2 comments about Psychology of Alcohol and Other Drugs: A Research Perspective.

1. This text is absolutely the most readible and comprehensive review of the world of behavioral science research on addiction. It is as broad and complete as any recent NIDA, NIAAA or Institute of Medicine summaries.

   The sections on special populations and gender studies cannot be found easily in other places, as well as, the bibliographic references are extremely well chosen and thorough for those needing to find the seminal references.

   In short, this is truly a one of a kind textbook suitable of upper division courses, a postgraduate seminar or research or program design. If you are looking for clinician's manual, this is not for you. If you are looking for a carefully selected review of research literature without unnecessary jibberish...use this text.




2. My book places emphasis on evaluation of major issues and scientific studies. Most books on this topic focus on personal accounts, case histories, or counseling and treatment approaches.
   
   Here is an excerpt from a review of the book published in a leading scientific journal, Addiction, 2001, 96, 782-783:
   
   "...The book is an impressive piece of work, covering a very broad spectrum of topics. The author demonstrates an extensive knowledge of the field. Important is his underlining of the scientific base of knowledge. The main focus of the book is the American scene; European research and perspectives are not always so well covered. Nevertheless, the book will be of considerable interest also for European readers. It is well written, extensive and thorough. Both introductory students and more experienced readers will find this book valuable. It has a vast number of facts and references. .."
   
   FANNY DUCKERT
   Institute of Psychology, Oslo, Norway
   
   A second review in a major research journal, Alcohol and Alcoholism Vol. 38, No. 1, pp. 98-99, 2003:
   
   This single author text book identifies its target audience as psychology and social science students in the US, but its potential readership is much wider.
   
   This is a substantial book, which covers the epidemiology, aetiology, prevention and treatment of substance misuse, together with a methodical analysis of practice and research. The author justifies his focus on alcohol, because of its status as the drug of choice in the US; he does not neglect other drugs and there is valuable work on the position of tobacco in particular. The epidemiology and political perspectives are exclusively based on US data. A more international perspective would have been welcome, but the treatment sections avoid any accusations of parochialism and it would be a pity if the book was neglected outside the US.
   
   The advantages of a single author are evident with a consistently readable style. The tone of the book is fair and broad-minded. There is careful, at times laborious, analysis. The book is well referenced, though relatively little post 1995 work is cited. The text is well laid out and structured which helps accessibility.
   
   The strongest sections are on the application of basic psychological principles to addictions and there are very useful reviews of `special groups' classified by age, gender and race. These are much debated, but little studied, issues and Professor Jung's reviews are a very welcome contribution. Once again, the focus is on the US, but there are key principles outlined here.
   
   The weaker area of the book is on the inter-relationship with health problems, including psychiatric illness and this is one area which may have benefited from another contributor.
   
   Overall, however, this is a major new introductory textbook for students from a range of disciplines. It represents an excellent starting point for new students and is a useful resource for experienced practitioners and researchers.
   
   Peter Rice

1 comments about Making Life a Masterpiece.

1. "Many a man has finally succeeded only because he has failed after repeated efforts. If he had never met defeat he would never have known great victory!" This book is about unlocking your possibilities and not letting failures get in the way of making your life a successful work of art. In fact, it is about cherishing your failures as stepping stones to be learned from on the path towards greater achievements. This is a wonderful inspiring book on the components of a successful happy life!

No comments about Ardent Spirits: The Rise And Fall Of Prohibition.

No comments about Treating Alcoholism (Jossey-Bass Library of Current Clinical Technique).

2 comments about Hypnosis Alcohol Treatment: Staying Sober through Hypnosis.

1. I purchased Trevor Scott's weight loss CD and liked it a lot. So, I thought I'd buy this one. However, I didn't find the visualizations and the suggestions quite as good.



2. After being a heavy drinker since high school (1964) and tring to quit for many years, I sent for your Alcohol Tape.
   
   The first month I listened 2 or 3 times a day before I knew it I was 6 months sober then one year.
   
   All I can say is Thank You, the program worked for me.
   
   Sincerely.
   F Reed

5 comments about The Corner.

1. I've lived in Baltimore my entire life. Well to be fair. near Baltimore. I found this a compelling and interesting look at a social epidemic. For those of us that don't understand addiction or the situation in the inner cities first hand this is a mind blowing and outlook changing look at the situation from the side of those that live it every day. This series changed my entire outlook. If you like this try watching 'The Wire' and 'Homicide: Life on the Street'



2. Fans of David Simon who are preparing to mourn the imminent end of The Wire on HBO should definitely check out this massively powerful book, if they haven't already done so. Simon and Burns's impressively detailed and nuanced depiction of one year on a drug corner in an impoverished Baltimore neighborhood grows into a scathing indictment, not only of the narcotics business but of a failed criminal justice system as well. This is not light reading by any stretch of the imagination, but well worth it. A hard book to forget, and that's a good thing.



