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Craving: Why We Can't Seem to Get Enough
The Tenacity of Craving, Excerpted from Craving"What is allowed us is disagreeable, what is denied us causes us intense desire."--Orvid
Many of the people I have worked with over the years point out how stubborn cravings are. They often describe the sense that something has sunk its teeth into them and is not letting go. The harder they tug to try to remove it, the deeper the bite. Many of my patients describe this as wanting what they cannot have.
But we don't always want what we can't have... What you believe about the reason you can't have something affects whether or not you want it. If you believe that the primary power that controls your life is also the primary reason you can't have something, you want it more. This has significant implication when it comes to cravings, because it means that if you can develop a different perspective about why you are experiencing cravings, you may be able to reduce the depth of the bite. In my successful patients who believe in a higher power, when they experience cravings, they don't blame God. They simply describe it as a part of their illness that they can diminish or alleviate by talking with others and practicing their programs.
Many of the people I have worked with over the years point out how stubborn cravings are. They often describe the sense that something has sunk its teeth into them and is not letting go. The harder they tug to try to remove it, the deeper the bite. Many of my patients describe this as wanting what they cannot have.
But we don't always want what we can't have... What you believe about the reason you can't have something affects whether or not you want it. If you believe that the primary power that controls your life is also the primary reason you can't have something, you want it more. This has significant implication when it comes to cravings, because it means that if you can develop a different perspective about why you are experiencing cravings, you may be able to reduce the depth of the bite. In my successful patients who believe in a higher power, when they experience cravings, they don't blame God. They simply describe it as a part of their illness that they can diminish or alleviate by talking with others and practicing their programs.
216 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2013
36 people are currently reading
2182 people want to read
About the author
Omar Manejwala
4 books61 followersOmar Manejwala, M.D. is a psychiatrist and an internationally recognized expert on addiction and compulsive behavior. He is the former medical director of Hazelden, an addiction treatment center, and currently the Chief Medical Officer of Catasys, a health management services company specializing in substance dependence.
Dr. Manejwala has appeared on numerous national media programs including 20/20, CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, and The CBS Early Show.
Although an expert on craving, he has not yet figured out how to conquer his own craving for spending time with his wife Cecily and their two sons, although he seems just fine with that.
Dr. Manejwala has appeared on numerous national media programs including 20/20, CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, and The CBS Early Show.
Although an expert on craving, he has not yet figured out how to conquer his own craving for spending time with his wife Cecily and their two sons, although he seems just fine with that.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 4, 2013
As I read Craving: Why We Can’t Seem to Get Enough, by physician Omar Manejwala, MD, I found myself nodding like a bobble head doll, and also reaching for my pen to underline something on pretty much every page. This is a topic I can relate to. It opens with the question, “What explains the mysterious urge to do something that has caused so much damage in the past?” In other words, haven’t I learned YET?
I read this book to see if I could learn something new for my blog readers, my Weight Watchers members, friends and family that I care about, and of course myself. And while much of the content of the book wasn’t NEW, it was certainly reaffirming and validating of many of the steps I’ve taken that have helped me (and explained how and why I’ve had setbacks).
The book opens with a definition of what craving is: a strong desire that, if unfulfilled, produces a powerful physical and mental suffering. They can range from a passing urge to an all-out, consuming addiction. The author mentions something called “apparently irrelevant decisions” that can lead to a relapse. Then he explores why cravings matter: because they are uncomfortable, because they cause us stress, and because people who experience cravings are more likely to relapse into behavior that isn’t good for them or aligned with their goals. (nod, nod, underline, underline)
It deals with all different sorts of cravings – from alcohol to food to gambling, smoking and sex. He addresses ways in which these are universal issues, no matter what the substance or behavior.
There’s a big chunk in the book on brain science – the neurobiology of cravings, why they happen and how our brains lie to us to make us do things that we know don’t benefit us. I happen to be a total geek for brain science, especially when it relates to this topic. I find it both reassuring and encouraging – it takes it out of the realm of “I suck because I can’t get a handle on this” and sheds a light on exactly WHY it can be so hard sometimes. The studies that are cited are fascinating.
