Substance-Abusing High Achievers: Addiction as an Equal Opportunity Destroyer (Library of Substance Abuse Treatment) - Tapa dura

Dr. Twerski's writings have made a priceless contribution to the understanding of America's number one health problem: alcoholism and other life-threatening addictions. This latest book, whose revealing personal stories are accompanied by clear commentary from one of our wisest and most experienced addiction specialists, is a gem. I wish everyone-every parent, teacher, counselor, and employer-would read it. -- George McGovern Denial is a regular feature of addictive diseases, and 'super-people' are prone to 'super-denial.' Dr. Twerski discusses the dynamics of alcoholism and drug dependence in doctors, lawyers, CEOs, clergy, athletes, and others whose achievements in life make it most difficult for them to accept that they have lost control of alcohol or drugs. This book is a valuable resource for them and those who care for them. -- Father Joseph C. Martin, S.S. The single greatest barrier to recovery from alcohol or drugs is the person's inability to recognize the problem. The denial is particularly intense in people who have achieved considerable influence in life and cannot admit loss of control. This book should be helpful to such people and their families and to their therapists. -- Betty Ford

Denial of addiction is the most prominent symptom of individuals who have problems with alcohol and substance abuse. Whatever its psychodynamics, their denial is reinforced by (1) fear that acknowledgment and treatment might jeopardize their professional status, and (2) the misconception that intellectual superiority constitutes a safeguard against loss of control. High achievers-doctors, lawyers, business executives, clerics, nurses, professors-are particularly vulnerable to such denial. Moreover, their spouses may share the fear that exposure could jeopardize and even undermine the family's livelihood. Some people become high achievers or overachievers in order to compensate for feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness. These feelings almost invariably surface in the substance abuser, antedating the onset of abuse. A particular challenge in treating this population is to address the negative consequences of low self-esteem without crippling the impulse to excel. Dr. Twerski demonstrates that chemical dependency is indeed an equal opportunity destroyer and he illuminates the makeup of high-achieving substance abusers as their narratives unfold. Addicted individuals will recognize themselves in these pages while providers of human services will discover ways and means to diagnose and intervene.