5 comments about Moderate Drinking - Naturally!: Herbs And Vitamins to Control Your Drinking.

1. This is one of the most interesting books I've read about alcohol abuse - it really offers a different take on problem drinking and how to fix it. It's the first book I've found which discusses how different alternative medicine approaches have treated alcohol abuse for centuries - long before AA came along.
   Homeopathic, Chinese and Ayurvedic and western herbs are covered - explaining how each of these systems views alcohol abuse, how it develops and the best ways to treat it. Another major theme of the book is balance. If one's life is a balance of physical, mental and spiritual components, the less need there is for alcohol. Truly a fascinating read and helpful to me personally.



2. I'm a drinker who has struggled on and off with booze for years and I'm ecstatic someone has finally written about a more organic approach to problem drinking. This book gave me a different perspective. I was especially interested in how chinese and ayurvedic medicine treat drinkers and the concept of "balancing" my life so booze becomes less important and I drink less.
   
   This book opened my mind up. I guess no ones written about alternative medicine to address alcohol abuse because the disease concept and AA are so deeply ingrained in the US.



3. I am so happy I came across this book at amazon. It's the only book I've
   found that talks about how other alternative medicines and other cultures
   view alcohol abuse and how to treat it. I was thinking about getting
   prescription medication to cut the desire to drink but after reading this
   I don't need to. There are lots of herbs to do that at the natural food
   store. I've read Cornett's other book, 7 Weeks to Safe Social Drinking:
   How to Effectively Moderate Your Alcohol Intake, and she always covers
   interesting things.
   
   For me the vitamin and supplement part was the best. It talks about things
   you can buy over the counter to cut craving. The Chinese and Ayurveda
   medicine parts were really interesting too.
   
   I realize this is only one take on problem drinking. But if you take these
   suggestions in the book, along with her program in her other book to
   improve your drinking habits you can cut craving and consumption without
   prescription medicine.



4. that message is we have to start thinking out of the box when it comes to
   alcohol abuse treatment. i gave this book to a friend of mine who has a
   drinking problem but was dead against stopping or going to AA. he was
   receptive to this book because it gave him some organic alternatives to
   drinking less. in other words it got him started doing something about
   his drinking.
   
   some people just need a little shove to do something about their drinking
   and this book provided that little shove.



5. And this book proves it. Finally someone has let the cat out of the bag that alternative medicine has been used for centuries to conquer alcohol craving and alcohol abuse.
   I'm happy drinkers have more options with this book. Now, in addition to cutting down or stopping, they can get a little extra help with the herbs and supplements in this book. Every drinker should own this book.

5 comments about Megashift.

1. I found this book to be inspiring, and it filled me with hope, a hope which I really needed in the midst of what I'd call spectator Christianity. I didn't feel the author was judgmental at all, but he does challenge the status quo. This book is exhortational, not doctrinal. The author is not teaching doctrine, as much as he's describing his personal experiences, and it's good to keep that in mind. The reviewer who gets all ruffled about 'prayer walks' or 'taking cities' missed the point. What difference does it make if it's called a 'prayer walk'? The author described people who prayed more than a couple minutes, like we do in America, and actually got results. If the reviewer thinks there is "ZERO" mention of that kind of warfare in the Bible, he forgot to read the Garden of Gethsemane story, for starters. And how long were the apostles praying in the upper room? What about earthquakes that shook prison walls in response to singing, worship, and prayer? Remember how Daniel had to pray 21 days to get results? Well, this author is challenging people to get personally involved and not just sit on a pew anymore. And he's letting people know that if we can get out of our McChristianity attitudes and have a little perseverence, we can really have an impact. This is not about judgmentalism. This is about how all of us can become so deeply embedded into an instant gratification culture that we don't realize how much it prevents us from being successful on deeper levels. We might think we have perseverence..but can we stand together for DAYS and pray about something? Hour after hour after hour? I can't even resist a good cookie for that long. Can you? I was humbled and even a little intimidated. But then I thought, wow- if we just didn't give up so easily...what would happen?? This book tells you exactly that- and it's stunning.



