Healing the Addicted Brain: The Revolutionary, Science-Based Alcoholism and Addiction Recovery Program

by Harold C. Urschel III

Discover the New York Times bestselling book offering a groundbreaking approach to alcoholism and addiction recovery Drawing on the latest research and years of experience, Dr. Harold Urschel presents an innovative methodology that targets the root causes of addiction and provides effective solutions. By leveraging evidence-based practices, this transformative program addresses the intricate workings of the addicted brain, fostering lasting recovery and helping individuals break free from the grip of addiction. Healing the Addicted Brain encompasses a holistic approach, blending medical expertise, neuroscience, and behavioral therapy. From neuroplasticity and neurochemistry to cognitive restructuring and emotional resilience, this book equips readers with invaluable tools to rewire their addicted brains and build a solid foundation for a healthy, fulfilling life. Key Whether you or a loved one are struggling with alcoholism or addiction, Healing the Addicted Brain offers a lifeline of hope and a roadmap to lasting recovery. Get ready to break free from addiction and embrace a future filled with health, happiness, and personal fulfillment. "Scientifically-based approaches that recognize the biological basis of addiction have brought major advances in the treatment of addiction. Dr. Urschel is at the forefront of this treatment paradigm."―Dr. Larry Hanselka, psychologist

Genres: Addiction, Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology, Health, Neuroscience, Science

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2009

Reviews

[Morgan Blackledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evidence based, rational addiction recovery has finally arrived in America. The rest of the world has been practicing the medicalized, harm reduction model for decades. It's wonderful that we're finally getting hip to it here. For better or for worse, AA has had a lock on treatment in this country since its inception. AA has saved millions of lives, but many AA stalwarts are unrealistically optimistic about the success rates of AA alone, are hostile to alternatives and psychotherapy, and adhere to an outdated etiology for addiction that leaves many of us scratching our heads and heading for the door. If you looking for a sane, rational approach to addiction and recovery, that integrates modern neuroscience evidence, psychology, psychopharmacology and 12 step, this is a great little book.This book is full of sensible, realistic information and advice for anyone with a brain who wants to get sober. Great book!

[Mary Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing information for anyone who is addicted to any substance! It isn't a weakness people, the brain gets trained to crave!

[Megan Fackenthal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book written for those who are suffering from addiction or those who are interested in creating a program to help the afflicted. While in some cases the book feels too much like an extension of positive psychology, it serves to give those on the road to recovery many many many different options/ideas for what to do to help ease the burden of cravings or other side-effects of previous addictive behaviors. If nothing else, this book helps the reader to understand definitively that addiction is a disease and not a result of a "poor personality".

[Jenny T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive look at addiction from a biological and psychological point of view, written to be understood by a layperson. The book focuses on alcohol, but also touches on other substance abuse although many of the ideas could be used to cope with any kind of addiction. Also I found the worksheets to be useful in that they could help motivate a person to become involved in his/her treatment in a concrete fashion. Highly recommended to anyone who is dealing with addiction or whose life is impacted by someone suffering from this disease.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read, if you are seeking understanding alcoholism.

[Mark Manderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book on addiction. Takeaways:
The addicted brain is full of distorted and irrational thoughts.
Test Your Thought Inaccuracy:

- What concrete factual evidence supports or refutes these thoughts?
- Are there other ways I can view the situation?
- What is the worst case and best case scenario?
- What is most likely to happen?

Only 5% of cravings are given into. Thus means 95% of the time they make it through the craving.
When drugs activate the dopamine system, the hippocampus switches on ensuring you will remember everything about the experience very clearly. (Heightened emotions cause string anchors.) This is CLASSIC CONDITIONING just like Pavlov.
Therapy can heal the cortex but not the limbic region, however Campral can. It restores the balance in neuropathways which allows concentration on cortex based therapy.

[Brad Acker]

Alcohol addiction is a chronic, treatable disease of the brain; this book presents step-by-step guidelines for staying sober and preventing relapse. This information presented in the book is based on the science of addiction and employing pharmaceutical interventions; not the spiritual surrender often promoted as the single path to recovery.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the best I've read on understanding addiction. It set me on a mission to better understand addiction as a physical and not just "mental" illness. Until the medical community, insurance companies and the general public wake up to this fact - we'll continue with our overcrowded jails, extremely high addiction rates and very low successful recovery rates.

[Mindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot from the first third of the book and I learned some from the rest. The majority of the book would be really helpful for the addict. There are alot of ideas and workbook things that you can downlowd from the website. If the addict will do them I could see the benefit.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the exercises offered in this book and the pro-recovery versus pro-addiction philosophy.

[Daryl Ghent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good mix of medical, psychological, and 12 step strategies for healing a brain that has been damaged by drug and alcohol addiction.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a layman this book struck me as throughly comprehensive in speaking to addicts and families of addicts. Mindset, Medicine, therapy, diet, lifestyle changes and more. So many people are plagued with addictions to drugs and alcohol. This is a great resource. The only thing that is majorly missing is the need for Christ in the process of recovery. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ of ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Evil Secret Ninja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Check out my youtube channel where I review books
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg4e...

Sadly I did not learn anything new in this book and I do not agree with the author's promise that it will increase success rates in treating addiction to 90%. There is not any evidence to support this. Yes, medication-assisted treatment is more effective than just a 12 step program or cognitive-behavioral treatment and most effective treatments have a combination of all three. However, the treatments we have are still very ineffective and people continue to struggle with relapse and addiction. Nice try but nothing new.

[Kristen Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this audiobook and found it to be really informative. The narrator had a peaceful, matter-of-fact delivery. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about addiction and/or addiction recovery. I’m new at rating nonfiction books but I’m rating this high for: clarity, ease of comprehension, quality of information provided, and narrator delivery.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valley Hope
Cushing, OK

[Jodi Hawkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting science.

[Zakia Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to anyone serious about overcoming addiction. It is possible and this book helps out a ton.

[Jessica Perteet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a difficult audio book for me to listen to but it was informative.

[KATHRYN HARDY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book needs to be adopted by all alcohol and other addiction workers and should be read by anyone wanting to understand the topic more.

[Linda Sanford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and insightful.

[Cornelia DeDona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting! It promises to change our attitude on addiction claiming it to be a treatable brain disease with an over 90% success rate.

[Rod]

work related- science based approach- makes more sense than behavioral modification alone.

[Mary]

Recommended by Dr.Phil