Synopses & Reviews
Alcohol, tobacco, sex, food. . .escape the pleasure trap and regain control of your life!
The chemistry and psychology of addiction are described with considerable insight. These authors know their stuff, and they make a compelling case. . . .All in all, Craving for Ecstasy is a challenging, well-considered analysis.
?Los Angeles Times
Milkman and Sunderwirth offer a new and different perspective from which to understand a very complex and confusing pattern of human behavior. Their ideas are vibrant, provocative, stimulating, and written for a public that is demanding a better explanation.
?Howard J. Shaffer, director, Center for Addiction Studies, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and The Cambridge Hospital
Addictive behavior goes far beyond the compulsive use of drugs and alcohol. It is possible to become addicted to what may seem a harmless pleasure such as sex, jogging, watching television, or eating. In this powerful book?written in easy-to-understand language?two scientific researchers, Harvey Milkman and Stanley Sunderwirth, explain the biology, chemistry, and psychology of the universal desire for pleasure and escape. For example, they reveal how the brain produces mind-altering
substances and what the skydiver has in common with the heroin addict. But, most importantly, with the use of a self-assessment test and an invaluable guide for treatment, the authors show what steps you can take to regain control of your life.
Review
"The chemistry and psychology of addiction are described with considerable insight. These authors know their stuff, and they make a compelling case. . . .All in all, Craving for Ecstasy is a challenging, well-considered analysis." (Los Angeles Times)
"Milkman and Sunderwirth offer a new and different perspective from which to understand a very complex and confusing pattern of human behavior. Their ideas are vibrant, provocative, stimulating and, written for a public that is demanding a better explanation." (Howard J. Shaffer, director of the Center for Addiction Studies, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and The Cambridge Hospital)
Synopsis
Alcohol, Tobacco, Sex, Food. . . Escape the Pleasure Trap and Regain Control of Your Life!
Addictive behavior goes far beyond the compulsive use of drugs and alcohol. It is possible to become addicted to what may seem a harmless pleasure such as sex, jogging, watching television, and eating. In this powerful book—written in easy-to-understand language—two scientific researchers, Harvey Milkman and Stanley Sunderwirth, explain the biology, chemistry, and psychology of the universal desire for pleasure and escape. For example, they reveal how the brain produces "mind-altering" substances and what the skydiver has in common with the heroin addict. But, most importantly, with the use of a self-assessment test and an invaluable guide for treatment, the authors show what steps you can take to regain control of your life.
About the Author
HARVEY MILKMAN professor of psychology at Metropolitan State College of Denver and founder and director of Project Self-Discovery: Artistic Alternatives to Teenage Substance Abuse, Crime, and Violence. STANLEY SUNDERWIRTH is professor of chemistry, Indiana-Purdue University, Columbus, Indiana.
Table of Contents
Doorway to Excess.
Substitutes for Your Thumb.
The Joy of Fear.
Mental Excursions.
Journey to Oblivion.
Finding the Right Solution.