The good news about our brains leading us around, is that we can actually re-draw the map and get our brains to work in ways that are more beneficial to us. Again, this isn’t new news, but for me, obviously, it is something that I need to learn and read over and over again, and this book does so in a way that is so straightforward and nonjudgmental.
The other good news is that a lot of things that I am already doing, are the things that are proven to work. Group support is key. KEY! (yay Weight Watchers, yay online blogging community, yay friends) Writing things down (i.e. tracking, food journaling etc) is KEY. Forgiveness is key. (One of my favorite, and most startling lines in the book: “Only love can neutralize shame.”)
What can I say? It’s a good book. It’s SOLID. It’s filled with good science, which I find both illuminating and reassuring. It’s filled with concrete, positive suggestions for addressing the issues of craving. It’s also compassionate at its core. It’s like, Give yourself a break. There are reasons you do this stuff, and it’s not your fault, but it’s not helping you, so here are some good tools that can give you a way out.
It so happened that I finished reading this book while alone on my writing retreat. I’m away from home, and out of my normal routine. A little excited (vacation mode), a little anxious, a little lonely here and there. Perfect breeding ground for cravings! I could feel myself veering into potentially dangerous territory. Reading this book was like a little life jacket being thrown my way. It was a voice saying, “You know how to do this. Remember?”
Some of my favorite underlinings:
Cravings… are deeply personal. Comparing your cravings with what other people experience is a losing game and can only serve to undermine your success.
There is no such thing as a permanent craving; all cravings eventually go away, whether or not we act or act out on them.
The ideal time to address your cravings is when you are not actively craving.
Another important brain function is to lie to you.
Health, happiness and even longevity benefits come from being helpful to others.
It’s good stuff. Check it out!
I read this book to see if I could learn something new for my blog readers, my Weight Watchers members, friends and family that I care about, and of course myself. And while much of the content of the book wasn’t NEW, it was certainly reaffirming and validating of many of the steps I’ve taken that have helped me (and explained how and why I’ve had setbacks).
The book opens with a definition of what craving is: a strong desire that, if unfulfilled, produces a powerful physical and mental suffering. They can range from a passing urge to an all-out, consuming addiction. The author mentions something called “apparently irrelevant decisions” that can lead to a relapse. Then he explores why cravings matter: because they are uncomfortable, because they cause us stress, and because people who experience cravings are more likely to relapse into behavior that isn’t good for them or aligned with their goals. (nod, nod, underline, underline)
It deals with all different sorts of cravings – from alcohol to food to gambling, smoking and sex. He addresses ways in which these are universal issues, no matter what the substance or behavior.
There’s a big chunk in the book on brain science – the neurobiology of cravings, why they happen and how our brains lie to us to make us do things that we know don’t benefit us. I happen to be a total geek for brain science, especially when it relates to this topic. I find it both reassuring and encouraging – it takes it out of the realm of “I suck because I can’t get a handle on this” and sheds a light on exactly WHY it can be so hard sometimes. The studies that are cited are fascinating.
The good news about our brains leading us around, is that we can actually re-draw the map and get our brains to work in ways that are more beneficial to us. Again, this isn’t new news, but for me, obviously, it is something that I need to learn and read over and over again, and this book does so in a way that is so straightforward and nonjudgmental.
The other good news is that a lot of things that I am already doing, are the things that are proven to work. Group support is key. KEY! (yay Weight Watchers, yay online blogging community, yay friends) Writing things down (i.e. tracking, food journaling etc) is KEY. Forgiveness is key. (One of my favorite, and most startling lines in the book: “Only love can neutralize shame.”)
What can I say? It’s a good book. It’s SOLID. It’s filled with good science, which I find both illuminating and reassuring. It’s filled with concrete, positive suggestions for addressing the issues of craving. It’s also compassionate at its core. It’s like, Give yourself a break. There are reasons you do this stuff, and it’s not your fault, but it’s not helping you, so here are some good tools that can give you a way out.