2. There is a multitude of review commentary on this book. So I need not add to the pros and cons of the able reviewers. I do want to say that my interest in this fine work is based on its thrust toward the worldwide healings going on while most Americans sit apathetically doubting or ignorant of the facts. As I have been researching and reporting on the history of early AAs cured of alcoholism, I have looked for the evidence confirming and corresponding to the early A.A. accounts. It's been a struggle. Scientists and scholars seem entrenched in their idea that alcoholism has not been, cannot be, and never will be cured--especially by the power of God. When they explore evidence, they look for "religiosity," "religionmania," "spirituality" and some meaningless measure based on church attendance, Bible reading, prayer, and other outward act of devotion. Rarely if ever do they address the Bible, the cures reported in the Bible, and the power of God as healer and as demonstrated in the Bible. Anything but Christ in you the hope of glory. One historian characterizes A.A. "spirituality" as "not-god-ness." In another place, he calls it the "spirituality of imperfection." What in the world that can do for the afflicted alcoholic and addict is something you'll never find or be able to apply. Can the alcoholic be cured? Does God have the power to heal alcoholism? Is God bereft of healing ability only in the realm of drunkenness? The answers of history resound with reported victories over alcoholism through reliance on the Creator. Science and scholarship scorn such ideas. If a piece of evidence is presented, they probably characterize it as unreliable scientifically because "anecdotal." Is the only proof the proof obtained in the laboratories by hundreds of trial and error methods, by dozens of scientists who repeatedly fail, and who finally produce a thesis which immediately spawns abstracts, grants, papers, and opinions of all those who disagree or distinguish. Examine their conclusions and their efforts to divert "research" toward genetics, pharmacology, behavior, nutrition, imprisonment, psychiatry, psycho-therapy, treatment, and all the other "solutions" that haven't solved the matter of helping the alcoholic to quit drinking so that he will not pursue his obsession to drink too much, get into endless troubles, endanger his health and life, and then return to the spirits--not spirit, spirits. Compare these to centuries of testimonies about divine healing. Healing of alcoholics. Are these testimonies spurious because some human being reported cure, quit drinking forever, and went on to a happy life--basing his claim of victory on his new birth and obedience to God coupled with prayer in the name of Jesus Christ to be healed. The verification in Megashift is that all over the world today the miracles of the New Testament and the early Christians are being performed with God's help. God raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus raised the dead. Paul raised the dead. Peter raised the dead. Same as to physical maladies, mental problems, and devil spirits. Irrelevant? Unbelievable? Spurious? Anecdotal? Whatever you may think, the Bible reports these facts. Megashift reports the same facts today and tells how these things are happening when Christians get off their duffs in church pews and utilize the power that Jesus sacrificed to make available. That's my appraisal of the James Rutz work. His important book is highly useful as proof that God can and will do for us today when he promised to do for Abraham, for the children of Israel, and for those who believed on His son.



3. Almost every night before we turn in, the family piles on our bed and my husband reads something that will hopefully inspire the kids to move ahead in their faith. Currently we are reading this book and it's blowing our socks off. In fact, there are times when the wonder of it makes me laugh out loud!
   
   If you thought God was dead, if you think Christianity is boring, if you think miracles are dead, you need to read this book and get energized. Even if you have real problems with its theology, read it to just start asking yourself the right questions.
   
   The times, they are a changin! Don't get left behind!
   
   Darlene
   The Mom-Defrazzler



4. I have been is 6 different denominations and none gave out a first century understanding of what Christianity was all about. Rutz captures the house church ministry that is changing the world. The USA needs to change to be effective. We are missing the boat. God isn't happy about it. Jim Aurand



5. I was most amazed by the wonderful stories of documented miracles around the globe. The first chapter is great and then the remainder of the book deals with what appears to be James Rutz' frustration with big church America. While many of the points he makes are correct, he leaves little room for existing churches to become a part of what he sees as the exclusive way that God moves today
   
   He seems to believe that once you get a certain size, you are out of the anointing of God's will. I know many churches who are large in attendance who have a strong spiritual foundation that disciples others to go out and plant new churches. In fact, the church that I came from has planted over 100 strong churches by taking small group leaders and equipping them for leadership.
   
   I like the book and I will admit that it challenges me to be more of a "House Church" Pastor in my methods but it has and obvious bent toward knocking the work of anyone who is not under this model.
   
   I would strongly recommend this book to anyone with the maturity to read it without getting offended or becoming judgmental.
   
   Jeff Ludy

5 comments about There's More to Quitting Drinking Than Quitting Drinking.

1. I think it would be good supplemental reading for folks early into their recovery. It's OK reading for old timers.



2. This book clearly explains the sickness of alchoholism and how to deal with someone who suffers from this disease. It assisted me in making some very important decisions and changes in my life.



3. This book was the next logical step in the pursuit of long term recovery and the work necessary for the individuals seeking a deeper understanding of alcoholism and it's relation to daily living once sobriety is underway. Dr Paul O. sights many additioinal resources that the reader may find helpful and enlightening for their own personal journey. Many of us will realize in a very short period of time that there IS more to quitting drinking than just the physical aspects of being sober or not taking that next drink. You will find that here.



