What do you think?
Rate this book
The Craving Brain: Science, Spirituality and the Road to Recovery
Is it possible to overcome the powerlessness of addiction? Joining forces to answer this age-old question, coauthors Anderson Spickard Jr., a doctor with over forty years’ experience in addiction medicine, and James B., a recovering addict, candidly describe the harsh challenges and clearly outline the necessary steps toward healing and recovery. Combining firsthand accounts and simplified medical insights, The Craving Brain addresses how adolescent binge drinking plays a role in the development of alcohol addiction, explains why addicts don’t need to hit rock bottom before they can recover, and responds to some of the most compelling mysteries of addiction, As hopeful as it is unapologetically realistic, this groundbreaking guide is a must-read for anyone who suffers from addiction or knows or works with addicted individuals. With courage, determination, and the right support, recovery is indeed possible.
272 pages, Paperback
Published January 25, 2016
19 people are currently reading
617 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 18, 2017
I found The Craving Brain: Science, Spirituality and the Road to Recovery to have good clear information on the addictive brain and how addiction affects addicted individuals. We hear stories from addicted individuals while explaining how their addiction affects them and their brain. There is good information on treatment and how to help addicted individuals.
I recommend The Craving Brain to anyone struggling, know of someone struggling with addiction or wanting good information on addiction.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
I recommend The Craving Brain to anyone struggling, know of someone struggling with addiction or wanting good information on addiction.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
November 2, 2018
It was a very nice book for people who aren't already too deep in their addiction and who struggle to find the motivation to stop and for people who don’t know much about addictions and/or drugs/alcohol.
It explains some of the basics of addiction, cravings, dopamine reward system, the focus on alcohol and drugs, which becomes part of the brain... There is also good information on treatment and how to help addicted people.
I must admit I was hoping for something more scientific, but it was worth the read. I liked Jame’s story at the beginning of each chapter.
It explains some of the basics of addiction, cravings, dopamine reward system, the focus on alcohol and drugs, which becomes part of the brain... There is also good information on treatment and how to help addicted people.
I must admit I was hoping for something more scientific, but it was worth the read. I liked Jame’s story at the beginning of each chapter.
February 12, 2017
Copy courtesy of NetGalley
This book did not give the answer promised in its blurb. Why not say 'this is a textbook, for non-fiction fundis" and market the item properly? Instead, I'm still confused as to what the message of the book was.
This book did not give the answer promised in its blurb. Why not say 'this is a textbook, for non-fiction fundis" and market the item properly? Instead, I'm still confused as to what the message of the book was.
September 24, 2017
Nothing new
It was just another book advocating AA. A waste of time and money. I was looking for more science and new discovery.
It was just another book advocating AA. A waste of time and money. I was looking for more science and new discovery.
December 15, 2017
The book was a little too clinical for me. Nonetheless, it was interesting. No fault of the authors'
April 19, 2021
Highly Recommended
For anyone going through the addiction battle AND for anyone associated with someone in the battle, this book is worth its weight in gold.
For anyone going through the addiction battle AND for anyone associated with someone in the battle, this book is worth its weight in gold.
June 28, 2017
The topic of addiction is as wide and diverse as it is commonly found. The Craving Brain focusses mostly on addiction to alcohol, illegal substances, and prescription drugs and so on. However, I think it can be applied to almost any type of “modern” addiction. Reading this book inspired me to do a quick research to see what information is available on these “modern” addictions and I came across a few interesting ones like Internet Addiction, shopping addiction, online shopping addiction (a combination of the two previous ones), plastic surgery addiction and risky behavior addiction. Now the book did a very good job of outlining steps to identify addicts and even some coping mechanisms for family and friends. However, I would say that Dr. Anderson and James both did a great job of making it relate-able for addiction victims themselves, but without sounding like a self-help book. It is engaging and witty with neatly organized chapters that take the reader through the different phases of the road to sobriety.
