Phil Rich

Addictions come in all shapes and forms. Difficult to define exactly, it has become popular to think of almost any behavior that has a compulsive quality as an "addiction." But for those who have an addiction, or for those affected by the addiction of a loved one or close friend, it's clear what an addiction means in "real" terms.

Many addicts are unwilling to give up their addiction. Their goal is to continue their addiction moderately and get it under control, without letting it control them. For many, this is an unachievable goal and often wishful thinking. For many addicts, recovery requires complete and lifetime abstinence. But for others, moderation and control may be an appropriate and realistic goal.

There are a number of "side" behaviors that often accompany addiction which are not actually part of the addiction. It's simply that addiction is so inherently anti-social that many of these behaviors go hand-in-hand with it, required because they're needed to maintain the addiction.

Addiction separates people from everything around them. It makes invisible the damage it inflicts on the addict, those closest to the addict, and on the world at large. Addictions blind and desensitize the addict. But why quit?

Through recording, exploring, and expressing your thoughts and feelings about your experiences, as well as discovering invaluable recovery information and resources, this guided journal and workbook will help you reach a uniquely personal, healing understanding of your addiction, your life, and your choices.  Acclaim for The Healing Journey Through Addiction: "Drs. Rich and Copans have written a comprehensive and creative book on recovery from addictive disorders, addressing the many emotional, interpersonal, and spiritual facets of recovery. This book is full of useful information and provides a sense of hope for change and growth. The journal exercises will increase self-awareness and understanding, which are so necessary for change to occur." — Dennis C. Daley, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, and Chief, Drug and Alcohol Services, Western Psychiatric Instiituute and Clinic