Picador USA Unbroken Brain: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding Addiction

The author's empathy and understanding shine through, dispelling myths and stigmas surrounding addiction. Unbroken Brain not only educates but also fosters compassion for those navigating the turbulent waters of addiction. Szalavitz's writing is accessible, making this book a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience with addiction.

In depth book on how the brain works being an addict

I’m a recovering alcoholic-addict. Some who know me even go so far as to say I am recovered. I observed my 40th uninterrupted year clean and sober in 2020.As a member of AA for the entire period of my sobriety, and as a retired attorney formerly serving hundreds of clients with drinking and using problems, I have personally counseled, sponsored, mentored and (hopefully) helped numerous individuals (and their loved ones) with their addiction; that is, to confront the condition and obtain professional and non-professional support necessary for recovery.In these 40 years, I served on the board of directors (twice) of a non-profit 12-step residential facility. I chaired speaker panels in hospitals, jails, acute alcoholism wards, and other similar institutions that treat alcoholics and addicts. I am also the author of a book on this subject offered by Amazon.com (“The Little Book: a practical guide to recovery from alcoholism, addiction, etc.”).I eventually came to believe (as do many others) that the fellowship of those similarly addicted, coupled with a thorough self-examination, and unlearning the self-deprecatory beliefs which cause so many addicts and alcoholics to be susceptible to addiction are essential to recovery.When it comes to religion, I am a non-believer – notwithstanding my AA membership. I have reservations concerning the religiosity expressed in AA’s literature. I am not in agreement with the claims (among others) that alcoholics are “selfish,” “incapable of being honest with themselves,” that they are “tornados” in the lives of others, that “all have sex problems,” that “alcoholics are undisciplined” and that the best an alcoholic (or addict) can hope for in recovery is a “daily reprieve” dependent upon the maintenance of a “spiritual condition” which involves carrying the “vision of God’s will into all” of the individuals’ activities. Yet, despite my skepticism, I have observed that some individuals do appear able to obtain abstinence on the strength of such faith and beliefs when they might not otherwise have been able to do so.“Recovery,” however, requires something more than mere abstinence. Those who achieve this elusive goal do so through the lengthy process of unlearning a negative self-image formed during the period of early childhood through adolescence. Such individuals often succumb eventually to the notion that they are unloved for the reason they are unlovable. This gives rise to the mistaken belief that they “need,” and must seek, the love or approval of others, all the while expecting to be judged and rejected or abandoned. Worse, it makes them susceptible to illusory benefits from drinking and various drugs. These mask or medicate the discomfort, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and other unpleasant feelings of being “less than” or being somehow inadequate or unattractive. The illusion of relief does not occur indefinitely if the addict or alcoholic continues to rely on the medicine. As the saying goes, eventually “the drunk takes a drink, and the drink takes the drunk.”In my 80 plus years on this planet, including those in my law practice counseling others, I have never encountered an individual who loved himself or herself who suffered from alcoholism or addiction. Some agreement for this observation can be found at page 53 of Ms. Szalavit’s work. I have also noted that recovery (in my case as well as those who have achieved it) has included the following: self-examination, self-acceptance, and self-love (as well as loving others).

It’s helpful for clients I work with

Great mix of real life experience and research. Loved this book.