All across the United States, individuals, families, communities, and health care systems are struggling to cope with substance use, misuse, and substance use disorders. Substance misuse and substance use disorders have devastating effects, disrupt the future plans of too many young people, and all too often, end lives prematurely and tragically. Substance misuse is a major public health challenge and a priority for our nation to address. The effects of substance use are cumulative and costly for our society, placing burdens on workplaces, the health care system, families, states, and communities. The Report discusses opportunities to bring substance use disorder treatment and mainstream health care systems into alignment so that they can address a person's overall health, rather than a substance misuse or a physical health condition alone or in isolation. It also provides suggestions and recommendations for action that everyone-individuals, families, community leaders, law enforcement, health care professionals, policymakers, and researchers-can take to prevent substance misuse and reduce its consequences.

This edited collection brings together the thoughts and experiences of researchers, practitioners and service users from the fields of health, addiction and criminal justice and centres on current developments in addiction policy and practice. Tackling Addiction examines what recovery, addiction and dependence really mean.

What newscast does not include something on tragedy caused by addiction? What extended family has not had someone with an addiction problem? What hospital is not one-third full of patients there due to addictive problems? Even though addiction is America's number one health problem, our understanding of this disease is woefully inadequate. Kal Rissman has the ability to take the complex issues of addiction and make them understandable. This is a book that not only offers a non-judgmental understanding of addiction, but offers concrete solutions and hope to those afflicted with the disease and those affected by the disease. "Kal Rissman has provided us with a blend of clinical expertise and pastoral perspective in exploring ways to meaningfully minister to those who are addicted. In this book he demonstrates both understanding of the operative issues and the realities involved in the healing process and guidance for family members. He does it with rare insight and delightful humor." - Robert F. Maltzahn, Doctor of Ministry and Lutheran pastor for 54 years. "Kal Rissman has a remarkable gift for simplifying complex issues into easily understandable terms. He explains the multifaceted aspects of the baffling disease of addiction, describes current trends in recovery and offers insight and practical advise to help general and professional audiences understand addiction." - Bruce Perkins, M.A., CDAC, LMFT, LSW, BRI - II, Intervention Specialist. "Knowledge to Power: Understanding and Overcoming Addiction is the perfect resource for anyone struggling with addiction or who loves someone dealing with substance abuse. I will be sharing it with my clients and their families." - Sheryl Maupin, M.A., CRC., Therapist and Substance Abuse Counselor.

The most innovative leaders in progressive addiction treatment in the US offer a groundbreaking, science-based guide to helping loved ones overcome addiction problems and compulsive behaviors. The most innovative leaders in progressive addiction treatment in the US offer a groundbreaking, science-based guide to helping loved ones overcome addiction problems and compulsive behaviors. Beyond Addiction eschews the theatrics of interventions and tough love to show family and friends how they can use kindness, positive reinforcement, and motivational and behavioral strategies to help their loved ones change. Drawing on forty collective years of research and decades of clinical experience, the authors present the best practical advice science has to offer. Delivered with warmth, optimism, and humor, Beyond Addiction defines a new, empowered role for friends and family and a paradigm shift for the field. Learn how to tap the transformative power of relationships for positive change, guided by exercises and examples. Practice what really works in therapy and in everyday life, and discover many different treatment options along with tips for navigating the system. And have hope: this guide is designed not only to help someone change, but to help someone want to change.

Does Christianity have an answer for addiction? As longtime pastor Mike Quarles’s alcoholism worsened over eight years, churches and Christians referred him to treatment, 12-Step programs, therapy...nothing worked. Steve McVey, also a pastor, repeatedly dished out the same advice Mike received, with similarly poor results... ...Until, in their frustration, God led them back to basic, addiction-breaking truths of His Word. The authors explain these for readers who want to help someone or who struggle themselves, because freedom from addiction is found only when Christians fully believe what God says about their identity move beyond the 12-Step concept of inescapable “addict identity” stop harboring unforgiveness, get radically right with God, and dwell in who they are in Christ, which excludes engaging in addictive behaviors as a lifestyle Material on codependency is included, as is information on implementing recovery/support groups for those leaving addiction and starting to live in God’s glorious freedom.

Drugs are pervasive - pushed at school, at parties, in the street. Young people have to make choices about drugs as a fact of everyday life. Ideals, protest, demanding school work, the need for emotional intimacy, the natural desire to experiment, wanting to appear cool - all these factors can make drug taking seem attractive.

Millions of people have embarked on a Twelve-Step Program, whether it’s Alcoholics Anonymous, Nicotine Anonymous, or Alateen. However, there are millions of others who are unable or unwilling to accept these programs because of religious overtones or a rigid approach to recovery. Deepak Chopra and David Simon contend that Twelve-Step methods don’t work for everyone because they emphasize personal powerlessness; it’s this admission of powerlessness that keeps many people from ever truly healing. In Freedom from Addiction, Chopra and Simon offer a new way—a proven method based on the program at the renowned Chopra Center in Carlsbad, California. Combining the best of eastern and western medicine, they teach readers how to cleanse their bodies and minds through nutrition, supplements, and meditations, and they walk readers through their 7-Step Framework: 1. Commit to transformation 2. Commit to ending repeat mistakes 3. Face the harsh reality of the past 4. See the infinite possibilities available in the present moment 5. Envision where you want to be 6. Ask yourself what choices need to be made to actualize vision 7. Create an action plan