It so happened that I finished reading this book while alone on my writing retreat. I’m away from home, and out of my normal routine. A little excited (vacation mode), a little anxious, a little lonely here and there. Perfect breeding ground for cravings! I could feel myself veering into potentially dangerous territory. Reading this book was like a little life jacket being thrown my way. It was a voice saying, “You know how to do this. Remember?”
Some of my favorite underlinings:
Cravings… are deeply personal. Comparing your cravings with what other people experience is a losing game and can only serve to undermine your success.
There is no such thing as a permanent craving; all cravings eventually go away, whether or not we act or act out on them.
The ideal time to address your cravings is when you are not actively craving.
Another important brain function is to lie to you.
Health, happiness and even longevity benefits come from being helpful to others.
It’s good stuff. Check it out!
June 12, 2013
Dr. Manejwala offers biological, cognitive-behavioral, spiritual, self-help, community, and clinical experience perspectives to deliver a comprehensive survey of the nature and treatment of craving. The author's discussion of the science and psychology of addiction/craving covers much of what I've learned in my cognitive neuroscience and psychology studies at Harvard, so I was happy to read an extended, specific application of familiar material. Manejwala doesn't "dumb down" the science for lay audiences, yet he does manage to make it accessible. That requires skillful artistry; I applaud him for doing this successfully. Although Twelve Step recovery is mentioned repeatedly and extensively, the author does consider other forms of treatment/recovery. He also includes an appendix to reconcile differences between cognitive-behavioral and Twelve Step approaches to addiction recovery, a section I really appreciated as someone who has pondered this subject at length. The suggestions he makes are very informative, instructive, and helpful. Manejwala combines topical research review, his own clinical experience, and original insights to produce a unique study of craving. I highly recommend this book.
March 23, 2019
You would think that a book of less than 200 pages would not be overlong....you would be wrong. I understand much of the discussion of neurotransmitters and brain structures and it was still a boring slog. This was obviously well researched but it was too repetitive and went into detail that was unneeded. Some of it was interesting, but there was not much that expanded existing knowledge. Most of this was about the big cravings - drug addiction, alcoholism, gambling addictions - that are admittedly the life-altering and yet thankfully are not an issue for most of us. I thought that this would also look at the smaller cravings - chocolate or an obsession with books or super-fans that travel with their team - that might be of more applicability to everyday life. There were some tips that could be extended to those smaller cravings, but this was mostly about the big cravings and getting help for those folks.
Quotes / information to remember:
...people who succeed at changing negative behavior often discover that a group can do what the individual cannot. Even the most strong-willed, determined people can do more when buoyed by the power of a group.
...the ideal time to address your cravings is when you are not actively craving. The time to fix the roof is when it's not raining.
When faced with facts that contradict our beliefs, most of us get busy changing the facts.
Your brain is designed to reduce how much you need to actively think and remember so that you can perform routine tasks with great efficiency, even at the expense of accuracy.
Just because you got the money off your back does not mean the circus has left town.
...the greatest and most fundamental problems of life cannot be solved, only outgrown.
The reality is that you should "fail" as many times as you need in order to succeed.
Remarkably, the very information that you are afraid of sharing because it might push people away is itself the cement that binds friendships and creates the opportunity for true intimacy and connectedness. This is the healthy way that wounds become scars.
...what seems to limit us is ourselves...our true selves are far more than we could ever imagine.
...people connect around their brokenness, around their imperfection.
Quotes / information to remember:
...people who succeed at changing negative behavior often discover that a group can do what the individual cannot. Even the most strong-willed, determined people can do more when buoyed by the power of a group.
...the ideal time to address your cravings is when you are not actively craving. The time to fix the roof is when it's not raining.
When faced with facts that contradict our beliefs, most of us get busy changing the facts.
Your brain is designed to reduce how much you need to actively think and remember so that you can perform routine tasks with great efficiency, even at the expense of accuracy.
