Slaying the Dragon: The History of Addiction Treatment and Recovery in America

This book was suggested to me by one of my professors. It is one of the best books written on the History of the profession of RECOVERY! I believe that ALL practitioners in the field of RECOVERY should read this book, or at least OWN it as a reference guide. You will use it over and over again. I liked it so much, I bought two copies.

I'll bet not one person in a hundred who is employed in the addictions field has any idea of the history of their profession. This is a history book that is chock full of the befuddled efforts of millions of people who have tried almost everything to get sober. Carrie Nation, The Keeley Institute, Kellogg and his corn flakes, the gold IV injection treatment, and the use of methamphetimine right down to MADD... this book details a group of people who, on their own, tried to fight addiction and support each other in their sobriety. All this without the help of the government until recent times. A textbook, a whodunnit, an emotional journey through hell and out the other side This is the definitive history of addiction treatment attempts in the United States of America. How anyone can call themselves a therapist and not have an intimate knowledge of this material is beyond me. Three thumbs up!

As a clinical person both in mental health and addiction medicine I can say without reservation that this is the most complete and interesting books on the topic. You won't be sorry you bought this one and will keep in you libray for life.

A very thorough account of the addiction field from it's first conception up the the conflicts in this area in the present day.This book contains an excellent historical context which is useful to many addictions professionals.

This is one of the most comprehensive historical books on the history of addiction treatment and recovery I have read. Not just a history of Alcoholics Anonymous, it covers the cures, the fakes, the trials and tribulations of attempting to treat alcoholism and other drug addiction in America. It should be a "must read" for anyone interested in treatment and recovery. William L. White did a great service for the treatment field by writing this book