A sympathetic, practical guide for anyone with an alcohol, substance abuse, or other addictive problem An estimated 20 million Americans are currently addicted to alcohol or drugs, and nearly 1.9 million people are admitted to publicly funded substance abuse treatment programs every year. In this compassionate guide, three psychologists explain what addiction is, what substances and activities can be addictive, how people can determine if they have a problem, and how to get help. They offer an overview of various treatment approaches and philosophies such as 12-step programs, discuss the pros and cons of in-patient and out-patient treatment, and deliver the lowdown on medications to reduce cravings, support groups, and other ways to help the recovery process succeed. Brian F. Shaw, PhD, Paul Ritvo, PhD, and Jane Irvine, DPhil (Toronto, ON, Canada), are all psychologists in private practice with more than 20 years of experience. Shaw teaches at the University of Toronto; Ritvo and Irvine teach at York University.