Just because you got the money off your back does not mean the circus has left town.
...the greatest and most fundamental problems of life cannot be solved, only outgrown.
The reality is that you should "fail" as many times as you need in order to succeed.
Remarkably, the very information that you are afraid of sharing because it might push people away is itself the cement that binds friendships and creates the opportunity for true intimacy and connectedness. This is the healthy way that wounds become scars.
...what seems to limit us is ourselves...our true selves are far more than we could ever imagine.
...people connect around their brokenness, around their imperfection.
June 11, 2013
I was very excited to get into this book. While many like myself crave for things, it is hard to understand why and how it can be an unbearable occurance.
I am a mother, I remember back during my pregnancies my friends never understood why I had the urge to eat “Mustard” or why if anyone touched my flaming cheetos chips I’d be so quick to tell them off.
While that phase was very understandable, I found myself intrigued about how I still had cravings even after my pregnancies were long over.
Dr. Omar Manejwala not only breaks it down for his readers, he gives infinite insight and details into this natural phenomenon that most people mistake as a minor thing, when it can be more than that. Dr. Omar Manejwala also gives the reader insight into harmful addictions and why they are so uneasy to cure, why the addicts have relapses and how the brain can set these addicts up for failure.
I had never thought that much about my compulsive eating and I can admit I have been one to self diagnose and be like “oh I’m fine after I eat my craving I wont take in any more bad calories, I can manage this” but after reading Craving, I was able to not only embrace the faults and set backs I have given myself, but also appreciate that I am not alone, I have tools now thanks to Dr. Manejwala, and can work on finally knocking that hump off my shoulder.
For any one who has a family member or friend suffering from an addiction that is both harmful to their health as well as affecting the structure of the relationship, I highly recommend this book. Because you will gain a better understanding of the disease and the affected persons mind set, you will also understand why they keep bouncing back and falling under the drugs spell worse off than they had done before.
Craving is not only a guide, but a constructive tool in understanding the human mind and how to overcome certain obstacles one may face with addiction whether it is food or alcohol. And for those who do not believe food is an addiction, I dare you to pick up this book and think again.
I am a mother, I remember back during my pregnancies my friends never understood why I had the urge to eat “Mustard” or why if anyone touched my flaming cheetos chips I’d be so quick to tell them off.
While that phase was very understandable, I found myself intrigued about how I still had cravings even after my pregnancies were long over.
Dr. Omar Manejwala not only breaks it down for his readers, he gives infinite insight and details into this natural phenomenon that most people mistake as a minor thing, when it can be more than that. Dr. Omar Manejwala also gives the reader insight into harmful addictions and why they are so uneasy to cure, why the addicts have relapses and how the brain can set these addicts up for failure.
I had never thought that much about my compulsive eating and I can admit I have been one to self diagnose and be like “oh I’m fine after I eat my craving I wont take in any more bad calories, I can manage this” but after reading Craving, I was able to not only embrace the faults and set backs I have given myself, but also appreciate that I am not alone, I have tools now thanks to Dr. Manejwala, and can work on finally knocking that hump off my shoulder.
For any one who has a family member or friend suffering from an addiction that is both harmful to their health as well as affecting the structure of the relationship, I highly recommend this book. Because you will gain a better understanding of the disease and the affected persons mind set, you will also understand why they keep bouncing back and falling under the drugs spell worse off than they had done before.
Craving is not only a guide, but a constructive tool in understanding the human mind and how to overcome certain obstacles one may face with addiction whether it is food or alcohol. And for those who do not believe food is an addiction, I dare you to pick up this book and think again.
August 12, 2018
. Aristotle was correct and his insight also applies to bad habits that are, at least for me, much easier to develop and then sustain than good ones are.
2. Emotions have much greater influence on decisions than many (most?) people realize.
3. The same can be said of the subconscious mind.
4. Rational decisions are based on logic and/or evidence whereas emotional decisions are often made [begin italics] despite [end italics] them.
5. "Craving" can take so many different forms that the word almost (not quite) defies definition. The same is true of other words such as "aspiring" and "yearning."
