1. 

   Eric
   March 17th, 2010 - 14:55

   I expected more from a doctor that has made it his career to “help” alcoholics and addicts.

   Throughout the book, the author repetitively tells the reader to access more information and resources at the EnterHealth’s (the rehab facility the author is affiliated with) website… of course the author never once mentioned that to access that information and those resources would cost $95 and rapidly escalate up for telephone support (and given the track record, that access will probably point the reader to residential rehab at EnterHealth’s facility). Most sales brochures are free, but this one puts the addict and family back about $11.

   Also, the climax of this book seems to be the author’s fascination with Vivitrol (injectible naltrexone). Author (page 73): “Vivitrol is the breakthrough medicine that will revolutionize the treatment of alcoholism.” Really? In its page-after-page of glowing review the author fails to mention any real downside. Such as throughout a randomized trial of Vivitrol craving persisted (leaving patients to struggle over obsessive thoughts and addictive craving that carry the risk of relapse and death) and there was no progressive decrease in heavy drinking days after the end of the trial. [Source: "Naltrexone treatment for alcohol dependency," Journal of the American Medical Association 294(8) (August 24/31, 2005): 899-900] And, those with liver issues should not take Vivitrol, … a problem for a certain percentage of people that are alcoholic. That the author doesn’t even mention some fascinating research into other medications, such as Baclofen — a generic no less, shows either bias or ignorance of current trends in research and thought.

   I was trying to look for some positive information from the book to make this review seem more balanced, but all such information can be retrieved elsewhere (other contemporary addiction recovery books or online).

   Unnecessarily taking money from people struggling with alcoholism or addiction should be considered unethical.

   Rating: 1 / 5
2. 

   J. Wilson
   March 17th, 2010 - 16:11

   This book Healing the Addicted Brain was an excellent help to me in understanding what addiction is and how i can get help for my best friend who is struggling with Alcoholism. Before finding this book, I just did not know what to do, but Dr Urschel explains the important issues in how to get great addiction treatment very clearly. The book is easy to understand and to read. It has a lot of great exercises to help me understand the concepts better. It is even linked to an addiction website http://www.enterhealth.com which provides great information on other topics. After reading it, I bought several more copies to give to some of my other friends and their families that are dealing with the same issues. Really good book. I highly recommend it. It is about time that we had some real, effective information available to help me with my friend.
   Rating: 5 / 5
3. 

   D. Evans
   March 17th, 2010 - 18:12

   CNN did a show on Saturday, April 18th; it was hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Dr. Gupta strongly confirms what Dr. Urschel states in his book and that is “addiction is a brain disease, it is a medical disease like hypertension, diabetes, etc. and should be treated accordingly. Unfortunately, most people do not know this and people who suffer from addiction don’t know where to go for help. Dr. Urschel’s book was an easy read and very educational. Not only does it help the addict, it portrays how imperative the family get support as well. Addiction is also a family disease. I would strongly recommend this book – it is not your average self-help book, it is an extraordinary read.

   Healing the Addicted Brain: The Revolutionary, Science-Based Alcoholism and Addiction Recovery Program
   Rating: 5 / 5
4. 

   Social Worker
   March 17th, 2010 - 20:07

   This book is essential for anyone affected by substance abuse. It is a comprehensive guide for those concerned about addiction, including friends, family, co-workers, and professionals. This easy read is based on the latest research and information on the addicted brain and is extremely helpful! Five Stars!!
   Rating: 5 / 5
5. 

   Ole Ed
   March 17th, 2010 - 22:15

   As a person who has struggled with addiction for several years, I can state without reservation that Dr. Urschel knows the subject of addiction. His book offers insight and hope for anyone dealing with addiction be they an addict or a family member. This is one of the best books written for those walking “the-one-day-at-a-time” road.
   Rating: 5 / 5

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