An estimated 20 million Americans are addicted to alcohol or drugs, and nearly 1. 9 million people are admitted to publicly funded substance abuse treatment programs every year. This book helps you identify the problem and work towards a healthy approach to recovery, explaining the clinical and self-help treatments for both adults and teens.

Foreword xvii Introduction 1 Part I: The Hole in the Heart: Detecting Addiction 7 Chapter 1: Addiction: What Is It? 9 Chapter 2: Substance Use, Substance Abuse, and Addiction 23 Chapter 3: Behavioral Addictions: Addictions Without Substances 35 Chapter 4: Dancing with the Tiger: The Risks of Experimenting 51 Part II: Taking Those First Steps 63 Chapter 5: Recognizing Addiction in Yourself and Others 65 Chapter 6: Assessing Your Readiness: Do You Need Help Now? 85 Chapter 7: Quitting: Easy to Say, Hard to Do 99 Part III: Examining Treatment Approaches 109 Chapter 8: Treatment Choices 111 Chapter 9: Reviewing Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Options 123 Chapter 10: Treating Physical Dependence 145 Chapter 11: Twelve-Step Programs 163 Chapter 12: Joining Self-Help and Support Groups 173 Chapter 13: Alternative Treatments 181 Chapter 14: Teen Treatment 193 Part IV: Life in Recovery 209 Chapter 15: Overcoming Barriers to Recovery 211 Chapter 16: Handling Slips and Relapse 229 Chapter 17: Handling Work and Family During Recovery 239 Chapter 18: For Families and Friends: Ways to Make a Difference 253Part V: The Part of Tens 267 Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Help a Friend or Loved One 269 Chapter 20: More Than Ten Self-Help Resources 275 Index 285

Find out how to get a handle on the problem, get help, and get better Evaluate medications and treatment programs Break free from addictive substances or behaviors and get a fresh start Think you have an addiction? This compassionate guide helps you identify the problem and work towards a healthy, realistic approach to recovery, explaining the latest clinical and self&#45help treatments for both adults and teens. This book also offers tips on reducing cravings, handling your relationships, and staying well for the long run. Discover how to: Identify the reasons for addictionChoose the best treatment planHandle slips and relapsesDetect addictions in a loved oneFind help and support Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Online cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun Get smart! @www.dummies.com Find listings of all our booksChoose from many different subject categoriesSign up for eTips at etips.dummies.com