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Craving for Ecstasy and Natural Highs: A Positive Approach to Mood Alteration
"This book is extremely useful for a broad range of readers. This book reflects the extensive scientific and clinical expertise of the authors and is compelling reading for anyone interested in addictive behaviors. It is one of the rare books that from page one immediately engrosses, educates and broadens your perspective."
― Alex Blaszczynski, The University of Sydney, International Journal of Mental Health Addiction "Psychologist Harvey Milkman and chemist Stanley Sunderwirth explore why our relentless search for pleasure sometimes leads to dangerous addictions and show us healthy ways to achieve happiness."
― SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN MIND
"Harvey B. Milkman and Stanley Sunderwirth have written a tour de force. Craving for Ecstasy and Natural A Positive Approach to Mood Alteration . . . is a beautifully written and organized book . . . a thrill ride through the most innovative and insightful perspectives that science and clinical experience have to offer . . . hip and artistic, reflecting a deep understanding of addiction . . . a major contribution to the field; it is must reading."
―Howard J. Shaffer, PhD, CAS Editor, Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School Director, Division on Addictions, Cambridge Health Alliance
"Reading this book is in itself and ecstatic experience! . . . a fascinating journey that explores the benefits and risks of pleasure and the universal desire to feel good . . . It′s quite a trip."
―G. Alan Marlatt, PhD, University of Washington
People from all walks of life often lose themselves in pursuing counterfeit pleasures―cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, thrill seeking, sex, food, gambling, and on-line fantasies to name just a few. How does the pursuit of pleasure result in compulsion and loss of control? Craving for Ecstasy and Natural Highs addresses this fundamental question and then explores positive ways to achieve lasting happiness and fulfillment. Readers will gain important insight on how to improve their own quality of life and will learn how to offer support to clients, students, family, and friends whose lives may be compromised by addiction.
Students of addictive behaviors and anyone interested in discovering healthy means to satisfy the drive to alter consciousness will find this book compelling.
View Harvey Milkman′s appearance on local Denver TV where he talks about addiction and his book at
Be sure to follow Harvey Milkman′s blog on Psychology Today at
Reviews of previous
"The chemistry and psychology of addiction are described with considerable insight. . . . These authors know their stuff and make a compelling case."
―The Los Angeles Times
"The authors provide a valuable service by placing into perspective a large array of behaviors that could be considered addictive."
―JAMA
SAGE offers treatment and training programs for mental health providers that you can easily incorporate into your existing programs. Visit to learn more about these treatment and training programs.
― Alex Blaszczynski, The University of Sydney, International Journal of Mental Health Addiction "Psychologist Harvey Milkman and chemist Stanley Sunderwirth explore why our relentless search for pleasure sometimes leads to dangerous addictions and show us healthy ways to achieve happiness."
― SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN MIND
"Harvey B. Milkman and Stanley Sunderwirth have written a tour de force. Craving for Ecstasy and Natural A Positive Approach to Mood Alteration . . . is a beautifully written and organized book . . . a thrill ride through the most innovative and insightful perspectives that science and clinical experience have to offer . . . hip and artistic, reflecting a deep understanding of addiction . . . a major contribution to the field; it is must reading."
―Howard J. Shaffer, PhD, CAS Editor, Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School Director, Division on Addictions, Cambridge Health Alliance
"Reading this book is in itself and ecstatic experience! . . . a fascinating journey that explores the benefits and risks of pleasure and the universal desire to feel good . . . It′s quite a trip."
―G. Alan Marlatt, PhD, University of Washington
People from all walks of life often lose themselves in pursuing counterfeit pleasures―cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, thrill seeking, sex, food, gambling, and on-line fantasies to name just a few. How does the pursuit of pleasure result in compulsion and loss of control? Craving for Ecstasy and Natural Highs addresses this fundamental question and then explores positive ways to achieve lasting happiness and fulfillment. Readers will gain important insight on how to improve their own quality of life and will learn how to offer support to clients, students, family, and friends whose lives may be compromised by addiction.
Students of addictive behaviors and anyone interested in discovering healthy means to satisfy the drive to alter consciousness will find this book compelling.
View Harvey Milkman′s appearance on local Denver TV where he talks about addiction and his book at
Be sure to follow Harvey Milkman′s blog on Psychology Today at
Reviews of previous
"The chemistry and psychology of addiction are described with considerable insight. . . . These authors know their stuff and make a compelling case."
―The Los Angeles Times
"The authors provide a valuable service by placing into perspective a large array of behaviors that could be considered addictive."
―JAMA
SAGE offers treatment and training programs for mental health providers that you can easily incorporate into your existing programs. Visit to learn more about these treatment and training programs.
- GenresPsychology
496 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 23, 2025
Fascinating book. It can get a bit erudite, but the summaries reveal a lot. I think every policy maker in school or government should have to read this in order to make decisions based on facts.
June 7, 2013
This book had been set aside for a while and I finally got to it. I am glad I did. There is a lot of solid information here about addictions using a broad definition which includes not only the common addictions of drugs and gambling but also other "behaviors" as well. I do think the authors pathologize some behaviors a bit much, but their overall approach is positive. A good chapter on mindfulness and it's application to combating addictive behavior. I also like the Personal Pleasure Inventory in the appendix which helps people get in touch with activities that can help create "natural high."
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews