The Addiction Spectrum audiobook

I wrote this one - I have been amazed at how each revision and edit it just got better and better. Thanks to my co-author Jennifer Margulis and the amazing team at HarperOne.

Finally, an addict-friendly approach that treats addiction as the mental health, not moral issue, that it is. No shame, here. I believe we are all on the spectrum of being hooked on something. A gentle, yet, toughly informative, first-hand (Dr. Thomas is a recovering alcoholic) guide on how to successfully and holistically heal, then, stay that way. Must read if you are or know an addict. This book will save lives!

This book is more than worth it's weight in gold. I'm a career journalist, an avid reader and typically quite critical of most books. I'm 63 years young and have lost many close friends to drugs and alcohol addiction and the accompanying unhealthy lifestyles--poor nutrition, smoking, lack of exercise and other bad choices. I have also battled addictions myself off and on a good part of my life. The Addiction Spectrum is packed with deep insights,current information and facts about the substances abused and the hellish and seductive nature of addictions. The c0-authors Dr. Thomas and Jennifer Margulis write from a deep place within--they write from their hearts and souls as well as their intellects. He has an MD from Dartmouth and is board certified in both integrative and holistic medicine and addiction medicine. Margulis, likewise is a brilliant journalist/writer, has a PhD and has written/published 8 books. Yet this book is a joy to read as it is non-intimidating, warm and interactive and you can feel the support and encouragement as you read each page. If you are an addict, or love someone who is an addict, you will no longer feel alone and/or overwhelmed. Dr. Thomas, or Paul as he prefers to be called, shares the painful personal experiences of his own 27 years as an alcoholic. This book is absolutely nonjudgmental and is not difficult to read. The chapters are short and so engaging that the book is actually hard to put down. You will find yourself absorbing its message and learning a great deal naturally--without feeling you are researching or studying for finals. Also, it is refreshingly non-dogmatic, non preachy, and it is quite embracing of different ideas and methods. As Margulis said, "Addictions can be so difficult to overcome that we need to be open-minded about utilizing all the tools at our disposal, in both traditional and alternative medicine." I've read dozens, no, hundreds of books on addiction ranging from more soft, feel-good self-help books, to the more science based, dry and academic style. This book is unlike any I've encountered before in that I feel that I am in a relationship. This is because of the book's interactive and conversational style. If you are tired of feeling isolated and alone in your battle with addiction(s) and want to feel valued and supported, I highly recommend this book. Don't walk, RUN to the bookstore or put your order in online. With this book in your hands you feel engaged, supported, valued, and infinitely more positive and hopeful about your or your loved one's situation.

I am the adult child of an alcoholic, and was honored to have been an early reader of this book. (Full disclosure, co-author Jennifer Margulis is my friend). The tone of the book is very conversational, not at all dry. It is compassionate but at the same time no-nonsense. It makes a person feel like there is so much that can be done, there is HOPE if you are struggling with addiction. For those who love 12 steps, it supports that. But it also offers so much more. Dr. Paul's honesty about his own addiction, and addiction in his immediate family gives him authenticity. He "gets it," what people are going through and why. If you worry that you or someone you love is doomed due to their addiction, take refuge in the wisdom of this book. It will change your life.

Dr Paul Thomas and Jennifer Margulis's new book, The Addiction Spectrum is a "Must-have" resource for every family. As we all know someone who is addicted to something and we all have some addictions ourselves--The Addiction offers a concise synthesis of solutions, including functional medicine, spiritual practices and healthy living that be used to heal oneself and support loved ones. With great compassion and wisdom, the Addiction Spectrum offers a blend of the latest biomedical science and alternative healing approaches into a practical approaches that can work for everyone. Please read Addiction Spectrum so that we can join forces in a healing movement to overcome our addictions.

Well written and honest book about addiction to alcohol and drugs. The Author is very honest about his own addiction demons; as well as other people in his family. This book is different because it discusses holistic approaches to dealing with addiction beyond the 12 Step Approach. I highly recommend.

I loved the truly holistic approach that this book took to recovery. I wish it had touched more on mindfulness and getting in touch with underlying, subconscious beliefs that can keep us stuck in addiction, but on the whole, I really enjoyed what this book had to offer in terms of holistic ways to support our recovery.

I am a holistic detox counselor so this book was right up my alley. Nutrition and lifestyle changes are key for a healthy recovery. I like their candor. I will also pause when naltrexone is recommended. New information is most appreciated.

Great book.