Vital Read for Anyone Touched by Addiction.
359289
Extraordinary journey of an ordinary family ...one just like mine or yours.  I very much admire the author's professional work with the addicted. I am hoping her TV "intervention" program continues. I think her addiction treatment model is the gold standard,
3040240
This brave and honest look at addiction, abuse and recovery is so inspiring. The book is well written and even in the dark moments the positive spirit of the author shines through. I will be thinking about Debra Collins and her struggles for quite some time. She has given us much to think about.

I highly recommend this book for anyone that has a loved one that struggles with addiction. Guaranteed to give you insight and hope for their future. So well written. I was deeply moved by the authors authenticity. Perhaps we can all learn from her journey. The world could use more understanding and empathy.

Her story is simply amazing. The tenacity she showed is impressive. She did the hard work to get healthy and sober by healing her wounds. I am sure there are lessons every reader will take away. Amazingly Debra Collins educates us without us even noticing because she tells her story with such grace.  You will be rooting for her with the turn of every page.
1846158
I bought the book for myself to get some insight on a family member with addiction issues.  Since then, it's been like an awakening and I've talked to a dozen other people that need to read this too.  Substance abuse is a real problem and this is the first book I've read that addresses it head-on in a down-to-earth, real way.  I only hope that by the time Anita and her son's words reach people, it's not too late.  This is a wake-up call, to be taken very seriously.  Good read!
753386
This book is written for addict by addicts and should be read by any person that uses or has used drugs.
3432598
Excellent read! Real insight for those of us that haven't been there and try to understand.
A very powerful, honest, first-hand depiction of addiction. She details all the physical, mental and emotional trauma that comes with using drugs.  She also describes the effects it had on her and her family and friends.
450271
Even if you don't think you suffer from additions, chances are you may know someone who does. This book is a very intimate view of what can be experienced in the mind of someone who have addictive issues. You'll be surprised at how common and how close to home a lot of this info is. This book beautifully guides us to take the small steps, one by one, that can lead us to a life of more control, less drama and, ultimately, more happiness. I personally think EVERYONE should read this because all our lives have been or will be touched in some way by addiction and we need healing.
If you're a Russell Brand fan, this book's personal stories will draw you further into that club, as it did for me. If you are not, his uncharacteristic humility and genuineness paired with how absolutely useful this book is may win you over.
Note: I bought the audio version of this as well so I could read and/or listen while doing other things. I cannot overstate how thankful I am that I did.  If you like his speech patterns you will NOT be disappointing.  But he is also clear and his tempo is controlled, so as not to loose us Yanks" in some of the slang that may befuddle us during one of his typical interviews.  It truly is all about the message in this book, not about "Russell".
2262461
Even though this book is written for those who are in recovery from substance abuse or addictions, I find myself wishing that everyone would read it. Yes, people in recovery do need to take a look at their life and rediscover ways to reawaken passion and excitement. Often, drugs and drinking have been a person's number one focus for so long that everyday pleasures have gone by the wayside.

What I have realized by reading this book is that EVERYONE needs to sit down, slow down and discover what may be some overlooked, or long-lost simple pleasures. This is a wonderful little book that can be browsed at any time, by anyone, any age. Pick it up, get some ideas and then go and make some memories and live your life to the fullest!

Book:&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Why-Don-t-They-Just-Quit/dp/0578041197/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Why Don't They Just Quit?</a>
90-Minute DVD:&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Why-Don-t-They-Just-QUIT-DVD-Roundtable-Discussion-What-families-and-friends-need-to-know-about-addiction-and-recovery/dp/B0017X1WGK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Why Don't They Just QUIT? DVD Roundtable Discussion: What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery.</a>
3667332
Jared Combs, a pharmacist, brings us into the world of addiction from the prospective of a pharmacist - - yes - - a pharmacist - - the guys in the white coats who we completely trust with OUR medication and who can do no wrong.

I've read almost everything about addiction but Combs touches on aspects of the subject with such honesty and grace, that you must read this book to truly understand the mind of the addict.