3. You'd think that if you watched The Wire this won't have anything you don't already know, and you'd be about 70% right. Long and sometimes pedantic, but the characters are all real and the book lets the authors get deeper into their heads; worth a read if you're a Wire junkie. (And if you're not a Wire junkie, this will all be new to you anyway. ...but you might as well start by watching the show. Thank me later.)



4. Although not as good as Homicide it does a good job of painting a bleak portrait of the inner-city Baltimore drug scene. Many people mention HBO's "The Wire" in their reveiws. Don't forget that HBO made a mini-series out of this book too - aptly titled, "The Corner."



5. The Corner clearly tells us about the life of inner-city neighborhoods and its inhabitants. The dark side of the world is revealed through extremely realistic descriptions, terrible moments of life that are so usual in there. The gap is deep, the suffering is obvious, hope just behind, so present in minds, but so abstract. Future is only tomorrow, violence is evidence, fear is everyday...I advise to watch The Wire, a good complement to this amazing book!

3 comments about Stepping Stones To Recovery.

1. I LOVE this book! This is, without a doubt, the best best book that I have come across in my 18 mos (and counting!) of recovery. The 12 Step Principles are explained through a collection of writings - I especially love the Acceptance section. Numerous prayers (spiritual - - NOT religious), slogans and AA antidotes (The 12 Steps to Destruction)are included as are classic essays on acceptance, spirituality, meditation, serenity, fellowship, surrender, etc... A "must have" - especially for newcomers!



2. This is beyound a doubt one of the best books on Alcoholics Anonymous that I have ever read. It is full of quotes,stories,prayers and sayings that are used in A.A. and other 12 step recovery programs every day. Although not authorized by A.A, alot of the material is used with their permission and it is certainly a book that anyone in recovery should have



3. Very comprehensive easy-to-read book for a recovering alcoholic. Is arranged nicely, and many helps which are easy to read.

5 comments about Steps We Took.

1. This is the best book I've read on the 12 Steps. It is such a refreshing perspective and a welcome addition to the Recovery Library of Bill W and Hazelton literature, which, for me, had become too familiar, unfortunately. This book is filled with insight, perspective, metaphors, hope and humor.



2. An excellent supplement for a beginner to use with the Big Book. It may not be approved literature but it is AA principles 100%



3. Indispensable.
   
   Joe McQ kicks some serious balls when dealing with the deadly disease of
   Alcoholism.
   
   Straight talking, funny, insightful, experienced, and to the point without
   being preachy - the way only a real drunk can talk to drunks.
   
   If you are confused about the steps, this book will explain them for you.
   
   Joe, and his buddy Charlie, are modern day patron Saints of AA. Read Joe's
   book, and grow.
   
   - -
   Okay
   Father Luke



4. This is a great book on recovery. The author's insight into the steps is very helpful. Great seller/price. The book was shipped quickly and arrived exactly as described.



5. I like this publication and find it very helpful. I caution people trying to use this as a primary source for recovery as I have no experience with using the book as such.
   
   Love Joe McQ...May he rest in peace...

No comments about Alcoholics Anonymous in Spanish.

3 comments about Preventing Addiction.

1. This excellent book is designed for parents of teens and youngsters who need the ammunition to prevent addiction problems. The author, being a Doctor of Medicine in Family Practice, has seen his share of addiction problems, so you are getting the advice of a professional in the area. His organization, descriptions, and methods of combatting and preventing addiction are just unsurpassed. The book is written in a straight forward manner with language that non-professionals can easily understand. You feel as if you were seated in Dr. Fleming's office, talking with him one on one. The book is just a superior resource. Sincerely, Dr. Lee Walker



2. This is a great book for parents who want to keep their children from becoming alcoholics and drug addicts - a parent's worst nightmare. It's a useful resource that both gives practical advice to parents as well as helps us understand the body's response to addiction. For instance, Fleming doesn't just tell us to start concerning ourselves with our children's exposure to drugs and alcohol when they reach the frightful teen years but implores us to realize that preventing addiction begins in elementary school. Also, this isn't simply a `just say no' book full of trite platitudes but a well-researched yet readable approach to the issues at hand. I highly recommend this book.



3. Dr. Fleming has written a "must read" book for all parents! He gives specific suggestions on how to raise your child from birth through the difficult teen years so that they will not fall into the trap of using addictive substances, from tobacco to alcohol to drugs of all kinds. Well written with substance. Emphasis is given to raising children in a Christian home with lots of love and trust while at the same time, with teenagers in particular, to "trust but verify".