6. Positive craving helps to identify self-fulfilling objectives whereas negative craving can result in self-defeating consequences.
7. The values and behavior of the happiest, most successful people indicate a balance of reason, emotion, and intuition.
I am grateful to Omar Manejwala for increasing my understanding of these and other dimensions of human nature. One result is that I now feel much better prepared to recognize cravings and, hopefully, manage them more effectively than I have thus far.
2. Emotions have much greater influence on decisions than many (most?) people realize.
3. The same can be said of the subconscious mind.
4. Rational decisions are based on logic and/or evidence whereas emotional decisions are often made [begin italics] despite [end italics] them.
5. "Craving" can take so many different forms that the word almost (not quite) defies definition. The same is true of other words such as "aspiring" and "yearning."
6. Positive craving helps to identify self-fulfilling objectives whereas negative craving can result in self-defeating consequences.
7. The values and behavior of the happiest, most successful people indicate a balance of reason, emotion, and intuition.
I am grateful to Omar Manejwala for increasing my understanding of these and other dimensions of human nature. One result is that I now feel much better prepared to recognize cravings and, hopefully, manage them more effectively than I have thus far.
April 17, 2019
This book helped me understand my compulsive online surfing and how to stop it. I enjoyed the read, despite being feeling not-so-sure initially because of the rating. It is scientific in explaining the brain science behind cravings, but being practical in providing suggestions and strategies.
This book mainly takes alcohol, smoke, gambling addiction, and eating disorder as examples, but the author made it clear that the knowledge and suggestions are transferable to other types of cravings (internet compulsions, chocolate addiction, etc). If you are looking for some explanation to your cravings, it is worth a read.
This book mainly takes alcohol, smoke, gambling addiction, and eating disorder as examples, but the author made it clear that the knowledge and suggestions are transferable to other types of cravings (internet compulsions, chocolate addiction, etc). If you are looking for some explanation to your cravings, it is worth a read.
May 31, 2017
Honestly, I'd give this 2.5 stars. It's slightly repetitive at times, but it has a lot of interesting information. Basically, the overall essence of his argument is in order to stop compulsive cravings you have to form deep connections with other people and live a life of cheerful volunteering. Also, forming a deeply held spiritual belief helps too. What it seems to me is that basically a cure for addiction/craving is leading a full and rewarding life. Really? Okay, easier said than done......
February 1, 2023
“Only love can neutralize shame.”
― Omar Manejwala
A good, basic book about understanding the concepts of craving and addiction and highlighting a few strategies aimed to help get rid of addictions.
The book is quite repetitive which maybe a good thing as a remainder for a recovering addict. It also touches upon cognitive based therapy (CBT) and Twelve step programs and the gulf between these two similar therapies.
― Omar Manejwala
A good, basic book about understanding the concepts of craving and addiction and highlighting a few strategies aimed to help get rid of addictions.
The book is quite repetitive which maybe a good thing as a remainder for a recovering addict. It also touches upon cognitive based therapy (CBT) and Twelve step programs and the gulf between these two similar therapies.
December 5, 2024
This book provided great scientific information about the process of craving. It could be useful in helping to understand all types of craving and provides actionable methods of curbing those cravings. The content could be a little dry at times, but overall, a good read and useful resource.
August 24, 2024
Very informative & helpful
May 21, 2013
I read this book by Omar Manejwala, M.D. as the monthly selection of the 12 Books Group with the expectation that I will write a review and post it in several places. The book deals with cravings and addiction and presents methods for dealing with them.
This is the first book that I have read that deals with overcoming or coping with addiction. I found it interesting, easy to read and understand, and well documented. I like the fact that he often refers to a later chapter to give greater detail about a point that is briefly addressed in an earlier chapter.
The author defines craving as intense desires that produce unpleasant mental and physical symptoms if not satisfied. He is clear that not all craving is addiction. There is a difference between an urge and an absolute need for something. In the second chapter Omar describes the reaction in the brain to craving and decision making. He talks about how our brains lie, reward and punish us. He uses this to explain that addiction is a disease of choice.