Now I must admit that I have never struggled with addiction, nor have I ever witnessed anyone struggle with addiction to anything stronger than nicotine (parents!!). But I think the basic rules apply no matter how socially acceptable the type of addiction is; the book still made sense when applied to smokers rather than drug addicts. I found myself shocked, at times, about how easily someone can develop a physical and emotional addiction to a drug. This made me look at my occasional (more like daily) chocolate/sugar cravings differently. Is it possible that we are all somewhat addicted to the seven letter drug that we have been hooked on since childhood – Nutella?! All kinds of ideas go through your head while reading the book and getting to learn about James’s struggle, but I think the initial shock and fear from addiction slowly develops into an understanding of the causes and effects of this unhealthy relationship with yourself.
Did I like this book? Yes, I found it stimulating and quite an easy read. I did not mind the change of voice between Dr. Anderson and James and the occasional pop up box with specific stories. I only have one comment about the approach of the book and that has to do with the reliance on faith in the last few chapters. Although I am a religious person who believes in the power of faith, I am not quite sure about everyone else in this world. The idea of believing in a higher power is not a faraway concept for anyone today. However, what individuals choose to believe in and how much they really do rely on their faith is a mystery. I only wish that an alternative to faith were highlighted plainly as to avoid criticism from non-believers and bring everyone’s attention to the actual advice offered in the book.
Would I recommend this book? Yes!! To anyone suffering from addiction or dealing with addiction in their lives. I am not sure about what kind of reading material is available at rehab centres, but it should have such texts.
Now I must admit that I have never struggled with addiction, nor have I ever witnessed anyone struggle with addiction to anything stronger than nicotine (parents!!). But I think the basic rules apply no matter how socially acceptable the type of addiction is; the book still made sense when applied to smokers rather than drug addicts. I found myself shocked, at times, about how easily someone can develop a physical and emotional addiction to a drug. This made me look at my occasional (more like daily) chocolate/sugar cravings differently. Is it possible that we are all somewhat addicted to the seven letter drug that we have been hooked on since childhood – Nutella?! All kinds of ideas go through your head while reading the book and getting to learn about James’s struggle, but I think the initial shock and fear from addiction slowly develops into an understanding of the causes and effects of this unhealthy relationship with yourself.
Did I like this book? Yes, I found it stimulating and quite an easy read. I did not mind the change of voice between Dr. Anderson and James and the occasional pop up box with specific stories. I only have one comment about the approach of the book and that has to do with the reliance on faith in the last few chapters. Although I am a religious person who believes in the power of faith, I am not quite sure about everyone else in this world. The idea of believing in a higher power is not a faraway concept for anyone today. However, what individuals choose to believe in and how much they really do rely on their faith is a mystery. I only wish that an alternative to faith were highlighted plainly as to avoid criticism from non-believers and bring everyone’s attention to the actual advice offered in the book.
Would I recommend this book? Yes!! To anyone suffering from addiction or dealing with addiction in their lives. I am not sure about what kind of reading material is available at rehab centres, but it should have such texts.
February 2, 2017
Loved the book about how addictions affect your brain and how to live with it. binge drinking, drugs etc all affect the neurological pathways connected to the brain connected to please, motivation and if you are addicted to drink and drugs rewire themselves. The end result being your brain becomes focused on alcohol and drugs whether it is prescription or over the counter drugs, the end result being your world spirals out of control and this affects everyone world wide. A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED MUST READ BOOK
February 5, 2017
Everyone must read this book!
This book makes my list as one of the top reads in the addiction genre. This book has had an impact on my life in more ways than I've realized. Addiction is a real problem. I know little about addiction and the book opened my eyes to addictions. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is dealing with addictions or trying to help those who are struggling and want to know more about addictions.
Thank you Netgalley for this book.
This book makes my list as one of the top reads in the addiction genre. This book has had an impact on my life in more ways than I've realized. Addiction is a real problem. I know little about addiction and the book opened my eyes to addictions. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is dealing with addictions or trying to help those who are struggling and want to know more about addictions.
Thank you Netgalley for this book.
June 1, 2016
information on how craving is created in your brain was very interesting. The end of the book is about AA and 12 Steps. quick read.
November 25, 2016
This is a must read for anyone who suffers from or know someone with an addiction. The book explains so much but is written so we all can understand.
December 30, 2016
Great read and very enlightening!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews