The Addiction Spectrum: A Compassionate, Holistic Approach to Recovery – A Comprehensive Medical Guide to Integrative Rehabilitation Solutions

by Paul Thomas, Jennifer Margulis

"If anyone you know is struggling with addiction—or if you think you might have a problem—you want to read this book.”—GARTH STEIN, bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain

"a proven, comprehensive program that compassionately guides the reader to a place of resolution"—DAVID PERLMUTTER, MD, #1 New York Times bestselling author of  Grain Brain, and, Brain Maker    

"a massive achievement and a giant step forward for addiction medicine"—ANNIE GRACE, author of This Naked Mind



Drug overdose is now the leading cause of death for Americans under fifty. Even as opiate addiction skyrockets, more people than ever before are hooked on alcohol, sedatives, cigarettes, and even screens. The face and prevalence of addiction has changed and evolved, but our solutions to addiction are stuck in the past.

We’ve been treating addiction as a black or white issue, a disease you either suffer from or will never suffer from. The problem with this model is that it doesn’t account for the incredible forces working against all of us, pushing all of us toward addiction: stress, undernourishment, sleep-deprivation, vitamin D deficiency, and isolation, not to mention a flawed medical system and corrupt pharmaceutical companies doling out prescriptions at every turn.

The truth: Addiction is a disease that, like many others, exists on a spectrum. We are more vulnerable to becoming addicted to substances at certain points in our lives and based on the evidence provided in The Addiction Spectrum , most effective at kicking addiction when we take a holistic approach. With the help of the 13-point plan and individual protocols detailed in this book, you have the power to change your destiny. No one understands this more than Dr. Paul Thomas, who recovered from alcohol addiction early in his career and founded one of the most effective rehabilitation centers for teens and young adults in his hometown of Portland, OR. Named one of the top family doctors and one of the top pediatricians in the country, Dr. Paul is also board-certified in both integrative medicine and addiction medicine. This unique combination of specialties is intentional: Dr. Paul has devoted his entire life and career to saving lives.

Using the best conventional medicine alongside the new science of alternative health, Dr. Paul has treated thousands of patients with the life-saving solutions provided in The Addiction Spectrum . Addiction is a compendium of often devastating circumstances that have gone unchecked by society for far too long. This book is a positive light and guide to overcoming not only addiction but the challenges and obstacles that affect us all.

Genres: Health, Addiction, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Psychiatry, Psychology, Self Help

352 pages, Paperback

First published September 4, 2018

Reviews

[Paul Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this one - I have been amazed at how each revision and edit it just got better and better. Thanks to my co-author Jennifer Margulis and the amazing team at HarperOne.

[John W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is more than worth it's weight in gold. I'm a career journalist, an avid reader and typically quite critical of most books. I'm 63 years young and have lost many close friends to drugs and alcohol addiction and the accompanying unhealthy lifestyles--poor nutrition, smoking, lack of exercise and other bad choices. I have also battled addictions myself off and on a good part of my life. The Addiction Spectrum is packed with deep insights,current information and facts about the substances abused and the hellish and seductive nature of addictions. The c0-authors Dr. Thomas and Jennifer Margulis write from a deep place within--they write from their hearts and souls as well as their intellects. He has an MD from Dartmouth and is board certified in both integrative and holistic medicine and addiction medicine. Margulis, likewise is a brilliant journalist/writer, has a PhD and has written/published 8 books. Yet this book is a joy to read as it is non-intimidating, warm and interactive and you can feel the support and encouragement as you read each page. If you are an addict, or love someone who is an addict, you will no longer feel alone and/or overwhelmed. Dr. Thomas, or Paul as he prefers to be called, shares the painful personal experiences of his own 27 years as an alcoholic. This book is absolutely nonjudgmental and is not difficult to read. The chapters are short and so engaging that the book is actually hard to put down. You will find yourself absorbing its message and learning a great deal naturally--without feeling you are researching or studying for finals. Also, it is refreshingly non-dogmatic, non preachy, and it is quite embracing of different ideas and methods. As Margulis said, "Addictions can be so difficult to overcome that we need to be open-minded about utilizing all the tools at our disposal, in both traditional and alternative medicine." I've read dozens, no, hundreds of books on addiction ranging from more soft, feel-good self-help books, to the more science based, dry and academic style. This book is unlike any I've encountered before in that I feel that I am in a relationship. This is because of the book's interactive and conversational style. If you are tired of feeling isolated and alone in your battle with addiction(s) and want to feel valued and supported, I highly recommend this book. Don't walk, RUN to the bookstore or put your order in online. With this book in your hands you feel engaged, supported, valued, and infinitely more positive and hopeful about your or your loved one's situation.

