Description
Book SynopsisThis book is extremely useful for a broad range of readers. This book reflects the extensive scientific and clinical expertise of the authors and is compelling reading for anyone interested in addictive behaviors. It is one of the rare books that from page one immediately engrosses, educates and broadens your perspective.
Alex Blaszczynski, The University of Sydney, International Journal of Mental Health Addiction
Psychologist Harvey Milkman and chemist Stanley Sunderwirth explore why our relentless search for pleasure sometimes leads to dangerous addictions and show us healthy ways to achieve happiness.
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN MIND
Harvey B. Milkman and Stanley Sunderwirth have written a tour de force. Craving for Ecstasy and Natural Highs: A Positive Approach to Mood Alteration . . . is a beautifully written and organized book . . . a thrill ride through the most innovative and insightful perspectives that science and clini
Trade Review
"This book is extremely useful for a broad range of readers. This book reflects the extensive scientific and clinical expertise of the authors and is compelling reading for anyone interested in addictive behaviors. It is one of the rare books that from page one immediately engrosses, educates and broadens your perspective." -- Alex Blaszczynski
Table of Contents
Prologue Preface PART I: THE UNIVERSAL DESIRE TO FEEL GOOD Introduction Addiction Syndrome Disorders Extent of the Problem Positive Psychology and Natural Highs Ch 1. Addiction to Experience The Broad Scope of Addiction Behavioral Addictions The Addictive Personality Who Is Most at Risk? Acquisition and Maintenance of Reward-Dependent Behavior Drugs and Activities of Choice Beacons of Compulsion Behavioral Excess and the Brain Mismanaging the Brain Society and the Deviant Career Chapter Summary Ch 2. Pleasure and the Brain Neurochemistry 101 The Joy of Dopamine and the Reward Cascade Genes and Drug Abuse - Choose Your Parents Carefully Drugs to Fight Drugs Chapter Summary PART II: FINDING RELIEF AND LETTING GO Overview: Seeking Safety and Comfort The Chemistry of Calm Ch 3. Hey, What′s in This Stuff, Anyway? Introduction Inheriting Alcoholism The Addictive Quality of Alcohol Neurotransmitter Regulation and Dysfunction Harmful Effects on the Mind, Body, and Brain Sobriety and the Brain: What if I Quit? Coping With Cravings and Urges Redeeming Alcohol: The Benefits of Booze Hold the Press, What About Cancer? To Quit or Not to Quit? Chapter Summary Ch 4. The Great Psychiatric Tavern Who Shows Up and What Do They Do? Surrogate Family Atmosphere The "Regulars" Chapter Summary Ch 5. Self-Medication Introduction Nicotine: The World′s Antidepressant Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among Women Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Self-Medication Patients in the Street Prescription Drug Abuse Inhalants: How Stupid Can You Get? Chapter Summary Ch 6. Eating for a Change Introduction Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Eating and the Brain Why Chocolate? Obesity Around the Globe Obesity in America Overeating and Psychoanalysis Biology Versus Psychology Chapter Summary PART III: THE THRILL OF EXCITEMENT AND RISK Overview: What a Rush! Ch 7. Stress Hormone Highs Introduction Wake Me Up! Caffeine Buzz Stress Intoxication Addiction: The Curse of Ecstasy The Up and Down Game Problem and Pathological Gambling Shop ′Till You Drop Autoerotic Fatalities Am I a Speed Demon? Chapter Summary Ch 8. Rock Around the Clock: Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and the Club Scene Introduction Methamphetamine - A Dopamine Blast Methamphetamine and the Brain Cocaine: Gift of the Gods Cocaine and the Brain Compulsion to Use The Club Scene Club Drugs Chapter Summary PART IV: MENTAL EXCURSIONS Overview: Imagination - The Quintessential Human Trait Electronic Media Everywhere The Child′s Use of Fantasy Religion and Myth Science and Religion Personal Fantasy Overview Summary Ch 9. Virtual Reality and Electronic Bogeymen Introduction: The Evolution of Electronic Media Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games Online Game Addiction Is the Internet Good or Bad? Chapter Summary Ch 10. Fantasy and the Drug Experience Introduction: The "Trip" Begins Hallucinogens and the Brain LSD Dissociative Drugs Can Hallucinogens Heal? Chapter Summary Ch 11. Compelled by Fantasy Introduction Shared Delusions Facilitator-Assisted Fantasy Schizophrenic Fantasy The Terrorist Mind-Set Armageddon: The Ultimate Fantasy Terror Management Chapter Summary PART V: CRAVING FOR INTIMACY Overview: The importance of Human Connections Ch 12. Love or Addiction Infatuation and the Legend of St. Valentine Neurochemistry of Romance Love and Death MDMA: Synthetic Love Should I Try Ecstasy? Chapter Summary Ch 13. Marijuana--Reefer Madness Revisited ′Benefits′ of Pot: Why Do So Many People Smoke? Effects on the Brain Withdrawal Effects on Cognition Serious Mental Disorder Marijuana and the Endocrine System Marijuana and the Immune System Long-Term Effects on Health Medical Marijuana Chapter Summary Ch 14. Romantic Sex Fantasy Who Attends and Why ′Intimacy′ at the Gentlemen′s Club The Allure of Prostitution Chapter Summary PART VI: JOURNEY TO OBLIVION Ch 15. The Voyage of Hardship and Suffering Introduction: The Disease Concept of Addiction Addiction and the Adolescent Brain The Downward Spiral of Addiction Capsules for Transport: Licit and Illicit Drugs Behavioral Addictions The Passenger Sleeps Symbols of Change The Robot Pilot The Mutiny A Guard Must be Posted Improving the Odds Chapter Summary PART VII: NATURAL HIGHS: THE CUTTING EDGE OF MOOD ALTERATION Overview: The Era of Self-Regulation and Natural Highs Ch 16. The Cognitive-Behavioral Revolution: How to Manage Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors Introduction: Evolution of the Cognitive-Behavioral Model Contemporary Cognitive Therapy Behaviorist Contributions Combining Cognitive and Behavioral Theories Working With Automatic Thoughts and Core Beliefs The Trans-Ideological Power of Cognitive-Behavioral Restructuring Cognitive-Behavioral Restructuring in Everyday Life Chaper Summary Ch 17. Maintaining Close and Intimate Relationships Introduction: The Three Faces of Love The Universal Need for Love Secure Attachment: A Prototype for Successful Relationships Healthy Love Intimacy and Sexuality Intimacy Versus Individuality Optimizing Relationships Chapter Summary Ch 18. Relaxation, Mindfulness, and Meditation Introduction: Meditation Comes of Age Mindfulness Process Meditation Does Meditation Work? Meditation and Hedonic Dependencies A Word of Caution Science-Based Relaxation Techniques Managing Stress in the Here and Now Chapter Summary Ch 19: Eating Yourself Fit Introduction: Does Dieting Work? The Natural Highs Alternative: Think Thin, Moderate, Workout! Developing the Right State of Mind Partial Fasting What Is a Healthy Diet? The Bottom Line Chapter Summary Ch 20. Exercise: The Magic Bullet Introduction Exercise of Choice The Chemistry of Working Out Exercise for Body Trimming Training for Physical Health Running Away From Depression Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Runner′s High: Fact or Fiction? Make Life a Moving Experience Chapter Summary Ch 21. Meaningful Engagement of Talents Introduction: Capitalizing on Abilities and Strengths Integrating Models for Self-Discovery and Change Self-Discovery in Everyday Life The Personal Pleasure Inventory Chaper Summary References Appendix I: The Personal Pleasure Inventory Appendix II: Classroom Discussion Guides