One of the concepts in this book that I found very interesting was that he does not claim to have the one size fits all cure all for addiction or cravings. He discusses how rigidly held are the beliefs of different groups that deal with addiction such as the 12 Step or SMART programs. What works for one individual may not necessarily work for everyone. Some of these programs appear to be substituting one type of addiction, alcohol as an example, with another type that is less invasive or debilitating, regular meetings for group sharing and support.
The key takeaway for me is that no one can do it alone. You need a partner, whether it is an individual or a group, in order to have long term success. He ends the book with the following statement: “what stands between you and freedom from cravings is mostly related to what you think, but that to change what you think you must change what you do.”
To assist with this I would recommend that you read “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg. It provides insightful advice for changing your habits.
I recommend “Craving” to anyone who wants to learn more about addiction and methods for dealing with it.
This is the first book that I have read that deals with overcoming or coping with addiction. I found it interesting, easy to read and understand, and well documented. I like the fact that he often refers to a later chapter to give greater detail about a point that is briefly addressed in an earlier chapter.
The author defines craving as intense desires that produce unpleasant mental and physical symptoms if not satisfied. He is clear that not all craving is addiction. There is a difference between an urge and an absolute need for something. In the second chapter Omar describes the reaction in the brain to craving and decision making. He talks about how our brains lie, reward and punish us. He uses this to explain that addiction is a disease of choice.
One of the concepts in this book that I found very interesting was that he does not claim to have the one size fits all cure all for addiction or cravings. He discusses how rigidly held are the beliefs of different groups that deal with addiction such as the 12 Step or SMART programs. What works for one individual may not necessarily work for everyone. Some of these programs appear to be substituting one type of addiction, alcohol as an example, with another type that is less invasive or debilitating, regular meetings for group sharing and support.
The key takeaway for me is that no one can do it alone. You need a partner, whether it is an individual or a group, in order to have long term success. He ends the book with the following statement: “what stands between you and freedom from cravings is mostly related to what you think, but that to change what you think you must change what you do.”
To assist with this I would recommend that you read “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg. It provides insightful advice for changing your habits.
I recommend “Craving” to anyone who wants to learn more about addiction and methods for dealing with it.
May 25, 2013
The book "Craving: Why We Can't Seem To Get Enough" provides a very interesting read even if you believe that you are not impacted at all by those activities frequently associated with cravings or addictions. While these two words were not always used interchangeably, the author provided a working definition for "craving" early in the book as "a strong desire that, if unfulfilled, produces a powerful physical and mental suffering." To me that also sounds like an addiction. While he treated many areas where cravings are felt and experienced, the author, Dr Omar Manejwala, focused mainly on alcohol and drugs followed closely by over-eating.
The first couple of chapters seemed, for me at least, a little heavy with medical terminology, which is probably not a surprising thing coming from a doctor. Yet, even so, he still managed to keep my attention. The middle chapters were all about the path to recovery and what has been successful not only for many of his patients, but also people in general over time, that have had to deal with cravings and addictions. Drawing heavily from the successes of AA, and other such groups, a strong case was made for the impact of spirituality on one's recovery. Here he also broadened the definition of spirituality to appeal to those who might not be normally inclined to traditional religious practices to even include the great benefit that just volunteering can provide. Closely connected to both the spiritual and service component of recovery was the power and strength that one draws from group activity and involvement. He said that the evidence is clear that whether it be AA or any such support group, "results...tell us that groups in general are important, but that groups of people facing similar problems are particularly important when seeking freedom from cravings and addiction."
A very good read, though perhaps not one that I would normally have picked up on my own. I read this book as part of the 12 Books Group and enjoyed it very much and would recommend it to others.