[Susan Selfridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, an addict-friendly approach that treats addiction as the mental health, not moral issue, that it is. No shame, here.
I believe we are all on the spectrum of being hooked on something. A gentle, yet, toughly informative, first-hand (Dr. Thomas is a recovering alcoholic) guide on how to successfully and holistically heal, then, stay that way. Must read if you are or know an addict. This book will save lives!

[Michelle O’Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am the adult child of an alcoholic, and was honored to have been an early reader of this book. (Full disclosure, co-author Jennifer Margulis is my friend). The tone of the book is very conversational, not at all dry. It is compassionate but at the same time no-nonsense. It makes a person feel like there is so much that can be done, there is HOPE if you are struggling with addiction. For those who love 12 steps, it supports that. But it also offers so much more. Dr. Paul's honesty about his own addiction, and addiction in his immediate family gives him authenticity. He "gets it," what people are going through and why. If you worry that you or someone you love is doomed due to their addiction, take refuge in the wisdom of this book. It will change your life.

[G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn'd receive a hardcover copy of this book, but received a pre-printing copy. Thoughfully written with some insightful information. Will recommend to others. Thank you!

[Paul S. Zeitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Paul Thomas and Jennifer Margulis's new book, The Addiction Spectrum is a "Must-have" resource for every family. As we all know someone who is addicted to something and we all have some addictions ourselves--The Addiction offers a concise synthesis of solutions, including functional medicine, spiritual practices and healthy living that be used to heal oneself and support loved ones. With great compassion and wisdom, the Addiction Spectrum offers a blend of the latest biomedical science and alternative healing approaches into a practical approaches that can work for everyone. Please read Addiction Spectrum so that we can join forces in a healing movement to overcome our addictions.

[Patricia]

I feel very conflicted going into this; I'm reading it because I'm prepping for an internship where I know there'll be people who have opinions, at the same time the title alone makes me feel a little odd; basic googling skills tell me that Paul Thomas has apparently also written a book about vaccines, and regardless of my stance towards that particular topic, I feel very worried about what I should expect. I often like to reassure myself that big publishers blahblah, but addiction (as well as vaccines) are topics that do make money, so there is that.

[Malin Friess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paul Thomas is a physician in Portland, Oregon, a recovering alcoholic, and a founder of an outpatient clinic that treats teens and young adults with addictions. He has the "chops" to write this book on addiction medicine.
3 stars. There were parts of this book I agreed with. Thomas advocates that addiction may be more related to stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, lack of Vitamin D. He advocates for natural solutions...more time outdoors, less screen time, exercise, better diet. Thomas does feel that Cannabis is a gateway drug to addiction to other drugs and alcohol.
There were parts of this book I disagree with...claiming that children who were born from a mother that had an epidural with fentanyl, thus experience there first introduction to narcotics and are more likely to suffer from addictions?

3 stars. Addictions are complicated, have a wide spectrum, and need a wholistic approach. I reached out to see if he would lecture to our residency program (no response yet).

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed feelings on this one. I absolutely love the "as holistic as possible" approach, especially the focus on diet and restoring depleted nutrients, but still too much reliance on pharmaceuticals for my personal liking. I also found the spiritual advice extremely uncomfortable and "out there". Nevertheless, informative and motivationally inspiring with loads of stories of realistically hard-earned successes (no sugar coating here, which is refreshing) and a really solid framework to help you or a loved one down the path to recovery.

[Leslie Jonsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and honest book about addiction to alcohol and drugs. The Author is very honest about his own addiction demons; as well as other people in his family. This book is different because it discusses holistic approaches to dealing with addiction beyond the 12 Step Approach. I highly recommend.

[Amy C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the truly holistic approach that this book took to recovery. I wish it had touched more on mindfulness and getting in touch with underlying, subconscious beliefs that can keep us stuck in addiction, but on the whole, I really enjoyed what this book had to offer in terms of holistic ways to support our recovery.

[Deb Korch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a holistic detox counselor so this book was right up my alley. Nutrition and lifestyle changes are key for a healthy recovery. I like their candor. I will also pause when naltrexone is recommended. New information is most appreciated.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book hoping to help my husband. Every suggestion I make is shrugged off. This is a great resource if you can get the recovering person to read it. It’s not so beneficial to the co-dependent.

[Michelle Olms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

[Desiree 🧚‍♀️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

important info! I've not thought of addiction as a spectrum before, and I appreciated the focus on connection as a solution for addiction and healing.