Unraveling the Psychological Mystery of Addictions

Title: Unraveling the Psychological Mystery of Addictions
Author: Dr. James M. Strawbridge
Publisher: Green Ivy
ISBN: 978-1942901501
Pages: 152
Genre: Non-Fiction/Health/Self-Improvement

Reviewed by: Tania Staley, Pacific Book Review

Book Review

With the dramatic title “Unraveling the Psychological Mystery of Addictions,” readers may expect a jargon- filled scientific document of the ins-and-outs of addiction or the cold and distant calculations of a thesis paper.  However, this is far from what readers will get from Dr. James M. Strawbridge’s book. Strawbridge approaches the topic of addiction simply and with compassion.    His book gives a brief introduction into what addiction is and the importance of seeking help through programs such as Alcoholic Anonymous.   Primarily utilizing first person accounts and interviews, Strawbridge provides a candid inside look into the lives of those touched by the disease of addiction.  This book is a collage of true stories of individuals who have suffered additions.

Dr. Strawbridge is certainly knowledgeable on the subject of additions.  The author broaches many important subjects, including the negative impacts on romantic relationships caused by addiction, the signs of addiction in the elderly, the effects of addiction on family, and stress management, the author does do a good job of delving deeply into these subjects.

While Alcoholics Anonymous is undoubtedly one of the best, if not the best, program for recovering addicts and its importance should be celebrated, at times this book feel more like an endorsement for the program rather than the discussion on addictions that the title implies. That’s not to say the causes of addiction cannot be identified from Strawbridge’s text. From the personal interviews given by addicts and family members of addicts which he includes in the book, many of the causes of addiction can be extrapolated.  The inclusion of the interviews serves several important purposes besides defining addiction though. They also help to create a sense of community for readers who are dealing with the disease of addiction and are a reminder that readers that may be suffering are not alone.

The book focuses on addictive behaviors and personality traits, how they originate, why they lead to addiction.    An addictive personality doesn’t just spontaneously develop. Childhood experiences are often the biggest factor in the development of an addictive personality.  Ultimately the responsibility to recover falls to the person, the addict himself.  Addiction is a “dis-ease”.   Recovery is a process, not a quick-fix cure.  

Readers seeking a start to their journey to recovery will find a good source in Strawbridge’s book.   Those struggling with addiction, whether it is their own or that of a loved one, would find “Unraveling the Psychological Mystery of Addictions” a rewarding and influential read. The text gives a straightforward, inarguable defense for seeking help when fighting addiction.  Dr. James M. Strawbridge writes with empathy and understanding. Those needing the encouragement to seek help would find this a welcome book to add to their shelf and a starting point for finding further topics to study.  I strongly recommend the book to anybody dealing with any addictions. It could be a good and valuable first step of a whole new journey.