Addictive Personality
There is no right way to characterize an addictive personality. Some researchers consider the concept of addictive personality controversial, as there are no personality traits that predict addiction. Other researchers argue that an addictive personality is created from the illness of addiction. It is a change resulting from the addictive process that takes place within a person. The signs of change, such as depression, irritability, and paranoia, emerge from the addictive process in the same way other long-term illnesses can change a person's personality. Students learn about the forms of psychological and physiological addiction and their consequences. The book provides steps for treatment and recovery, too.
* Reviews *
Series Review: Teen Mental Health"Meditation is devoted to a specific wellness practice while its companion titles address mental-health issues. They cover basics such as definitions and signs and symptoms, balancing facts with case studies that will interest readers. Sidebars featuring "Myths & Facts" and "Ten Great Questions to Ask Your Therapist" will empower teens as they seek treatment. Numerous captioned color photos depict multiethnic models, dramatizing both negative behaviors, such as angry outbursts, and coping strategies, such as journaling or attending group therapy. These slim volumes are meaty enough to be teen-worthy."
--School Library Journal
Book Review: Addictive Personality
"This title is very readable with many colorful illustrations and covers the main areas of concern about all types of addiction--food, gambling, sex, alcohol, and drugs. . It points out that addiction is the last step on a continuum beginning with experimentation, continuing through casual use, abuse, and dependence. It gives influences and causes such as low self-esteem, coping with stress, memory of an intense high, and family members who are addicted, sometimes to hard drugs and sometimes to addictive pain medication such as Vicodin, Oxycontin, and Percocet. The book is not preachy but reminds the reader that after a four-to-six hour high on a narcotic such as heroin, there is usually a three-to-four day withdrawal characterized by chills, nausea, sweats, increased heart rate, and other symptoms. The material on cocaine was particularly informative. Author Rich Juzwiak says cocaine does not cause withdrawal sickness, but when used continually, psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, paranoia and severe changes in neurotransmitter action in the brain occur. The book contains a glossary and sources for more information. Recommended."
--Library Media Connection
