Hijacking the Brain

Hijacking the Brain
By:"Louis Teresi"
Published on 2011-10 by AuthorHouse

Hijacking the Brain provides the first-ever scientific explanation for the success of Twelve-Step programs. Hijacking the Brain examines data provided by recent rapid growth in the fields of neuroscience, neuroimaging, psychology, sociobiology and interpersonal neurobiology that have given us new, dramatic insights into the neural and hormonal correlates of stress and addiction, cognitive decline with addiction, as well as for the relative success of Twelve-Step Programs of recovery. Addiction is recognized by experts as an organic brain disease, and most experts promote Twelve-Step programs (AA, NA, CA, etc.) which invoke a 'spiritual solution' for recovery. To date, no one has described why these programs work. 'Hijack' tells us why. In 'Hijack, ' the role of 'working The Steps' for reducing stress and becoming emotionally centered is discussed in depth. A full chapter is devoted to the rewarding and comforting physiology of meditation and the spiritual experience. The author uses examples from animal sociobiology, as well as sophisticated human brain-imaging studies, to demonstrate that empathic socialization and altruism are instinctive and 'naturally rewarding' and, along with Step Work, act as a substitute for the 'synthetic rewards' of drugs of abuse. 'Hijack' does not challenge the Steps or the Traditions of Twelve-Step programs. The sole intention of Hijacking the Brain is to 'connect the dots' between an 'organic brain disease' and a 'spiritual solution' with sound physical, scientific evidence. Avoiding strict scientific language as much as possible, 'Hijack' is written for the layperson and abundantly illustrated.

This Book was ranked 6 by Google Books for keyword alcohol addiction.

The Yellow Van:

The Yellow Van:
By:"Gayle Sabbe"
Published on 2009-03-30 by Xlibris Corporation

A Story about Schizoaffective and Alcohol Addiction is a true account of my struggle with schizophrenia and bipolar illness. It has been a life of acting sane and medicating with alcohol. I usually tell people that I went on a “twelve-year” drunk. It was only after I got sober, seventeen years ago, at a treatment center, that the mania began to show. I was actually hypomanic and functional at work until 1999. By this time, I had long sold the van, and was finally faced with homelessness. I was actively psychotic for four years and was hospitalized four times. I am currently in remission, but I have to be careful. This is my prescription: 1) take your medication, 2) see a psychiatrist, 3) see a therapist, 4) don’t drink or drug, 5) work on your self every day. It is reported that one in two hundred people have schizoaffective disorder. Probably half are addicted to alcohol or drugs. Little is known about this disorder and people don’t like to talk about it. Rather than this approach, I am exposing my life to provide insight and reduce stigma of all people who are afflicted by this devastating illness.

This Book was ranked 15 by Google Books for keyword alcohol addiction.