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Sex, Drugs, Gambling, & Chocolate
by A. Thomas Horvath, Ph.D.
Horvath’s book is a do-it-yourself alternative to the 12 step model (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous). He correctly points out that most people with addictive behaviors do not use or stick with self-help groups or therapy. Horvath objects to disempowering labels like addict or alcoholic and disempowering concepts like powerless, denial, lying, and abstinence as the only option. He presents addictive behaviors as falling on a continuum from beneficial (e.g., brushing teeth) to destructive. He emphasizes the costs and benefits of the habit and what needs it has been meeting and is currently attempting to meet. His approach is built on Prochaska’s stages of change and inclusively suggests there are many effective strategies for managing or gaining control over an addictive habit.
Horvath defines an addictive habit as “repeated involvement with anything, despite excessive costs, because of craving.” His workbook clarifies terminology and gives the reader a big picture of dealing with addictive behaviors. It uses a series of questions to help the reader identify the past benefits or the behavior, current benefits, costs, and coping options. As the title suggests, he sees a wide variety of addictive behaviors as having similar dynamics and responding to similar intervention strategies.
People who have just one mild to moderate addictive behavior are likely to be successful using the workbook. At the other extreme, people with multiple addictive behaviors and psychological problems would do well to use the workbook as an adjunct to psychotherapy. The appendices include recommended books, catalogues, web sites, software, and FAXbacks.
The book is a well-thought-out, integrated, inclusive approach to changing addictive behaviors. Bookstores today have hundreds of simplified, cartoon laden books for “dummies” and “idiots.” The book is not dumbed down. It requires at least a high school reading level and is not a quick read. The sophisticated approach and reading level makes it an especially good therapy adjunct in which the psychologist can give chapter-a-session homework assignments. The 226 page 8 1/2 X 11 inch book is very reasonably priced at $15.95. I highly recommend it.