Sex, Drugs, Gambling & Chocolate: A Workbook for Overcoming Addictions

This book explores the harm reduction model. It provides a variety of techniques to decrease addictive behaviors, many of them new and all of them coherent, logical, understandable, and practical. For people who struggle with addiction--expecially those who have explored 12-step programs and not found them useful--this book is a must read. I highly recommend it as an excellent source of strategy and treatment planning.

One of the best things about this workbook is that it lets you decide what degree of change is best for your recovery. Choosing between total abstinence or moderation may not seem like a wise approach if your addictions have your will power out-gunned. But Horvath models his strategies on the idea of harm reduction -- i.e., some improvement is better than none, particularly since taming a major negative fixation usually takes changing many smaller unhealthy behaviors too. He defines addiction as an extreme form of habit, and makes a logical case for conquering it by increasing self-awareness, resolving conflict, substituting positive behaviors, finding support, avoiding temptation, and being persistent. Much of the guidance you'll get in this book will come from you. The work you'll need to do is customized by your responses to questions designed to help you understand how addiction issues affect your life. Projects at the end of each chapter encourage you to try out the ideas you've just read, and the space allotted for your own notes makes this a valuable personal journal of your progress. This is a process you can return to as often as you need to. Additional resources, including a detailed bibliography and a list of support groups, offer an innovative network of help and info. Horvath acknowledges that 12-step programs work for a lot of people. But he doesn't believe they are the ONLY way to overcome addictions. For those who might prefer a more flexible alternative, this one offers an effective, creative range of options.

Practicing clinicians know that while the 12-step treatment programs have been very successful over many years, there are significant numbers of pstients/clients for whom these approaches have been unsuccessful. The author, Thomas Horvath, a highly experienced and nationally recognized addictions specialist, has provided in this second edition of his work, an alternative approach to treating addictive behaviors. His observations are not limited to the four addictions listed in the title. He mentions at the start of his work 111 addictive behaviors. Are there more? Most likely. He feels that the common denominator of most, if not all of addictive behaviors are two points:addiction is an extreme version of a habit,and, overcoming an addiction uses the same processes one uses to change other habits. From this base, Dr. Horvath presents both research and rich clinical experience supporting his position. The final product is an excellent workbook for the addicted person and a wonderful reference for the professional who would undertake treatment with an addicted person, regardless of the addiction.The first section, "Getting Started" deals with those seekiing help or those who are still in the contemplative stage. It presents clear examples based on research and experience helping readers to place themselves regarding their addiction, and move them toward commitment and action.Chapters three and four help the patient explore and understand the initial benefits of addiction and the current benefits of maintaining the addiction. These chapters are well detailed and provide an important reality base, leading to motivation to change.Chapter five looks at the real costs of addictive behavior, again moving the patient closer to an openness for treatment.Chapters six through thirteen take the individual from initial coping, recognizing choices, and working with craving. In eleven, the focus is on developing other life satisfactions and alternative responses. Finally, in twelve and thirteen, guidance is provided for building a new life and maintaining gains. The appendices are rich in reading and resources for those with additional questions.In summary, this is a really excellent work that should be in everyone's library for patients use and as an aid to the professional. Even better news is the incredibly modest price for this work.

Not everyone is a candidate for 12-step programs like Alcohol Anonymous. Clinical psychologist A. Thomas Horvath provides an alternative to 12-step in Sex, Drugs, Gambling, & Chocolate: A Workbook for Overcoming Addictions. He says "the purpose of this workbook is to draw together ideas and techniques that have been well studied and used in the field of addiction psychology and to present them in one readable workbook." Dr. Horvath begins with the concept that addiction is a habit, and like other habits, it can be changed. While addiction usually has worse consequences than most habits, and changing it can be extremely difficult, it is still a habit, and it can be changed. He defines addiction as "repeated involvement with anything, despite excessive costs, because of craving." He adds that "an addiction is a type of relationship between an individual and [a] substance or activity." The idea that the person is a victim of the substance or activity is erroneous. He divides his workbook into chapters on the perceived benefits of addiction, the costs of addiction, understanding and coping with craving, choices, and building a new life. Each chapter has an overview, followed by a detailed discussion of the subject. Then comes questions which help readers connect the information to their personal circumstances. Each chapter also includes two or three simple projects designed to help individuals apply the previous information in their lives. Chapters end with a section titled "What's Important Now?" which give readers an opportunity to record their personal growth. Horvath is at all times encouraging and supportive, realizing that change comes in small increments. He also keeps his advice very practical and doesn't resort to jargon or "psychobabble." He maintains that we all have choices, and recognizes that people feel resentment when told that they have to overcome addictive behavior. Horvath says "regardless of what anyone else thinks, its up to you what happens with your addiction." Sex, Drugs, Gambling, & Chocolate is designed for those who are choosing to overcome any addictive behavior and need practical help with achieving their goal. Horvath's workbook is based on taking personal responsiblity for your behavior and does not require total abstinance or turning your life over to a "Higher Power," unless you choose to do so.

This workbook is loaded with practical suggestions and will appeal to anyone who has unsuccessfully sought to overcome a serious addiction or habit using more traditional (i.e. 12 step) treatment approaches. Horvath, whose credentials are extensive and impeccable, leads you step by step through a rethinking process designed to accomplish goals you may have thought impossible. The workbook approach is straighforward and adaptable to a variety of addictive behaviors (over 100 are identified!--you can add your own). The author's warm good humor and tolerance will support you through the tough times. He is there to hold your hand in the darkness and encourage you when you slip. He gives you full credit for your own accomplishments. It's the closest thing to individual therapy you will find in a bookstore (virtual or otherwise). There are many up-to-date references and a useful reading list. Incidentally, the information presented is not hostile towards, or totally incompatible with other approaches to addiction, but is primarily intended for those who want a scientifically proven, rational approach to behavior change.