tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32926836955273462682011-04-22T04:21:29.677+01:00David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08173564089937759693noreply@blogger.comBlogger21100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292683695527346268.post-14352221877528734722008-04-05T15:58:00.000+01:002008-04-05T16:07:27.751+01:00I have to confess that I am totally fascinated by the substance use field. Given that I also love reading and purchasing books (when I can afford them), I spend many enjoyable hours reading about drugs and alcohol. Not that everything I read in this field makes for pleasant reading. <div>So I thought I would share with you some of my favourite reads, something that I have been doing in 'Drink and Drugs News'. And no, I have not cut a special deal with the authors or publishers.</div><div>The books to be chosen will be selected for a number of reasons - some because of the practical advice, others because they have pulled at my heart strings, and still others because they are just so interesting and thought-provoking.</div><div>There will be no specific order. I will select books as they come to mind, or as I stare at my well-stacked bookshelves.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3292683695527346268-1435222187752873472?l=wiredinreads.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08173564089937759693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292683695527346268.post-21554268838387217462008-04-04T20:34:00.000+01:002008-04-05T15:55:03.758+01:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_NKKgp2MwQIQ/R_eQvhdibKI/AAAAAAAAAG4/Abkasma4M1Y/s1600-h/51EZ6RSA17L._SL500_BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU02_AA240_SH20_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_NKKgp2MwQIQ/R_eQvhdibKI/AAAAAAAAAG4/Abkasma4M1Y/s320/51EZ6RSA17L._SL500_BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU02_AA240_SH20_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185772642050927778" /></a><br />This is <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beating-Dragon-James-Mcintosh/dp/0130871710/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1207405915&amp;sr=1-1">the book</a> that most inspired me in the initial stages of my career in this field. It also inspired a large part of the Wired In research programme, that part using qualititative analysis of interviews. <div>I literally read the book from cover-to-cover in one sitting. The book provides insights into recovery, as revealed by 70 people who have managed to overcome their addiction. I still find it a fascinating read and pick it up periodically to hear the voices of the people who have 'been there'.  </div><div>Sadly, I know few practitioners who have read the book, despite its immense value. It should be required reading for all people working in the field!</div><div>'Beating the Dragon' shows that people do overcome drug addiction, a fact that needs emphasising time and time again. It also illustrates key features of the recovery process.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"...we hope that the book shows that, in their struggle to recover from addiction, these individuals often demonstrate amazing strength, fortitude , openness, commitment and resilience. These are not qualities that are normally associated with drug addicts but they are here in abundance in the stories of their recovery."</span> James McIntosh and Neil McKeganey.</div><div>This book illustrates very well the positive characteristics of people who have overcome drug addiction.</div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3292683695527346268-2155426883838721746?l=wiredinreads.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>David Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08173564089937759693noreply@blogger.com1