Thursday, January 7, 2010

Review/Giveaway: Addiction

A WINNING READINGS GIVEAWAY!

Title: Addiction: What's Really Going On? Inside a Heroin Treatment Program
Author: Deborah McCloskey, CADC and Barbara Sinor, PhD
Genre: Nonfiction memoir
How to enter: Leave a comment on THIS post right here! If you're a subscriber or a follower, leave a second comment for a second entry.
Entry deadline: January 25, 2010
Restrictions: Open internationally

That's right, enter right here for this giveaway. Please note: we are giving away our review copy, so it has been gently read.

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When I opened this book, I admit I was expecting a rather dry dissertation of heroin treatment programs. I was drastically wrong! While I did learn a lot about methadone treatments, what I found was a fascinating look into the life of a compassionate caseworker and the countless lives she touched in her job.

Addiction: What's Really Going On? was co-authored by Deborah McCloskey (now deceased) and Dr. Barbara Sinor. It is based on Deborah's notes during the late 1990s-2000s while employed in a methadone clinic in Southern California. This 224-page paperback is published by Loving Healing Press and has a list price of $19.95. For more information, check out the author's website: http://www.drsinor.com/Addiction.htm.

Here's the publisher's overview of the book:

"Addiction: What's Really Going On? contains powerful true-life stories woven together to form a tapestry filled with pain, joy, defeat, and success. The entire book is molded around Deborah McCloskey's heartfelt desire for her clients to be free of drugs. Her counseling methods both endeared her as "the counselor to get" and locked her into a decade of searching for better ways to help those she felt were stuck on the merry-go-round of a methadone system. This book should be read by teachers, hospitals employees, college students, government officials, and our general adult population whether addicted, sober, or straight."

This was a page-turner of a book. I found myself immersed in a world I didn't know existed. I've encountered drug use to a very small degree in my previous job, as we did routine drug screening there, and I never quite understood why people would risk their livelihood and credibility. I still don't completely understand, but I do have a new respect for them and for those who work with them on a regular basis.

Deborah's own history and story is intertwined with her coworkers and her clients. So you've got not just one drama going on, but dozens... I love how she developed a relationship of mutual respect with her clients - not taking nonsense, but still trusting and wanting the best for them. She was compassionate without being judgmental - a rare quality, I think. And she was called - she took a break for a while, but was compelled to return to counseling - to touching lives and looking for ways to improve the system.

Since most of the books I review here are Christian-based, here's a quick mention that while this book is not written from a Christian background, I appreciated its perspective on serving humanity.

Thanks to Dr. Barbara Sinor for the review copy of this book. If you're interested in the topic of addiction, be sure to visit her new blog: www.drsinor.blogspot.com.

88 comments:

buddyt said...

I went through a driug addiction with my daughter (now deceased) and I know how hard it can be on parents.

I would really like to read thios book to get some insights in how one can help those addicted especually if they are family.

Thank you.

Carol

buddyt said...

I am a Follower via Google.

Inspiration for Recovery said...

Jane,
Thank you posting your Review of my book and I am so happy you enjoyed reading it. Yes, it is a difficult story to read but it certainly is time for our society to hear the cries of its addicted population.
I want to invite you and any of your followers to my new Blog to follow the countdown to my next book in April 2010. This title is "Tales of Addiction and Inspiration for Recovery" and is also a personal look at addiction. I offer many avenues and insights for recovery to those seeking guidance for themself or loved ones. Visit: www.drsinor.blogspot.com
Blessings,
Barbara Sinor, Ph.D.

Lady Araujo said...

This is the kind of book everyone should read.
marthanadnny(at)hotmail(dot)com

Lady Araujo said...

I follow you
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Katie S. said...

This book sounds very interesting to read. Maybe it'll give some insight to people. :)

katieandbobby10@yahoo.com

Katie S. said...

I follow via google as ktfereva22

katieandbobby10@yahoo.com

Simply Stacie said...

Please count me in.

simplystacieblog at gmail dot com

Simply Stacie said...

I follow.

simplystacieblog at gmail dot com

Benita said...

The addictive personality is indeed interesting. I'd love to read this book.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

I'm an email subscriber and a GFC follower.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

bayctygrl said...

Theres a lot of people close to me that sruggle with addiction and I try to learn everything I can so I can help. This book would be a great read for me.

hippopurplemonkey at yahoo dot com

bayctygrl said...

I suscribe to email

hippopurplemonkey at yahoo dot com

dsandyboy said...

Count me in.

dsandyboy@gmail.com

FrankSandy said...

Please enter me. walkerd@primus.ca

FrankSandy said...

I'm a follower. walkerd@primus.ca

elaine said...

This would be such an insightful book to read.

Elaine R
emrosser@shaw.ca

demmi said...

please enter me in the giveaway
con5459(at)gmail(dot)com

Nelsby said...

Thanks so much for the giveaway -- I have read some really good reviews for this book!
Aimee
sierranelsby (at) gmail (dot) com

Nelsby said...

I am following your blog on Google Friend Connect (username Nelsby).
Thanks!
Aimee
sierranelsby (at) gmail (dot) com

mverno said...

everyone wants to read this one mverno@roadrunner.com

409cope said...

This looks like a very interesting read. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

409cope said...

I follow through google friend. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

ann said...

Again something that could be helpful for my work here in Cambodia...

ann said...

thanks

Jennifer Wilson said...

