"Addenbrooke's beautifully written and innovative approach gives addicted individuals the chance to express themselves, making clear what does and does not work for them in their struggle. Then she adds canny and well-informed thinking and realistic reflection on this very demanding kind of therapeutic work. All mental health professionals carry addicted individuals in their practices and will be grateful to learn from this fine book, whilst addiction specialists will find it essential reading." - Andrew Samuels, Professor of Analytical Psychology, University of Essex, UK
"Easy to follow, Mary Addenbrooke's thoughtful and profound explorations into the voices of addiction recovery is essential reading for anyone who works with, or cares about an addict." - Addictionblog.org, May 13, 2011
"The value of this book is in its skilful integration of the various factors that influence the onset and course of addictive disorders. Its message may remind clinicians, health care providers, social workers, and families that recovery must encompass a holistic process, including mental and physical health, spirituality, family and social relationships, and work. By giving voice to individuals who have gone through addiction and recovery and struggled to regain a footing in life, Survivors of Addiction is a refreshing counterpoint to the media-fueled fascination with celebrity addiction and the depictions of carefree substance misuse as seen in popular films. Such accounts only sensationalize addiction or disguise its potentially harmful effects on individuals, families, and society. In contrast, Addenbrooke strives to give dignity to the struggles that are depicted in these narratives. Although filled with drama, the narratives succeed in bringing us closer to the humanity of those who suffer through addiction, revealing the struggle and courage of those who embark upon recovery and the role that others may play in assisting them along the way." - Christine Grella, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol 57, Jan 2012
"This book is a very worthwhile read for any clinician working in the substance misuse field . It reads as a genuine and authentic account of the clinical insights gained from working in an National Health Service (NHS) addiction clinic over many decades. This is not a treatment manual nor a "how to" book but a "why?" and "what does it mean?'' book. The informed and insightful reflection on the realities of addiction and recovery is a delight to read." Louise Sell, Drugs and Alcohol Today, Vol.12, No. 1, 2012
"Addenbrooke's beautifully written and innovative approach gives addicted individuals the chance to express themselves, making clear what does and does not work for them in their struggle. Then she adds canny and well-informed thinking and realistic reflection on this very demanding kind of therapeutic work. All mental health professionals carry addicted individuals in their practices and will be grateful to learn from this fine book, whilst addiction specialists will find it essential reading." - Andrew Samuels, Professor of Analytical Psychology, University of Essex, UK
"Easy to follow, Mary Addenbrooke's thoughtful and profound explorations into the voices of addiction recovery is essential reading for anyone who works with, or cares about an addict." - Addictionblog.org, May 13, 2011
"The value of this book is in its skilful integration of the various factors that influence the onset and course of addictive disorders. Its message may remind clinicians, health care providers, social workers, and families that recovery must encompass a holistic process, including mental and physical health, spirituality, family and social relationships, and work. By giving voice to individuals who have gone through addiction and recovery and struggled to regain a footing in life, Survivors of Addiction is a refreshing counterpoint to the media-fueled fascination with celebrity addiction and the depictions of carefree substance misuse as seen in popular films. Such accounts only sensationalize addiction or disguise its potentially harmful effects on individuals, families, and society. In contrast, Addenbrooke strives to give dignity to the struggles that are depicted in these narratives. Although filled with drama, the narratives succeed in bringing us closer to the humanity of those who suffer through addiction, revealing the struggle and courage of those who embark upon recovery and the role that others may play in assisting them along the way." - Christine Grella, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol 57, Jan 2012
