Willpower Is Not Enough: Understanding and Overcoming Addiction and Compulsion

by Donn Boundy, Arnold M. Washton, Donna Boundy

Book Overview

Many people think that what the addict needs is willpower, but nothing could be further from the truth: When a person has already lost control over a drug or activity, attempts to control its use almost never work. Because the source of addiction isn't the drug or activity itself but a desire for a mood changer, successful recovery means ultimately changing the way we live, giving up the addictive life-style. Willpower's Not Enough will show you how...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060919698
• ISBN13: 9780060919696
• Release Date: September 1990
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

If you want to stay in denial, don't read this book.

This is a straight-forward, no BS, book about addiction and you don't have to be a doctor to understand it. What it covers includes: addiction & the addictive personality defined, in detail; how folks tend to become addicted; things they tend to try to do about it that don't work; thoughts/beliefs etc to watch out for that undermine recovery (and realistic ways to deal with them); things that DO work to help a person out of addictive thinking/behavior; and what the person in recovery can look forward to as a result of their efforts. It's good not only for those addicted but for those dealing with an addicted loved one. THERE IS HOPE IN THIS BOOK. The authors seem to have heard, and can anticipate, every excuse for remaining addicted or relapsing, but they manage to just tell it like it is w/out scolding or being overly sympathetic. The addicted person comes away from this book understanding that he isn't inherently bad after all but just in need of support and some new skills in dealing with life, which he learns are within his grasp. Get your life back -- be brave and buy this book.

Great book; negative review below misses the mark

I rarely write reviews of books I've read but had to chime in with the previous reviewer to say that this is a TERRIFIC book for anyone who finds himself/herself ashamed or frustrated by the inability to stop an addiction. It's more than I've gotten from 12-step meetings because it delves into the creation of an addiction from a neuropsychological point of view. That has really helped me recognize what's going on in my head, so I can appreciate the fact that from a physiological point of view, I REALLY AM ADDICTED to some things, and need the group process to fight the battle.

It is good book for everyone!

Even though the book targets the American readers, i found that it is also useful for everyone as long as they are exposed to addictions of all kinds. This book helps me understand more about myself (and the reasons for my addictions) and the other, that now i can learn how to be more compassionate and understanding, not only to myself, but also to the whole human world. It would be a great loss if you miss this book!

great book for understanding & overcoming addictions

I thought before I purchased this book that I "might" have an addiction. This book clearly shows how the seed of addiction is planted in childhood. At times the book really hit hard; reading the symptoms and feelings THAT I HAD made me realize there was no denying that I have an addictive personality. The author is very encouraging, but doesn't promise a "quick fix". The book is to be used as a tool to help one on their journey to overcome their addiction(s). I'm happy to say i'm on my way to overcoming 3 addictions with the help of this book and an online 12 step program. I recommend this book to anyone who thinks they might have an addiction.

Excellent book! Best approach to addiction that I've read.

Being a recovering addict as well as a medical professional, I found this book very helpful in aiding me to explore my own addiction in an objective manner. Further, it offers excellent suggestions for coping, changing, and support. If you are an addict, please read this book. It will help.