This sounds facinating. I always loved books like this and my friends always made fun of me for liking non-fiction in high school!

jenndiggy at gmail dot com

Jennifer Wilson said...

I follow!

jenndiggy at gmail dot com

Andria said...

I would love a chance to win. Thank you.

susanstewart said...

My daughter starts college this fall as an Addition Studies major. This would be a fantastic win for her. Thanks.

Nickolay said...

I know people who have struggled with addiction. Thanks for the chance

jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com

Nancye said...

This looks like a really interesting book. Thanks for the chance.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

Follower and E-mail Subscriber

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Smooshy said...

enter me!

Anonymous said...

Need some help and direction...

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mindy said...

this sounds very informative thanks minsthins at optonline dot net

David Johnson said...

Please count me in, thanks.

minishoes1 said...

I would really love to read this! My sister got out of prison not to long ago and drugs landed her there .Her son is still in prison for drugs. Thanks!jacquecurl1(at)gmail(dot)com

minishoes1 said...

I follow. jacquecurl1@gmail.com

shirley said...

would love to read this book




cpsnsamples@aol.com

ewalsh40 said...

I'd like more insight into addictions in general, this is a great way to start, one of the hardest addictions to kick.

Thanks for the chance to win it.

ewalsh40 said...

Follower on Google Friends

erma said...

This looks good.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net

Rhonda said...

Interesting.

I would like to read this

rhondastruthers at yahoo dot ca

Rhonda said...

I follow

rhondastruthers at yahoo dot ca

rhondastruthers at yahoo dot ca

lezanac said...

I would like to read this My cousin is dealing with a similar addiction now. lezanac@yahoo.com

lezanac said...

GFC follower lezanac@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Sounds like an interesting book. I used to work for a psychologist and it is amazing and sad how common this addiction really is.
shawnac68@hotmail.com

Jinxy and Me said...

Looks very interesting. Thanks for the giveaway!

Jinxy and Me said...

I'm following your blog in Google Friend Connect.

Karrie said...

thankyou for the chance to win this book, sounds good

Ambre Winfield said...

enter me

kh123856 said...

Treating people with addictions can be tough. I'm in the mental health field and would love to give this book a read.

kristin.harris80(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

i grew up with two drug and alcohol addicted parents. my father was addicted to crack and my mother was secretly addicted to coke. i think it is important for us to keep this an ongoing issue of discussion and awareness. there are so many children in the world who grew up even worse than i did.


please enter me.


thank you.



email: devilbabe_6662004@yahoo.com

Renee G said...

I like reading true stories.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I just became a follower of your blog.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Tinyblessing said...

This looks like an interesting one. Thanks!
lil.blessing at gmail dot com

Tinyblessing said...

following as tinyblessing
lil.blessing at gmail dot com

reddon30 said...

Looks like an amazing read...thank you.

Deb K said...

Having lost many loved ones to drug addictions I would love to read this book!

Thanks for the chance

deb55106{at}gmail{dot}com

Deb K said...

I also follow you with Google{deb K}

Hotsnotty2 said...

I've know many people who have gone through or still battling addiction, I would love to read this to get some insight, thanks for the chance!

Hotsnotty2@hotmail.com

Couture Lady said...

I would like to read this and get some insight on addiction
Thanks
Fly18grl21@aol.com

Couture Lady said...

I follow
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Unknown said...

I would love to read this book.

Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

Follower
Jesskaufman at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

I would like to enter this contest please.

Gloria's Bits and Pieces said...

I'd love to read this nonfiction book!

cdmarteny said...

i would like to give this to son to read.both my birth parents were addicted to alcohol.so i think we need to very aware.thanks for sweepstakes. cdmarteny@mywebdesk.com

Kathy P said...

i would love to read this my daughter was addicted and i am not so sure these programs are at all helpful it sure wasnt for us :(

my daughters story http://mikepease.tripod.com/

Anonymous said...

I always love to read non fiction books of all types!








Bshaw75015@aol.com

john Ferris said...

Every home should have this book.
john ferris
guapo1317@live.com

susansmoaks said...

i would love to read this book

susansmoaks said...

follower

kerri69 said...

I come from a family of addicts and would love some insight

Tricia316 said...

I worked in a drug rehab for a few years. I would love to read the author's experiences.

Tricia316 said...

I follow with Google Friend Connect - Tricia31

Unknown said...

I would love to read this book. It sounds great. garrettsambo@aol.com

Charlene Kuser said...

I would love to read this as being
a mother with a teenager.There are
a lot of kids in this area addicted to heroin and the sad part is the
parents didn't even know until things
came up missing in their house.

CharlieGurl57@aol.com

Charlene Kuser said...

I am a subscriber
I am following you (Charlene)

CharlieGurl57@aol.com

Timster said...

I would really like to read this book to get some insights in how one can help those addicted especually if they are family.

ZESTYWONDERLAND said...

I would love to read this book about addiction!
After I read a book , I donate it to a local hospital for their book cart.
This would be a good read for me & then maybe a life changing book for patients.

zestywonderland@gmail.com

ZESTYWONDERLAND said...

I follow!

ZESTYWONDERLAND said...

I subscirbe!

Nancy S. said...

I'd like to read this.
ncschools at yahoo dot com

Nancy S. said...

I follow your blog with google friend.

lilyk said...

Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!

lilyk said...

I subscribed to your blog.