The Betty Ford Center Book Of Answers

Answers questions about alcoholism and heredity, co-dependence, recovery from cocaine addiction, tranquilizer abuse, and factors affecting recovery.

The professionals at the Betty Ford Center -- one of the world's leading & most trusted sources of treatment for addiction -- have provided thousands with the strength, support, & expertise that substance abusers need to get well. Now, the Center's former medical director shares that expertise in this remarkably honest & complete book, which answers vital questions that surround this difficult subject. Whether you are 10 years sober, a current or potential substance abuser, or you care about someone who is, this volume will help you better understand -- & fight -- the destructive powers of addiction.

"John Robert Greene traces Betty Ford's problems and triumphs from her childhood through her husband's entire political career, including his controversial presidency, which thrust her into an unrelenting media spotlight. He then tells how she confronted her personal demons, and became a symbol of courage for women throughout the nation."--BOOK JACKET.

Containing more than 450 entries, this easy-to-read encyclopedia provides concise information about the history of and recent trends in drug use and drug abuse in the United States—a societal problem with an estimated cost of $559 billion a year. Despite decades of effort and billions of dollars spent to combat the problem, illicit drug use in the United States is still rampant and shows no sign of abating. Covering illegal drugs ranging from marijuana and LSD to cocaine and crystal meth, this authoritative reference work examines patterns of drug use in American history, as well as drug control and interdiction efforts from the nineteenth century to the present. This encyclopedia provides a multidisciplinary perspective on the various aspects of the American drug problem, including the drugs themselves, the actions taken in attempts to curb or stop the drug trade, the efforts at intervention and treatment of those individuals affected by drug use, and the cultural and economic effects of drug use in the United States. More than 450 entries descriptively analyze and summarize key terms, trends, concepts, and people that are vital to the study of drugs and drug abuse, providing readers of all ages and backgrounds with invaluable information on domestic and international drug trafficking and use. The set provides special coverage of shifting societal and legislative perspectives on marijuana, as evidenced by Colorado and Washington legalizing marijuana with the 2012 elections.

Alcohol consumption goes to the very roots of nearly all human societies. Different countries and regions have become associated with different sorts of alcohol, for instance, the “beer culture” of Germany, the “wine culture” of France, Japan and saki, Russia and vodka, the Caribbean and rum, or the “moonshine culture” of Appalachia. Wine is used in religious rituals, and toasts are used to seal business deals or to celebrate marriages and state dinners. However, our relation with alcohol is one of love/hate. We also regulate it and tax it, we pass laws about when and where it’s appropriate, we crack down severely on drunk driving, and the United States and other countries tried the failed “Noble Experiment” of Prohibition. While there are many encyclopedias on alcohol, nearly all approach it as a substance of abuse, taking a clinical, medical perspective (alcohol, alcoholism, and treatment). The SAGE Encyclopedia of Alcohol examines the history of alcohol worldwide and goes beyond the historical lens to examine alcohol as a cultural and social phenomenon, as well—both for good and for ill—from the earliest days of humankind.

The first human organ transplant in 1950 at a suburban hospital is the focus of The Graft: How a Pioneering Operation Sparked the Modern Age of Organ Transplants. The book examines the controversies the operation generated and the progress medicine has made in organ transplantation.

If you are dating, sheltering-in-place with, or married to someone who's walking the way of 12-step recovery, you may be mystified by the landscape and language of the recovery community, and wondering how you fit in to your partner's plan. Karen Nagy's book is for you. This ground-breaking guide provides twelve key points you need to know about dating a person in addiction recovery. Gain a greater understanding of your companion's recovery program and personality traits, while learning to identify red flags in order to build confidence for a successful relationship. Being in a new relationship is hard enough, but if the person you're dating is a recovering alcoholic or addict, there may be more to consider than just mutual interests and attraction. For Karen Nagy, dating a recovering alcoholic felt, in some ways, like she was seeing someone “from another planet”--with his own language, culture, and social behaviors.With humor, compassion, and a great respect for what it takes to recover from an addiction, this first-of-its-kind field guide offers an "inside scoop" on what people do in all those Twelve Step meetings, why they need a sponsor, what is a sponsor and why phrases like “Live and Let Live” and “Easy Does It” keep creeping into your conversations. Nagy offers twelve key points that you need to know about dating a person in recovery. She also helps you identify the warning signs of developing your own codependent tendencies by playing into your partner’s addictive thinking and behavior--and what to do about it.By gaining a greater understanding of your companion's recovery program, you can help them stay sober, learn how to deal with character flaws, and also build your confidence in the potential for a healthy, successful relationship.

Designed as a 'one-stop shopping' tool for anyone interested in or affected by substance abuse, this book provides detailed discussions that include the history, chemistry, biology, epidemiology, and salient characteristics of the most important and prevalent abused substances.