4. This is an excellent book. It is full of highlights and dog-eared pages for me to go back to.



5. I have not yet completed reading this book but find I can only absorb a small amount at one time and some of the concepts are way over my head. This would probably be a better read for someone who has been or is currently a member of AA.

5 comments about Loosening the Grip: A Handbook of Alcohol Information with PowerWeb.

1. This book is a must for anyone studing to be a Substancce Abuse Counselor. The author covers everything one would need to know regarding the disease of addiction.
   Historical information regarding alcohol and drugs is also provided.
   Having worked in the field of substance abuse counseling for a number of years, I have noticed that hearing officers for the Secretary of State of Illinois often use this book and quote from it when writing out their decisions on DUI offenders seeking reinstatement of their driving privileges through the formal hearing process.
   I make sure I keep my copy in my bookshelf for a reference book.



2. This is a well written and comprehensive resource for the practicing addictions counselor as well as those just starting out. There is no better single source of information on the process and treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction and I have continued to use this book long after passing the written exam and becoming licensed.



3. Overall, this is a good book in learning the concepts of alcoholism



4. This is a surprisingly poorly written textbook. One can tell that more and more information has simply been cut and pasted into this book over the years. The continuity and organization of the book suffers. The authors (or a new author) should consider writing a new text from scratch --- one that encompasses the entire field of substance abuse counseling more comprehensively.



5. It is necessary to note that this book is required for CADC licensure in some certification programs. As such, it is so poorly written and organized, I am finding it difficult to get through it. I am disappointed to have paid significant money for what is assumably quality research and information about substance use and abuse, presented in a manner that is careless and disorganized. There are innumerable grammatical errors and the author lacks focus and consistancy within paragraphs. It is inexcusable to read a "textbook," where basic sentence structure and writing is neglected. While the information contained is assumably valid and of great value, its presentation is lacking at best. I hope that future additions are more cost effective and adhere to a higher standard of professional educational writing.

3 comments about Take Control of Your Drinking...And You May Not Need to Quit.

1. I believe "Take Control of Your Drinking...And You May Not Have to Quit"
   provides a perspective that will allow doors to open that have previously
   been slammed shut. To give the option and tools to practice moderation as
   opposed to giving up alcohol entirely will encourage some to try change that normally wouldn't. The book doesn't avoid the issue that some must
   abstain.
   It is a to the point, informative and easy read that allows people who are ready to jump right into the process.
   This is a resource that should be in every health practioner's library.



2. It is widely acknowledged that the first step toward recovery is admission of a problem. With this book, Dr. Levy gives us clear and concise tools for addressing that admission, and attaching a reasonable approach to it. If you are willing to take a hard, honest look at your drinking behavior, Dr. Levy has provided a guide to help assess if YOU are all the help that YOU need. Bravo, Dr. Levy, for giving us all a leg up to the first step.



3. I teach a college course on alcohol and drug abuse treatment, and I have suggested this book as reading to my class. This book is an easily understandable and user-friendly guide that could help anyone concerned with their alcohol use to either cut down or stop drinking.

No comments about The Death of Raymond Yellow Thunder: And Other True Stories from the Nebraska-Pine Ridge Border Towns (Plains Histories) (Plains Histories) (Plains Histories).

5 comments about Alcoholics Anonymous - Big Book Special Edition - Including: New Personal Stories for the Year 2008.

1. THIS BOOK IS NOT PUBLISHED BY, NOR IS IT ENDORSED BY ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IN ANY CAPACITY!



2. This book is NOT the "same" Big Book. It is not published by AA World Services, and is not approved AA literature.
   
   The 4th Edition of "Alcoholics Anonymous" is the current textbook for the new way of living found by millions of ALCOHOLICS. Please don't let the message be watered down!!!



3. I am very disappointed in this book. Who published this material?
   Without a copyright, author or publisher, we have no idea where this material came from. Without knowing the source, we need to be suspicious.
   Anyone who is in a program of recovery must be able to trust the source of information they receive.



4. This is NOT the Big Book, nor is it AA. If you do not have an authorized AA book, ask AA. They have a web site. Try the following:
   Alcoholics Anonymous: Big Book, Original Edition
   Father Fred and the Twelve Steps: A Primer for Recovery
   As Bill Sees It: The A. A. Way of Life ...Selected Writings of the A. A.'s Co-Founder
   The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaning



5. What a great addtion to the Big Book and the updated stories are a real bonus.

4 comments about The Addiction Workbook: A Step-By-Step Guide to Quitting Alcohol and Drugs (New Harbinger Workbooks).

1. The workbook allows one to view his/her compulsion to drink and/or use drugs from multiple perspectives, to better realize the consequences and to make a reasoned choice about whether or not to embrace sobriety. It then gently guides one into early recovery, giving tips and support for making important changes in life so as not to return to alcohol and/or drugs. Fanning writes in short, clear sentences so that the book is very easy to understand, and shows great compassion for those who are burdened by the terrible compulsion that is addiction.



2. This book has the basis information a person needs to quit their addiction. Is the same basic principles that rehabilitation programs used. Except that in the rehab you have a team a people that help you and the AA/NA meetings are all day.



3. Bought it for my grown son...along with AA, prof. treatment, the workbook has been a good support for him.



4. This book provides some information and a vague guideline on the treatment of addiction; good as a self help tool for individuals.

5 comments about Get Your Loved One Sober: Alternatives to Nagging, Pleading, and Threatening..

1. I have read this book...i have given copies of it free to many clients...and have gotten only good feedback...and i have heard the shrill voices like those of these negative reviews for so long now i could cry...there are better and more effective ways to help families of alcoholics..this book outlines them, including explaining the research findings now for 20 years on this topic. So when will people start to listen to hear what works in the real world, not what they want to believe and insist on jamming down everyone's throat. These "disease of alcoholism" people with their constant attacks on those struggling to really change their drinking...with their demeaning language and desire to put everyone safely in the same box...the "alcoholic...we all know what that is" box...hurts all of us...treatment providers (me), clients and families alike. The truth is: Alanon does not help the alcoholic, interventions hurt the alcoholic, CRAFT helps everyone. Wake up and grow up please.



2. I'm a therapist who works with the family members of substance users. I always use this book with my clients and they LOVE it. They like the easy to read format, the exercises that encourage change, and the positive tone of the book. I can't tell you how many lives this book has helped change. If you have a family member or close friend who has an alcohol or drug problem, this is the book for you!



3. I have been using this program for 9 months. I know it works for me and see great progress with my afflicted one. It is uplifting, gives me hope and encouragement, and makes sense. I read passages I have underlined almost every day. I learn something almost every day. This struggle is not easy and this book helps me a great deal.



4. I am so happy to recommend this book!
   
   I was looking for a better way to get my friend into treatment and found some of the latest research on HBO's website for their series, "Addiction". The HBO website has video clips that describe the CRAFT method and how it is proven to be the most effective, so I bought this book with high hopes.
   
   My friend decided he was ready for detox within a week of using this approach. I am grateful for tips like watching for a window and planning for treatment in advance. CRAFT is about empowerment with positive reinforcement - without anger or judgment. This book shows how important it is to avoid shame and guilt about addiction.
   
   I wish I could give this book to everyone in Al-Anon. Al-Anon was not offering anything but a support group for feeling OK about doing nothing - "Letting Go". It did not make sense to detach from my alcoholic friend and wait for him to hit a new bottom. I did not want to isolate him further or fall back into enabling and this book explained how to take action in a healthy way.
   
   Thank you to the authors - and to HBO for promoting CRAFT. Why isn't this more talked about?



5. This is a great book. I have been around the AA program with family members for my entire life and this approach for the hard headed or unconventional alcoholic/user is wonderful. I am happy to have found this and am using these new methods daily.

5 comments about Adult Children of Alcoholics Syndrome: A Step By Step Guide To Discovery And Recovery.

1. This book is a must read for any adult who was raised by alcoholics. When reading this book I felt like I was reading about my childhood.



2. This book may be a very useful tool for people who are ready to break the cycle of self-destruction and family dysfunction. Living with alcoholism absolutely affects everyone in the house, and we don't have to live with the secrets anymore. If you don't want to pass the hurt, the shame, the pain on to your own children, get this book and begin to heal the wounds of your own childhood.



3. Being a ACoa I found this little book insightful. I would recommend to all with this history.



4. THE ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS SYNDROME by Wayne Kritsberg
   It's a very helpfull book. Unlike so many other books on this issue it is very clear and well-organized. It is just a pleasure to read it. I am going to use some extracts from this book in my thesis paper on co-dependency.
   The books which i read before mostly described the emotions of the authors, since most of the books on alcoholism are written by the adult children of alcoholics or alcoholics in recovery, and very often they are filled up with tiny little details and emotions which need to be treated by a therapist but i personally don't need to know about them, just because i have my own.
   I have a lot of relatives who still live in denial and i believe that this book could be very helpfull for them as well, because it's not big, easy to read, logical and competent. The book does not judge or blame but explains. I love it.



5. I was so angered by the title of this book that I refused to buy it or read it. I'm a person not a syndrome