Publishers Weekly On the Other Side of Chaos: Understanding the Addiction of a Loved One Ellen Van Vechten. Central Recovery, $17.95 trade paper (312p) ISBN 978-1-942094-79-1
Van Vechten, an attorney turned drug counselor who experienced drug addiction in her own family, offers information, guidance, and support to those dealing with another person’s active addiction. Van Vechten writes that addiction is not a choice, but “a chronic... relapsing brain disease” that physiologically changes the brain’s structure and function. It’s characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. The book first covers the legal realities and scientific facts of the disease process, and how and why some people become addicted; information about drugs and their effects on the body; criteria for diagnosis of addictive disorders; and how and why treatment works. Part Two deals with what happens when a person’s addiction affects the family and describes a parallel path to recovery for addicts and those who love them. Part Three features action plans for making informed decisions about treatment, rules for living with a recovering addict, and ways to find serenity by practicing the principles of 12-Step programs. The book also includes an appendix with tables summarizing “drugs of abuse,” a glossary, and chapter endnotes with references and lists of online resources. Van Vechten offers a solid handbook for those in search of help and authoritative advice. (Sept.) Reviewed on 09/21/2018
Library Journal Van Vechten, Ellen. On the Other Side of Chaos: Understanding the Addiction of a Loved One. Central Recovery Press. Sept. 2018. 312p. bibliog. ISBN 9781942094791. pap. $17.95 ebk. 9781942094807. ADDICTION/RECOVERY Lawyer and addiction and drug counselor Van Vechten has experience firsthand the throes of a family member’s addiction. Her book begins by first classifying different drugs (including gambling) and their effects on the body, then goes on to describe the risk factors and how causation is a “no fault” for family members. A variety of treatment options are presented, but mostly the narrative concentrates on living comfortably with the recovering addict. In a takeoff from Alcoholics Anonymous’s 12-Step program, Van Vechten urges those close to the addict to seek their own peace and serenity. VERDICT While rather densely written, this overall valuable guide will be welcomed by family members of loved ones struggling with dependence habits. Reviewed on 10/01/2018
On the Other Side of Chaos is an invaluable resource for the families and loved one’s of those trapped in addiction. Van Vechten’s combination of compassion for the one suffering with a substance abuse disorder, written from her perspective as a family member of someone who suffered with addiction, along with comprehensive information on this baffling disease and it’s treatment provides readers with a critical resource. Her book is likely to become a staple in the treatment of addiction for anyone who wants to learn more about how to cope with this cunning disease. This is recommended reading for our families.
—Brad M. Reedy, PhD, Cofounder and Clinical Director of Evoke Therapy Programs, author of The Journey of the Heroic Parent
On the Other Side of Chaos is a comprehensive and useful resource for family members of individuals with substance use disorders. It is a valuable tool for families attempting to understand, navigate, and cope with the complex process of substance use and recovery for themselves and their loved ones. I am going to recommend this book to my clients.
—Janice Gabe, LCSW, LCAC, Owner and President of New Perspectives of Indiana, Inc.
Making our way through the turmoil of a loved one’s addiction is daunting enough, for the one with the disease and his or her family. Blame, shame, not understanding the disease, not knowing where to turn, and what help is available only add to the confusion. Now comes Ellen Van Vechten who has provided a much-needed resource that guides loved ones suffering from a substance use disorder and their families away from the blame and shame and toward clarity about the true impact of addictive substances, the nature of the disease, and the way through the chaos.
—Chuck Hutchcraft, LCSW, psychotherapist and mindfulness meditation teacher
On the Other Side of Chaos is a timely and relevant text that offers practical, sound, and heartfelt information and support for the family and loved ones of those living with addiction. Armed with evidence-based and practice-informed data, Ellen Van Vechten walks readers through pertinent information on substance use and treatment, as well as providing a call for family and loved ones to engage in their own recovery. Perhaps most importantly, Ellen uses her own experience of living through a loved one’s addiction to bring empathy and grace to what is often such a challenging experience.
—Brian L. Kelly, PhD, Director of Advanced Accredited Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor Training Program, Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work
Why does anyone pick up a drink or a drug? After so many personal disappointments and heartaches, why would anyone go back to using again? Is there any hope for these individuals? Can they be cured? Why do loved ones take them back again and again? Can any of us make life-giving changes and gain a sense of peace? These are some of the questions presented in this eye-opening book that will be most informational and useful to a wide audience. Substance use can cause deep heartache for the one using it and for anyone related to him or her. The author presents us with this difficult subject in a manner that is clearly understood and indicates her deep caring for those affected by this disease. She has brought current research into the subject in an appealing format that can reach many who do not have the opportunity to look into this on their own.
—Patricia L. Bogie, MSW, LCSW, CADC, MISAII, Director of Addiction Counseling and Education Services, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago (Retired)
At a time when the opioid crisis is impacting thousands, families of these individuals are at a loss to understand what is going on with their loved ones caught up in this downward spiral. Ellen’s On the Other Side of Chaos captures a comprehensive up-to-date view of substance use disorders detailed in plain layman’s language, including some of the self-defeating behaviors happening with their addicted family members. Thumbs up.
—Rick Love, MHS, CAADC, PCGC, Director of Staff Training and Development, Haymarket Center, Chicago (Retired)
