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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
I may be biased, because I am a recovering alcoholic/addict, but I absolutely loved this book!
Comprehensive history and very well researched but thesis only became clear at the end - imho the author could’ve tied it together better throughout
This is one of the best books I’ve read about addiction by far, and I wish I had it when I first got sober back in 2012. I was reluctant to pick up this book by Carl Fisher because not only do I get bored with books about history, but so many books about addiction are filled with unproven science and no nuance. This book surpassed all of my expectations. Fisher had such an awesome blend of the history of how we view and treat addiction along with his personal experience with addiction and recovery as well as his experience as an addiction psychiatrist. This book provided so much nuance that is needed in the conversations that we have about addiction. Far too often, we view these discussions in black and white. You’re either pro-abstinence or pro-harm reduction. You’re either for or against 12-step programs. You’re either for or against medically assisted treatment. It’s all ridiculous and doesn’t help us get closer to helping people, which is why I loved how Fisher explained, in detail, the various sides of the research and debates.
I often preach about how much I love books that don’t push a specific opinion and leave me with more questions than answers. That’s one reason I loved this book so much, but it also frustrated me because it’s such a personal topic, and I want solutions. But Fisher does such a fantastic job explaining why the solutions aren’t so cut and dry since we’re all individuals and so many different factors play into addiction.
Whether you’re in recovery, are the loved one of an addict, or if you’re currently struggling, you need this book. It should be required reading. Books like this saved my life in early recovery because I wanted to know what was “wrong with me”, and this book explains that there’s nothing wrong with us. There’s a lot more at play than just the substances.
I often preach about how much I love books that don’t push a specific opinion and leave me with more questions than answers. That’s one reason I loved this book so much, but it also frustrated me because it’s such a personal topic, and I want solutions. But Fisher does such a fantastic job explaining why the solutions aren’t so cut and dry since we’re all individuals and so many different factors play into addiction.
Whether you’re in recovery, are the loved one of an addict, or if you’re currently struggling, you need this book. It should be required reading. Books like this saved my life in early recovery because I wanted to know what was “wrong with me”, and this book explains that there’s nothing wrong with us. There’s a lot more at play than just the substances.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
informative
reflective
slow-paced
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
The Urge is a truly wonderful and unique way of enjoying the history of addiction whether you are new to the topic or rather familiar with it. Weaving personal stories from his patients with examples from literature, popular culture, and intimate pieces of his own reality as well.
Perfectly laid out this book is a welcome gem to the genre of addiction literature and the brilliance of Carl Erik Fisher shines once again.
Thank you so much to netgalley and publishers for providing an e-copy for me to read and leave my honest opinion. This is a subject that has always fascinated me and I am happy to say this book did not disappoint! Don't forget to pick up your copy as soon as possible!
Perfectly laid out this book is a welcome gem to the genre of addiction literature and the brilliance of Carl Erik Fisher shines once again.
Thank you so much to netgalley and publishers for providing an e-copy for me to read and leave my honest opinion. This is a subject that has always fascinated me and I am happy to say this book did not disappoint! Don't forget to pick up your copy as soon as possible!