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Spurred on by such advances as recent brain imaging studies, better knowledge of co-occurring disorders, and grassroots treatment approaches, Healing Addiction lays out a contemporary, unified understanding of addiction that encompasses both addictive substances and addictive behaviors. Written by three leaders in the field of addiction research and treatment, it presents an integrated model of addiction as a mental illness involving physiological changes in the brain, and addiction treatment as requiring both medical and psychosocial components.

Healing Addiction begins by discussing addiction as a whole. Early chapters detail the many faces of addiction, its historical development, its classification as a chronic disease, and the biopsychosocial factors that put people at risk for addiction. Moving to treatment, the book introduces the myriad people who can act as resources for the addict--medical doctors, mental health professionals, social workers, clergy, family, and friends--while covering initial diagnosis and treatment.

Healing Addiction covers specific addictions and their recommended treatments, including: Alcohol Heroin and other opiates Barbiturates, benozodiazepines, and other hypnotics and tranquillizers Cocaine and amphetamines Marijuana and tobacco Behavioral addictions Pathological gambling Eating disorders

In its final section, Healing Addiction describes the recovery process, including both the criteria for treatment success and the challenges associated with life after addiction.

Filled with helpful resources and illuminating case studies, Healing Addiction is a breakthrough guide that bringstogether the latest neuroscience, pharmacology, social understanding, and psychological research. It is a key resource for professionals in the addiction community, for social scholars and policymakers, and for the interested general reader.