Craving for Ecstasy and Natural Highs: A Positive Approach to Mood Alteration - Softcover

Milkman, Harvey B.; Sunderwirth, Stanley G.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1412956730 ISBN 13: 9781412956734

Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc, 2009

Synopsis

"Harvey B. Milkman and Stanley Sunderwirth have written a tour de force. Craving for Ecstasy and Natural Highs: A Positive Approach to Mood Alteration . . . is a beautifully written and organized book . . . a thrill ride through the most innovative and insightful perspectives that science and clinical experience have to offer . . . hip and artistic, reflecting a deep understanding of addiction . . . a major contribution to the field; it is must reading."

- Howard J. Shaffer, PhD, CAS Editor, Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School Director, Division on Addictions, Cambridge Health Alliance

"Reading this book is in itself and ecstatic experience! . . . a fascinating journey that explores the benefits and risks of pleasure and the universal desire to feel good . . . It's quite a trip."

- G. Alan Marlatt, PhD, University of Washington

People from all walks of life often lose themselves in pursuing counterfeit pleasures―cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, thrill seeking, sex, food, gambling, and on-line fantasies to name just a few. How does the pursuit of pleasure result in compulsion and loss of control? Craving for Ecstasy and Natural Highs addresses this fundamental question and then explores positive ways to achieve lasting happiness and fulfillment. Readers will gain important insight on how to improve their own quality of life and will learn how to offer support to clients, students, family, and friends whose lives may be compromised by hedonic dependencies.

Students of addictive behaviors and anyone interested in discovering healthy means to satisfy the drive to alter consciousness will find this book compelling.

Reviews of previous work:

"The chemistry and psychology of addiction are described with considerable insight. . . . These authors know their stuff and make a compelling case."

- The Los Angeles Times

"The authors provide a valuable service by placing into perspective a large array of behaviors that could be considered addictive."

- JAMA

About this title

Review:

"This book is extremely useful for a broad range of readers. This book reflects the extensive scientific and clinical expertise of the authors and is compelling reading for anyone interested in addictive behaviors. It is one of the rare books that from page one immediately engrosses, educates and broadens your perspective." (Alex Blaszczynski 2010-03-26)

About the Author:

The first edition was originally published with Lexington books, which was later acquired by Jossey Bass. The book sold over 25,000 copies in the States.

About this edition

• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1412956730
• ISBN 13: 9781412956734
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 496