The first couple of chapters seemed, for me at least, a little heavy with medical terminology, which is probably not a surprising thing coming from a doctor. Yet, even so, he still managed to keep my attention. The middle chapters were all about the path to recovery and what has been successful not only for many of his patients, but also people in general over time, that have had to deal with cravings and addictions. Drawing heavily from the successes of AA, and other such groups, a strong case was made for the impact of spirituality on one's recovery. Here he also broadened the definition of spirituality to appeal to those who might not be normally inclined to traditional religious practices to even include the great benefit that just volunteering can provide. Closely connected to both the spiritual and service component of recovery was the power and strength that one draws from group activity and involvement. He said that the evidence is clear that whether it be AA or any such support group, "results...tell us that groups in general are important, but that groups of people facing similar problems are particularly important when seeking freedom from cravings and addiction."
A very good read, though perhaps not one that I would normally have picked up on my own. I read this book as part of the 12 Books Group and enjoyed it very much and would recommend it to others.
May 27, 2013
I think this book suffers something of an identity crisis. It wants to be science writing (in the style of Carl Zimmer or Mary Roach), it wants to be pop psychology (like Malcolm Gladwell), and it wants to be a self-help book. It can't do all three successfully at the same time, so it ends up falling short.
Unfortunately, Manejwala isn't funny like Roach or entertaining like Gladwell. His big reveals all start with "Amazingly..." and end with an exclamation point and, really, aren't that amazing to begin with.
I thought the book was well-written, well-researched, and enjoyable, but I've read quite a bit of this genre and would recommend Charles Duhigg or Daniel Kahneman over Manejwala. Duhigg and Kahneman weren't trying to write self-help books, but they did cover very similar material (habits and cognitive dissonance respectively).
I can't speak to this book's effectiveness as a self-help book (I haven't read many self-help books myself), but I'd love to hear others' thoughts on this.
Received through 12books.
(And on a totally unimportant note, I think it's hilarious that this book uses the exact same graphic as this one except flipped:
.)
Unfortunately, Manejwala isn't funny like Roach or entertaining like Gladwell. His big reveals all start with "Amazingly..." and end with an exclamation point and, really, aren't that amazing to begin with.
I thought the book was well-written, well-researched, and enjoyable, but I've read quite a bit of this genre and would recommend Charles Duhigg or Daniel Kahneman over Manejwala. Duhigg and Kahneman weren't trying to write self-help books, but they did cover very similar material (habits and cognitive dissonance respectively).
I can't speak to this book's effectiveness as a self-help book (I haven't read many self-help books myself), but I'd love to hear others' thoughts on this.
Received through 12books.
(And on a totally unimportant note, I think it's hilarious that this book uses the exact same graphic as this one except flipped:
.)
April 3, 2014
As an author myself, it was important to me as I read this book as a "writer & author," but as the person I am in 7 years of recovery from addicted gambling & alcohol. Omar clearly addressed the hurdles of "triggers and urges" as all people with any addiction struggle with, especially in early recovery. Yes, you can call them "Cravings" as that puts it in line with the addictive habits and behaviors we seem to repeat over and over again to get hopefully get a different out come.
I found it interesting on what he shared about our brain chemicals & area's that are most effected with repetitive usage from addictions and how finally someone incorporated Mental & emotional disorders that can be left behind for the person when they get clean. I have 2 mental disorders myself from certain area's of over use for "Pleasure & Reward" and now suffer from Panic with Agoraphobia and Attention deficit which my psychiatrist & my primary Doctor both agreed after tests and an MRI scan, that these came directly from my addictions. So I commend Omar for sharing this in his book.
They tools and life skills he writes about are a must in any recovery! I really enjoyed this book, and it has a lot of good information. And that's why I gave this book a 5 star rating. I would recommend it to anyone in recovery and those who just want to be informed.
Author, Catherine Townsend-Lyon
July 14, 2013
I won a signed copy of this book from the Goodreads Giveaway, and I am really glad I did because this book is brilliant. It presented its information in logical and rational arguments which were written with examples that allowed me as the reader to apply the information to my own life and therefore made it relevant and easy to understand. It provided helpful insights into cravings and the behaviour behind them. I found that a lot of theory directly applied to me but I had never realised it until it was explained in such a way that could really reach me. It also avoided the pitfall of being accusatory, and it enabled me to acknowledge and examine my flaws and behaviours without becoming defensive. By laying out a foundation of background information into the psyche before offering solutions and recommendations it was able to really connect with me as a reader and help me understand the bigger picture regarding cravings, and this knowledge is essential when attempting to combat them. The constant use of examples to emphasise the theory really helped the information ring true in my mind. The end section of the book, tips for reducing cravings for specific substances, was actually really helpful. Overall this book was extremely helpful, being well researched and well written.
June 24, 2013
I like the balance in the book between science and self-help. The author makes it clear that cravings are a part of life regardless if you suffer from some of the more common addictions like smoking or drinking.
This book explains the neurological science behind addictions and cravings before talking about the common barriers that prevent control and recovery. As the author gives tips and techniques for recovery I appreciate that he makes it clear that you need to quit or work toward recovery as many times as it takes.
The book ends with some tips specific to the more popular addictions.
This book explains the neurological science behind addictions and cravings before talking about the common barriers that prevent control and recovery. As the author gives tips and techniques for recovery I appreciate that he makes it clear that you need to quit or work toward recovery as many times as it takes.
The book ends with some tips specific to the more popular addictions.
September 18, 2013
This review was for the 12books group.
The first half of the book may be a bit heavy for the laymen, full of clinical terminology and definitions, but it picks up speed and becomes a really great read from then on – specifically, on how cravings can be curbed. Coming from a psychology background, I still found the beginning a bit difficult to get through but ultimately enjoyed the rest of the book.
The first half of the book may be a bit heavy for the laymen, full of clinical terminology and definitions, but it picks up speed and becomes a really great read from then on – specifically, on how cravings can be curbed. Coming from a psychology background, I still found the beginning a bit difficult to get through but ultimately enjoyed the rest of the book.
January 16, 2014
This book is excellent - I recommend it to anyone who has any type of addiction/craving issues that they want to better understand and overcome. I loved that this book was easy to read and comprehend, yet it contains the scientific background on cravings/addictions that I had not previously understood. I was highlighting at least one or two things on every single page. For me this book is a game changer.
April 6, 2014
Based on the title, I was hoping for an in-depth discussion of the latest scientific understanding of how craving and addiction work.
While the first part of this book does run through the science, there's not much depth to the review -- plus the writing style vacillates between fairly technical descriptions of the brain mechanisms at work and an almost junior-reader level of simplicity.
The latter portion is pretty much a cheerleading effort for 12 Step Programs.
September 16, 2014
I found this book to be very informative and, for the most part, easy to read. There is a lot of technical and medical jargon and a couple of passages I had to slow down and read a few times to make sure I understood what the author was getting at, but overall it was an interesting read into how the brain works, specifically in connection with addiction.
May 7, 2015
Great book. Very helpful discussion of the physical, spiritual, psychological aspects of addiction and cravings for alcohol, drugs, food, by an expert that has worked in the field for a long time. This book was recommended to me by a treatment provider. I think it is a "must read" for all people battling addictions or are family/friends of addicts.
May 30, 2013
Dr.Manejwala provides a very enlightening & interesting look at cravings & addictions.He also entertains with his descriptions of
brain functionality, & the power of thinking.Everyone has cravings,
& could certainly benefit from this book!
brain functionality, & the power of thinking.Everyone has cravings,
& could certainly benefit from this book!
September 12, 2013
Science book about addition. Important information for people with addition to alcohol, drugs, sex, nicotine, binge eating and such. I mistook the book for the daily use of the term "craving" so the book didn't meet my expectation. But otherwise, to the right audience, it's a great book.
June 17, 2013
Very insightful and an interesting read. Really enjoyed it, was not boring or repetitive. Learned a lot about cravings. Thanks for the signed copy!
May 19, 2013
Well-researched, grounded in first-hand experience, encouraging and fun.
December 2, 2015
This book made me a better person
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews