Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter One: I’m not an addict; I can stop anytime I want!
What is Addiction?
What is Addiction Treatment?
Chapter Two: You talkin’ to me?
The Brain Anatomy and Chemistry of Addiction
Chapter Three: My mother made me do it!
Addiction and Co-morbid Disorders
Genetics and Heredity
Chapter Four: Denial is not just a river in Egypt!
Denial can take many different forms
Chapter Five: There’s an App For That
Medications That Help Stabilize Addiction and Assist Recovery
Chapter Six: Cirrhosis is NOT one of the Knights of the Round Table
Medical Complications and Liver Disease
Chapter Seven: Getting off the big white horse
Opiates, Pain, Methadone, and Suboxone
Chapter Eight: You people are really sick!
HIV, Hepatitis C, TB, and STD’s
Chapter Nine: Look into my eyes—you’re getting very sleepy
Antidepressant, Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), and Hypnotic (sleep) Medications
Chapter Ten: I’m not crazy, but my psychiatrist is
ADD/ADHD, Bipolar, and Antipsychotic Medications
Chapter Eleven: I’d walk a mile for a Camel—if I could only catch my breath
Nicotine Addiction and Smoking Cessation Medications
Chapter Twelve: What’s the matter with kids today?
Adolescents and Addiction—Prescription Pills, Anabolic Steroids, and Eating Disorders
Chapter Thirteen: Barefoot, pregnant, and addicted
Addiction, Pregnancy, and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Chapter Fourteen: You can’t lose if you don’t play
Gambling Addiction and Impulse Control Disorders
Chapter: Fifteen: Do you want LOTS of fries with that?
Sex Addiction, Eating Disorders, Nutrition, Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements
Chapter Sixteen: Passing a drug test won’t get you into college
Drug Testing, Urine Analysis, and Breathalyzers
Appendix:
Patient Guidelines for Early Recovery
Why Group Treatment Works
The California Society of Addiction Medicine’s Position on Medical Marijuana
Study Suggests Gene May Predict Success of Therapies for Alcohol Dependence
Methadone Treatment Marks 40 Years
Select Prescription Drugs and Their Potential for Abuse
Depression Screening Self-Test
A Few Good Mutual-Aid and Support Programs for Addiction
A Few Movies for Reference for Addiction and Addicted-Related Behavior
A Few Good National Drug and Alcohol Agencies
State Substance Abuse Agencies
References
Endnotes