Promoting Self-Change From Addictive Behaviors: Practical Implications for Policy, Prevention, and Treatment - Tapa dura

From the reviews:

"This discussion of how individuals recover from additive behaviors using self-change strategies delves into what actually constitutes ‘treatment,’ and how addicted people have recovered on their own without a formal program. ... It is intended for use as a reference by researchers, healthcare practitioners, public health specialists, and alcohol and drug policy makers." (Gary B. Kaniuk, Doody's Review Service, February, 2008)

"... a landmark in the field of addiction research. ... Appeal[s] to researchers and practitioners alike, stimulating thoughts about processes of change that can be examined in research and utilized in practice. ... This book is destined to become a classic...." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA, July 23, 2008, Vol. 53, Release 30)

One of the few books on the topic, this updated edition offers alternatives to disease models of addiction by exploring personal pathways to recovery. Focusing on alcohol and drug problems, it provides a literature review of 40 years of studies on self-change with particular emphasis on the current decade and methodological issues (starting with how much or how little treatment constitutes "treatment"). The 24 experts keep the coverage consistently readable, and dozens of brief narratives from individuals who have successfully recovered from an addictive behavior without formal help lend valuable personal perspectives.