Sex, Drugs, Gambling, and Chocolate: A Workbook for Overcoming Addictions

Front Cover
Impact Publishers, 2003 - Psychology - 224 pages
There is an alternative to 12-step! You can reduce almost any type of addictive behavior -- from drinking to sex, eating, and the Internet -- with this practical and effective workbook. Treats addictive behaviors in general, not one at a time -- because if you're prone to addictions, you've probably got more than one. Addictive behavior can result from the use of almost any substance, or involvement in almost any activity. The harm that results from the addictive behavior, and the individual's difficulty in controlling it, is what matters. Supported by scientific research, Dr. Horvath approaches addiction as a bad habit, not a disease. He emphasizes taking responsibility, without requiring an allegiance to a "higher power," and teaches general principles of addictive behavior change, so readers can apply them as often as they need. Horvath teaches the consequences (and even possible benefits) of addictive behavior, alternative coping methods, choice, understanding and dealing with urges, building a new lifestyle, preventing relapse. Includes dozens of exercises, self-study questions, guidelines for individual change plans.

About the author (2003)

A. Thomas Horvath, PhD, FAClinP, was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. He graduated from St. John's College, Annapolis, Maryland, and the California School of Professional Psychology at San Diego. He is a board certified clinical psychologist (American Board of Professional Psychology) in private practice. In 1985 he founded Practical Recovery Services, which offers an alternative to 12-step and disease-oriented addiction treatment. He is a past president of the San Diego Psychological Association and the San Diego Phobia Foundation. Since 1995 he has been president of SMART Recovery, a non-profit network of support groups for individuals abstaining from any type of addictive behavior. From 1999-2000 he served as president of the American Psychological Association's Division on Addictions (Division 50). The division has over 1200 members and is the world's largest organization of addictive behavior psychologists.

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