Addicted?: Recognizing Destructive Behaviors Before It's Too Late - Softcover

Freimuth, Marilyn

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0742560252 ISBN 13: 9780742560253

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2008

Synopsis

Despite our associating addictions with crazy, out of control behavior, most addictions go unrecognized. Those who suffer from addictions often misinterpret their symptoms as a sign of some other problem. Health care professionals who are entrusted by society to identify such problems routinely fail to do so. When addictions are recognized, they are confined to substance use, which overlooks the wide array of activities that engage people in an addictive manner. Further, when addictions are detected, they are in their most advanced and difficult to treat phases. In large part this is due to the all or none way we think about addiction; either you are addicted or not. In reality, an addiction does not emerge fully formed; what starts out as just having fun, gradually, over time, becomes a problem.

To limit the devastation created by late stage addictions and reap the benefits of early detection, this book provides questionnaires that screen for a wide array of chemical and behavioral addictions at all stages of development. Much in the same way we learned the early warning signs of cancer, this book explores different ways to recognize the early and often subtle signs of addiction. Unlike cancer, where people rush to get treatment, facing an addiction is associated with guilt and ambivalence. To navigate these feelings and get help, the book provides a step-by-step guide for how to prepare the addicted person, be it oneself or someone else, to change an addiction.

About this title

From the Publisher

Special Features:

--A nationally recognized expert specializing in addiction treatment, the author has an inside-and-out understanding of addictions--their symptoms, causes, and cures.

--Unique approach that assumes many readers may not be fully aware that they or their loved one has an addiction--most books on addiction are based on the premise that the reader has already identified the problem.

--Geared to help anyone identify addictive behaviors in themselves and others.

--Devotes whole sections to a broad range of addictions based on the idea that there is no limit to the possible behaviors and substances to which we can become addicted.

--Facilitates early detection and treatment, which saves money, emotional drain on families, and ultimately, saves lives. Moreover, argues early detection of addictions, like early detection of cancer, may help treat addictions more effectively.

About the Author

Marilyn Freimuth is professor of clinical psychology at the Fielding Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, California, where she specializes in substance abuse diagnosis and addiction treatment. She also maintains a private practice in Wisconsin.

Edition details

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0742560252
• ISBN 13: 9780742560253
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 296