2008-2009. Richard S. Sandor, M.D.. © All rights reserved.
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Publishers Weekly
Starred Review.
Sandor, a psychiatrist specializing in addiction, has put together a thought-provoking, compassionate guide for alcoholics and other addicts to understand and overcome their disease. Sandor explains addiction as a disease of "automaticity," a change in the functioning of the central nervous system "that cannot be eliminated but can be rendered dormant." Total abstinence, Sandor asserts, is the only way to control this automatic mechanism. He compares alcoholism to allergies, both of which involve a "pathological reaction to a substance," and discusses the biological, sociological and psychological factors that make some vulnerable. In Sandor's view, medical intervention is necessary for withdrawal symptoms, but the goal of treatment is "dedicated, active membership in a 12-step group" like Alcoholics Anonymous for life (in large part for the spiritual component, which necessitates "turning our will and lives over" to a higher power). Though understanding, practical and enlightening, the handbook's broader message, that addiction teaches "the same timeless lessons that bring meaning to all human suffering," is bound to be controversial.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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The Library Journal
Sandor's book feels more like a personal summation of a life's work than a self-help guide. Reflecting on his nearly 30-year career as a psychiatrist, Sandor presents a series of essays on how to conceptualize and treat addiction, or, rather, how to help people address their addiction. By reviewing what science has learned about addiction, he argues that the answer to dealing with addiction is not found in biology but in responsibility and personal growth, embodied in AA principles. He also addresses two thorny issues skeptics question about the 12-step programs, i.e., total abstinence and the concept of a higher power. Sandor cites numerous other works and scatters aphorisms about life and addiction throughout, two qualities that make this thoughtful book a good jumping-off point on the topic. Anyone who wants to know about 12-step programs or is dealing with drug or alcohol addiction-his or her own or that of someone close-will find this work particularly useful. Recommended for public libraries.
Fran Mentch
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Richard Sandor M.D. has created a concise review of how he understands and treats addicted patients. This first-person account is packed with clinical pearls that will be useful to the beginning practitioner and the experienced clinician. His insightful ideas are referenced with medical studies as well as literary and philosophical premises. His book is divided into four sections; each section discusses a fundamental issue in the treatment of addictions. Through years of answering questions from addicts, families, and other professionals he has honed his ideas on the questions of whether addiction is a disease, why addictions selectively effect individuals, and how treatment works. The final part of the book is the most challenging: Why is a spiritual awakening necessary for recovery? This part of the book breaks new ground in the area of explaining how long-term sobriety can be maintained. This book provides the reader with sophisticated understanding of addictions and the treatment of addicted patients.
Robert Martin, M.D. President, Southern California Psychiatric Society
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Thinking Simply About Addiction is a seasoned clinician’s gift to other clinicians. In addition to providing a useful clinical guide for clinicians, Rich Sandor has provided a gem of a book which will be of help to patients as they struggle with addictive conditions. Family and friends who are often troubled by addictive behavior will also benefit from Thinking Simply About Addiction. Once you have read it pass it on.
John N. Chappel, M.D.
Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry
University of Nevada School of Medicine
Starred Review.
Sandor, a psychiatrist specializing in addiction, has put together a thought-provoking, compassionate guide for alcoholics and other addicts to understand and overcome their disease. Sandor explains addiction as a disease of "automaticity," a change in the functioning of the central nervous system "that cannot be eliminated but can be rendered dormant." Total abstinence, Sandor asserts, is the only way to control this automatic mechanism. He compares alcoholism to allergies, both of which involve a "pathological reaction to a substance," and discusses the biological, sociological and psychological factors that make some vulnerable. In Sandor's view, medical intervention is necessary for withdrawal symptoms, but the goal of treatment is "dedicated, active membership in a 12-step group" like Alcoholics Anonymous for life (in large part for the spiritual component, which necessitates "turning our will and lives over" to a higher power). Though understanding, practical and enlightening, the handbook's broader message, that addiction teaches "the same timeless lessons that bring meaning to all human suffering," is bound to be controversial.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
_____________________________________________________________________
The Library Journal
Sandor's book feels more like a personal summation of a life's work than a self-help guide. Reflecting on his nearly 30-year career as a psychiatrist, Sandor presents a series of essays on how to conceptualize and treat addiction, or, rather, how to help people address their addiction. By reviewing what science has learned about addiction, he argues that the answer to dealing with addiction is not found in biology but in responsibility and personal growth, embodied in AA principles. He also addresses two thorny issues skeptics question about the 12-step programs, i.e., total abstinence and the concept of a higher power. Sandor cites numerous other works and scatters aphorisms about life and addiction throughout, two qualities that make this thoughtful book a good jumping-off point on the topic. Anyone who wants to know about 12-step programs or is dealing with drug or alcohol addiction-his or her own or that of someone close-will find this work particularly useful. Recommended for public libraries.
Fran Mentch
_____________________________________________________________________
Richard Sandor M.D. has created a concise review of how he understands and treats addicted patients. This first-person account is packed with clinical pearls that will be useful to the beginning practitioner and the experienced clinician. His insightful ideas are referenced with medical studies as well as literary and philosophical premises. His book is divided into four sections; each section discusses a fundamental issue in the treatment of addictions. Through years of answering questions from addicts, families, and other professionals he has honed his ideas on the questions of whether addiction is a disease, why addictions selectively effect individuals, and how treatment works. The final part of the book is the most challenging: Why is a spiritual awakening necessary for recovery? This part of the book breaks new ground in the area of explaining how long-term sobriety can be maintained. This book provides the reader with sophisticated understanding of addictions and the treatment of addicted patients.
Robert Martin, M.D. President, Southern California Psychiatric Society
_____________________________________________________________________
Thinking Simply About Addiction is a seasoned clinician’s gift to other clinicians. In addition to providing a useful clinical guide for clinicians, Rich Sandor has provided a gem of a book which will be of help to patients as they struggle with addictive conditions. Family and friends who are often troubled by addictive behavior will also benefit from Thinking Simply About Addiction. Once you have read it pass it on.
John N. Chappel, M.D.
Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry
University of Nevada School of Medicine
Reviews Continued >>
