70. This book is a treasure and everyone who is an alcoholic or addict or you are a family member who wants to understand; read this book, study this, book, use a yellow highlighter for reference. I am grateful to the people involved in writing this book. It is truly a life saver. Thank you.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book provided some personal stories. I really liked the part where they talked about relapses and how addicts can recover and relapse many times.

I don't really like the part of the book where they talked about
new brain research proving that drugs and alcohol change the chemical composition of addicts' brains, making it virtually impossible for them to quit and that medications can help correct these imbalances. This type of treatment may be beneficial for some. Most of the drugs (like uppers, inhalants, opiates) didn't have medications for those addicted to take.

They also speak a little about insurance for the addict (what to do if they have insurance or if they don't). I like the resources they give at the end of the book).

[Danielle Cozzola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a different layout, and I didn't love that aspect. It includes real stories and some interesting statistics.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading for my Chemical Dependency class

[Patricia Joynton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative.