A myth-shattering look at drug abuse and addiction treatment, based on cutting-edge research
Addiction is a preventable, treatable disease, not a moral failing. As with other illnesses, the approaches most likely to work are based on science -- not on faith, tradition, contrition, or wishful thinking. These facts are the foundation of Clean. The existing addiction treatments, including Twelve Step programs and rehabs, have helped some, but they have failed to help many more. To discover why, David Sheff spent time with scores of scientists, doctors, counselors, and addicts and their families, and explored the latest research in psychology, neuroscience, and medicine. In Clean, he reveals how addiction really works, and how we can combat it.
"A guide for those affected by addiction, but also a manifesto . . . for America as it confronts its drug problem. [Sheff] has performed a vital service by compiling sensible advice on a subject for which sensible advice is in short supply." -- New York Times Book Review
"As a journalist, father, and clear-eyed chronicler of addiction, David Sheff is without peer." -- Sanjay Gupta, M.D., chief medical correspondent, CNN
"Providing a wealth of information and practical advice,
Clean is the best book on drug abuse and addiction to appear in years . . . Busts a mountain of myths . . . An extraordinarily valuable book." --
Psychology Today"As a journalist, father, and clear-eyed chronicler of addiction, David Sheff is without peer." -- Sanjay Gupta, M.D., chief medical correspondent, CNN
"
Clean will change not only how you look at drug abuse, but also what you think should be done about it. This book is essential reading about one of our most important social problems." -- Eric Schlosser, author of
Fast Food Nation and
Reefer Madness "How do we prevent kids from using drugs, and how do we effectively treat addiction?
Clean cuts through the technical jargon and marketing nonsense to summarize our best knowledge on these topics. The case studies illuminate the challenging process of treatment and the remarkable changes that occur with recovery. Clean is a major contribution to our understanding of this disease and how to fight it." -- Richard A. Rawson, Ph.D., professor and associate director, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles
"
Clean is an important exposé of a failed system; by replacing it, we will save countless lives, help people get clean and stay clean, and help the U.S. end its catastrophic war on drugs." -- Sir Richard Branson, founder and chairman, Virgin Group, and member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy
"David Sheff is one of our strongest and most compassionate voices on the profound costs of addiction to the family and to society.
Clean should be read by anyone affected by the number-one public health issue in America, which means it should be ready by everybody." -- Christopher Kennedy Lawford, author of Recover to Live and Symptoms of Withdrawal
"Indisputably important." --
Library Journal"Gripping and vibrant." --
Publishers Weekly"Intelligent and thought-provoking views into the complexities of addiction and recovery."
-- Kirkus Reviews"Sheff is a skilled journalist on an urgent mission. He prevailed over the anger and hopelessness he felt at his son's addiction by calling upon great reserves of love and discipline to investigate what might help, first as a father and then, in this book, as a reporter and an advocate. His forebearance and clearheadedness could serve as an example for America as it confronts its drug problem. He has performed a vital service by compiling sensible advice on a subject for which sensible advice is in short supply." --
New York Times Book Review
