Pubdate: Wed, 09 May 2007
Source: Palo Alto Weekly (CA)
Copyright: 2007 Embarcadero Publishing Company.
Contact:  http://www.paloaltoonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/334
Note: Authored by The Health Library
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/women.htm (Women)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

ADDICTION AND ITS WIDE-RANGING EFFECTS

Books Explore The Nature Of Addiction, Options For Living With The Disease

Addiction is a disease that causes pain and suffering not only to 
those who are addicted and those who love them but also to society at 
large. It is estimated that between four and 15 people are adversely 
affected by a single addict. Multiply that number by the estimated 
22.2 million addicts in the United States, and it's easy to see how 
addiction is truly a national health issue.

The science of addiction is in its infancy, but new developments in 
brain imaging prove that substance abuse causes significant changes 
in brain physiology. This research is leading to the development of 
new and better treatments. Whether the problem substance is alcohol, 
prescription or illicit drugs, addiction is now understood to be a 
chronic, relapsing but treatable brain disease.

For the one in four American families facing addiction, a new book, 
"Addiction: why can't they just stop?" (Rodale Books, 2007) provides 
invaluable insight. The book is based on the acclaimed HBO 
documentary series, "Addiction." In fact, the book's editors are John 
Hoffman and Susan Froemke, the series' producers. The subtitle sums 
up the book's message: "New knowledge, new treatments, new hope."

The book debunks common myths and misconceptions to help readers 
understand current scientific knowledge of the disease. Readers learn 
how and why people become addicted, including discussion of genetic 
risk factors and behavior. There is information about the various 
types of treatment available and ways to choose the most appropriate 
treatment based on an individual's needs.

A section on adolescent substance abuse is especially good. An 
astounding 9 percent of addicts began using substances under the age 
of 18. The economics of addiction is covered in depth, helping people 
overcome some barriers to obtaining effective treatment.

Another book, "Women Under the Influence" (Johns Hopkins University 
Press, 2006), focuses on the effects of substance abuse on women. 
This book is full of thought-provoking and important information.

Women are at increased risk for addiction problems. They become 
addicted more quickly, using fewer substances. Women develop 
abuse-related diseases such as lung cancer more quickly and suffer 
more brain damage from both alcohol and drugs than do men. These are 
just some the important research findings reported by the National 
Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA) 
in the book.

This book is the result of more than 10 years of research on female 
substance abuse in the United States. This is not so much a self-help 
book; it is a report of the growing problem of addiction in American 
women and ways the disease is and is not being treated. An evaluation 
of the efficacy of treatment methods and recommendations for 
prevention and policy changes are important conclusions in this report.

Alcohol is the most-abused drug in the United States. An excellent 
primer on the subject of alcohol is the book, "100 Questions and 
Answers About Alcoholism" by Charles Herrick, M.D., and Charlotte 
Herrick, Ph.D., R.N. (Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2007). Like all 
of the books in the excellent "100 Questions and Answers" series, 
this book delves into the subject of alcoholism in a way that is 
informative but easy to understand. It starts with the basics, 
explaining just what alcohol is, and moves through identifying the 
problem, risk factors for alcohol abuse, and treatment options. There 
is an excellent section on the medical consequences of alcoholism, 
including dementia and fetal alcohol syndrome. The book closes with a 
chapter called, "Surviving Alcoholism," that discusses ways to live 
well as an alcoholic, including the ability to drink again, privacy 
rights and other potential legal issues.

There are many more resources at the Stanford Health Library that 
discuss substance abuse and addiction recovery. Research assistance 
and information packets are available free of charge from the 
library. Branches are located at the Stanford Shopping Center near 
Bloomingdale's; on the third floor of Stanford Hospital; and on the 
main level of Stanford's Cancer Center. Contact the Health Library at 
650-725-8400,  and healthlibrary.stanford.edu.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman