Under the Influence: A Guide to the Myths and Realities of Alcoholism

by James Robert Milam, Katherine Ketcham

Overview

Ten of millions Americans suffer from alcoholism, yet most people still wrongly believe that alcoholism is a psychological or moral problem, and that it can be cured by psychotherapy or sheer will power. Based on groundbreaking scientific research, Under The Influence examine the physical factors that set alcoholics and non-alcoholics apart, and suggests a bold, stigma-free way of understanding and treating the alcoholic.

How to tell if someone you know is an alcoholic.

The progressive stages of alcoholism.

How to get an alcoholic into treatment—and how to choose a treatment program.

Why frequently prescribed drugs can be dangerous—even fatal—for alcoholics.

How to ensure a lasting recovery.

Praise for Under the Influence

"The most important breakthrough in alcoholism since the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935."—Ron Fagan, founder & director, Ceder Hills Alcoholism Treatment Center

"A landmark . . . A must for anyone concerned about drinking."—Alcoholism, Journal of the American Medical Society on Alcoholism and the Research Society on Alcoholism

"Vital, simple, world-changing information."—Co-Evolution Quarterly

"Under The Influence will advance by light years the understanding of alcoholism and the recovery process."—Mel Schulstad, Cofounder, National Association of Alcoholism Counselors

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780553274875
Publisher:	Random House Publishing Group
Publication date:	06/01/1984
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	498,251
Product dimensions:	4.14(w) x 6.88(h) x 0.67(d)

About the Author

Katherine Ketcham has been writing nonfiction books for forty years. Her work has been published in sixteen foreign languages and has sold nearly one million copies. She founded and serves on the board of a grassroots nonprofit organization called Trilogy Recovery Community, which helps youth and their family members dealing with alcohol and other drug problems. Ketcham lives in Walla Walla, Washington.

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Excerpted from "Under the Influence"
by .
Copyright © 1984 James Robert Milam.
Excerpted by permission of Random House Publishing Group.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Editorial Reviews

This new edition takes a bold stance from page one.”—Debra Jay, addiction specialist and author of It Takes a Family

“This updated edition of the enduring classic should be in every doctor’s office, judge’s chambers, and counselor’s office. It remains a tremendous teaching tool, and one of the best books on the subject I know. In my five decades training medical students on how to diagnose and treat alcoholism and addiction, this has been an amazing resource, and I continue to recommend this volume to my students and patients alike.”—Nicholas A. Pace, M.D., F.A.S.A.M.­­

“Milam and Ketcham’s newest version brings the clarity of the original with still greater currency­­­­­—and urgency. Whether you’re a student learning the clinical aspects of alcoholism, a treatment professional working in the field a long time, or an individual trying to get some personal answers, there’s plenty in this edition of Under the Influence to review, relearn, unlearn, and fascinate. . . . It is sure to become well read and well worn right alongside its predecessor.”—Kevin McCauley, M.D.

“The reissuance of Under the Influence could not have come up at a more perfect time. The current pandemic has resulted in skyrocketing alcoholism, and the need for the original findings along with the latest research and expanded resources is essential to all who have been impacted. Under the Influence is a must-read for judges, prosecutors, and all stakeholders in the justice system who deal with these issues every day.”—Susan Broderick, program director at the National District Attorneys Association, former assistant district attorney, Manhattan DA’s Office

“A classic work, now revised and updated for future generations.”—Richard Ries, M.D.

“Under the Influence is a classic in the addiction recovery field and has helped countless families. This new edition is a winner. It will bring hope and healing to all who read it. . . . Highly recommended.”—Jeff Jay, clinical interventionist and co-author of Love First

“A well-rounded digestible guide for all those searching for practical information about alcohol and pathways to recovery.”—Greg Williams, filmmaker, The Anonymous People

“As a professional in alcoholism treatment and an individual in long-term recovery, I believe this updated revision of Under the Influence will be as impactful today as it was forty years ago. By revising and updating this book, Ketcham and Milam will inspire a new generation of professionals, and help countless families and individuals understand this disease and lead many to their path of recovery.”—Scott Munson, executive director, Sundown M Ranch Treatment Center

“There is no better time for an update of Under the Influence, an essential tool for destroying the denial, clarifying the facts, and erasing the stigma of alcoholism with clarity and purpose. I am grateful to Kathy Ketcham and Dr. Milam for sharing this understanding once again when we need it most.”—Don Fertman, chairman of the board of The Phoenix

From the Publisher