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Dying for a Drink
Softcover, Copyright 1985 Word Publishing, number line is 9-2. 209 pages by Anderson Spikard, M.D. and Barbara R. Thompson. "Reaches out and grabs you...should be read by every person concerned with alcoholism or chemical dependency."--Harold E. Hughes, Former U.S. Senator. Cover remains slightly smudged, though cleaned. Front lifts, light edgewear and almost dog ears, tanning to text. Large Print. First Edition, 2nd printing.
211 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 22, 2018
Special guide for who is suffering through an alcoholic person in his/her family. This book allows you to look at alcoholic differently and also your way of treating them. Is it helping? or is it making the matter worse? or your actions going to make change or not? It maybe helpful guide for you to change how you react towards their reaction. Highly recommended for people whose closest someone is an alcoholic
March 28, 2022
alcool alcoolism alcoolic.
August 30, 2026
Must read for anyone with a family member who is afflicted by this disease.
March 3, 2013
Essentials Covered, Decent Reference List, but Becoming Dated
For those needing a succinct, helpful overview of the central and recurring issues for alcoholics and those around them, this 2005 update of Dr. Spickard’s well-regarded text continues to serve the reader well. Essential topics—motivational interviewing; stages of change; the utility and timing of various interventions; the impact of family systems dynamics; among others—are all covered. Additionally, there are appendices that list resources and texts that may be of use for the alcoholic, for families, or those in more therapeutic or clinical roles.
However, just as so many other types of treatment are being examined for their efficacy (be it through “evidence-based” models or otherwise), so too is the field of addiction and recovery: see, for example, a pair of recent New York Times articles describing this trend: http://goo.gl/yN8J4 and http://goo.gl/HHbuE . This 2005 revision presages this change in emphasis, and includes fair mention of research into alcoholism and treatment. However, the science is not given much room or depth, and some now may find this begging the question of how these studies have held up over the almost-decade since the text’s publication. Spickard does make a good argument about how the continued tried-and-true, if not entirely understood, success of 12-step groups like AA and Al-Anon should not be dismissed out of hand simply for lack of solid studies understanding exactly how they do what they do. Nonetheless, such questions are, if anything, becoming more prominent in the current moment.
This all said, Dying for a Drink provides a useful starting point and solid advice and resources for both the alcoholic and the communities of care around those who suffer from this decimating affliction.
For those needing a succinct, helpful overview of the central and recurring issues for alcoholics and those around them, this 2005 update of Dr. Spickard’s well-regarded text continues to serve the reader well. Essential topics—motivational interviewing; stages of change; the utility and timing of various interventions; the impact of family systems dynamics; among others—are all covered. Additionally, there are appendices that list resources and texts that may be of use for the alcoholic, for families, or those in more therapeutic or clinical roles.
However, just as so many other types of treatment are being examined for their efficacy (be it through “evidence-based” models or otherwise), so too is the field of addiction and recovery: see, for example, a pair of recent New York Times articles describing this trend: http://goo.gl/yN8J4 and http://goo.gl/HHbuE . This 2005 revision presages this change in emphasis, and includes fair mention of research into alcoholism and treatment. However, the science is not given much room or depth, and some now may find this begging the question of how these studies have held up over the almost-decade since the text’s publication. Spickard does make a good argument about how the continued tried-and-true, if not entirely understood, success of 12-step groups like AA and Al-Anon should not be dismissed out of hand simply for lack of solid studies understanding exactly how they do what they do. Nonetheless, such questions are, if anything, becoming more prominent in the current moment.
This all said, Dying for a Drink provides a useful starting point and solid advice and resources for both the alcoholic and the communities of care around those who suffer from this decimating affliction.
July 16, 2014
This book gave me great insight into alcoholism and the best way to respond to it. The loving tone of the book was especially helpful, also the insight about relapses and successful treatment.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews