The Angry Heart: Overcoming Borderline and Addictive Disorders

by Joseph Santoro

The emotional turmoil and impulsive behavior that characterize borderline personality disorder are so often accompanied by alcoholism or drug abuse that some estimates suggest that as many as half of the millions of people with substance abuse problems may have a masked borderline personality disorder. If you have problems with addictive behavior, this self-help guide offers a range of exercises and step-by-step techniques to help you come to terms with the destructive aspects of your lifestyle. Learn how to break out of the dysfunctional cycle of self-defeating thoughts and behavior that addictive behaviors can cause. Angry Heart has practical, clinically sound strategies are supported by the poignant personal experiences of other individuals who have struggled with these problems.

Genres: Psychology, Self Help, Mental Health, Nonfiction, Mental Illness

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Jaclyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is almost too good. I have read reviews criticizing the fact that it is sold, as it should only be used with a therapist. I definitely understand where they are coming from.
This was far from my first self-help book, but it is the most important book I have ever read. It offered me a way to work through my past in a way I would never have found otherwise. It was so easy to do these exercises and pieces started fitting together right away. So many "aha" moments. I know myself very well but this book helped me to see WHY I am the way I am.
Five stars just isn't enough.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains exercises for people suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder to work through. It really doesn't have a whole lot for people who want to understand the disorder. I think it's a great people for BPD sufferers, however.

[illaurinati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never before have I read a book about bpd that is so accurate, yet not judging.
I have learnt so much from this, and it has helped me understand myself even better.
5 stars

[King Sroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can really help people out. Give it a shot.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book turned my life around. Helps you find root causes for behaviours, but also how to change them for the better. Fantastic book

[Blue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be good for someone who wanted more of an introduction to Borderline Personality Disorder. I had already read a few books before this and done much research so I found some of the information redundant. I found the second half of the book much more interesting; however, I think the exercises it listed would be most helpful for the person trying to overcome Borderline Personality Disorder and would be of little use to anyone else (except maybe the therapist working with them). If you love someone who has BPD you might find familiarizing yourself with the exercises portion useful if you plan on supporting them through their treatment and they often discuss it with you, so that you could better understand the process they are going through.

[Albert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not recommended.

I believe some of the techniques recommended in this book might be re-traumatizing for some people. At best those with borderline TRAITS might find it helpful.

[Rachael Wandrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly informative for clinicians with some useful homework ideas. Mostly a self-help narrative, though.

[Mary Anne Stott]

has helped me to grow so much!