Addiction: A Human Experience

Designed to support students entering the helping professions, Addiction: A Human Experience fosters greater awareness of those who develop substance abuse problems and the experience of treating individuals with addiction issues. The book provides a basic overview of the addiction process with special emphasis on what the experience is like for individuals suffering from addiction. 

The book examines why people form addictions, the counselor’s role in helping, how addiction affects thinking, the family’s role when a member becomes addicted, the typical recovery process, and harm reduction and relapse prevention. Numerous case examples serve to illustrate real-world experiences with addiction and the recovery process. Other topics covered include twelve-step and other sober support groups, romantic relationships in early recovery, addiction as a family disease, process addictions, co-occurring disorders, and more. 

The third edition includes new information regarding addiction to social media and smartphones, modern cognitive approaches for addiction treatment, and fighting temptation and increasing word power. Supporting articles and case studies have been updated and the coverage of harm reduction has been significantly expanded. 

Designed to supplement standard psychology textbooks addressing substance abuse, Addiction: A Human Experience gives readers a deeper understanding of—and compassion for—those seeking treatment for addiction.

Rowena Ramnath, Psy.D., earned her doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Carlos Albizu University and her board certification by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners as a holistic health counselor through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She is the founder of Origins of Serenity, a facility dedicated to the transformation of its clients through holistic approaches including health coaching, psychotherapy, aromatherapy, and online self-help.

William Berry, LMHC, CAP, earned a master's degree in counseling psychology at Florida International University. He is an adjunct professor at Florida International University and Nova-Southeastern University, where he teaches both general psychology and substance abuse-specific courses. Professor Berry is also in private practice, providing individual, group, and family therapy.