If I could have given this book ten stars, I would have.
668354
Living in the Wake of Addiction is a compelling story that goes well beyond a mother's loss of her son to heroin. By sharing not only her personal story, but also the current medical understanding of this chronic brain disease, Gloria Englund has created a work appropriate for those with an addiction, their loved ones, professionals, and the general public. Her guidance throughout by using Lessons creates a concise way to further explore and understand addiction, and how to care for those affected. The timeliness of this publication is important for it is imperative now, more than ever, to move the disease of addiction from the shadows of shame and stigma---to awareness and understanding.
-Mel (Mary Ellen) Scholl
LADC, Certified Empowerment Coach, and founder and former owner of Women's Pathways to Health, LLC
4306869
Cyndee Rae Lutz's personal story, "When Your Heart Belongs to an Addict", details her beloved son's descent into addiction and its profound effect on her and her family.  The author paints a vivid and painful picture of the despair and powerlessness that unwittingly strikes the addicted, as well as those who love them.  Neither party would ever choose this tragic path, but once addiction takes over, all are brutally forced to confront the sad and desperate state in which they now find themselves .  Cyndee's over-riding message is one of love, self-reliance, forgiveness and spirituality that is individually defined.  In addition to her personal story, the book lays out clear and concise instructions that are borne from personal experience and are presented in separate sections with the intention of providing both provide clarity and empowerment to those who confront the scourge of alcohol and drug dependency in their personal lives.  The chaos and challenges that face those who love an addict are then matched with helpful advice and practical suggestions designed to prevent those who love from being overwhelmed by the monster that has, for the time being, taken over their loved one.  After all, in order to be of any possible assistance to another one must save one's own self first.
2330343
anyone with an addiction problem will benefit from reading this book - written by someone who has "been there & done that"
1576134
Addiction runs in my family and the stories really personalize the difficulty of overcoming addiction. I think it's a good read for anyone to understand addiction with specific stories, and our culture's feeding of insecurity around personal acceptance in general.

(I do think using the name Kennedy to be somewhat pretentious--his mother was Jack Kennedy's sister; anyway, he had a large circle of connections because of it and thus all these stories to add to his book.)
4857231
Mr. Leone presents a compelling story about addiction: DON'T START with this stuff! True grit and candid from the window of his soul. Highly recommended reading for those who are addicted or are heading down that path. A virtual textbook on how to derail a promising life.... A must read for those who are addicted or want to understand the underpinnings of addiction. Broke my heart!
4107816
This book is a must read for everyone seeking freedom.
It's refreshing to read a work that presents solutions within everyone's reach. John Flaherty brings us out of the slow progress addiction treatment system and into a realm to free our own shackles that made our dependence seem so real. Thanks to Addiction Unplugged - How to Be Free; we can all experience unlimited potential to shine as bright as the sun. This book is a worthy companion for any addict wanting to thrive into a new life without chemicals. If you or a loved one are having trouble with addiction to alcohol or chemicals then get your addiction "unplugged."

Johnny Delirious - Master Survivor
165827
This book has great depth and meaning for anyone struggling with addiction or loving someone who is.  Joan is clear,honest and authentic in her sharing.  How wonderful to "shatter" the power that addiction has over so many lives.  Bravo, Ms. Peck
1350281
Authors often read biographies, letters and autobiographies written about and by their favorite authors. When we do so, we learn that the overly sensitive nature of writers has historically led them to "numb out" through over-using various substances. Although the Norton Anthology of English Literature may not go into depth, describing the abuse of substances that led to their early deaths, any authentic investigation will reveal these truths. In my view, it is imperative not to judge, but to be warned. Addiction is an illness, a disease, and not a flaw in the character of anyone who falls into that terrible darkness. This book is a vital, wordy warning to others who might find themselves following in the footsteps of those authors who they have admired, What writer has not said, "But 'they' abused substances and became eternally famous for the words they put together so eloquently." There are many names missing from Donald Newlove's list of the fallen, but he focuses clearly on those who he knew best, and the most riveting focus of this book is in the telling of his own story.
1510433
This book brought together the various teachings in my past to a pivotal point for me. I recently went into recovery for addiction and I will read it over and over as support! I recommend it to anyone going through a change in their lives.