An Uncommon Drunk: Revelations of a High-functioning Alcoholic

by Jeff Herten

For nearly thirty years, author Dr. Jeff Herten was a high-functioning alcoholic one who drinks every day, yet continues to lead a productive, successful life. Now he shares his first-hand knowledge of how alcohol can destroy lives as it nearly destroyed his.

Alcohol is the single greatest social ill in the United States. It affects us not only emotionally but physically. Alcohol may lead to deadly cancers of the breast, colon, esophagus, and liver. It rots our bones, corrodes our stomach lining, erodes our memories, and suppresses our immune systems. An Uncommon Drunk explores the numerous facets of alcohol consumption in the United States, including the risks, the behaviors associated with alcohol, and the innocent victims of alcohol abuse. But it also offers hope for those wishing to become sober and recommends resources to help them turn their lives around.

Frank and honest, An Uncommon Drunk is a must-read for every spouse, parent, child, employer, physician, and counselor whose life is touched by alcohol. It may be just the wake-up call you need.

232 pages, Paperback

First published May 22, 2006

Reviews

[Blackest Soul Ever · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book finally shows the opposing perspective on the subject of consumption; the one that the alcohol companies wish you'd never consider. the breakdown of how the body metabolizes and digests (or rather doesn't) alcohol was very enlightening to me. the author resides in my hometown so it was especially easy for me to relate to many of the stories he told. i drove by the site of the car crash that killed cristal king not 4 hours after it happened. his combination of both medical knowledge and personal experience, matched with his lack of condescending tone or the disgust that is usually levied against "drunks", while questioning the admiration that is heaped upon "the life of the party" made this book especially palatable. it is on my nightstand and it is one of three books that i read and re-read perpetually.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book with the hopes that I'd learn a great deal more about the effects of alochol on the body mentally, physically, and emotionally. The book didn't let me down! It is more of a textbook style of reading, but so informational and eye opening that it encouraged me to drink less than I already do. I'd recommend this book to anyone flirting with the idea of quitting drinking, or just hoping to gain insight on how to live a healthier life.

[Cheyenne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The message is excellent. The delivery... a little bit too much God everywhere and quite after-school specialesque. But you learn more than you ever wanted to know about alcohol and have a strong inclination to join forces with N.O.R.M.L.