Short description
Stating that addictions to drugs, nicotine, and other unhealthy foods and substances are due to genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, this completely revised guide presents a revolutionary preventative treatment for overcoming the craving response. Reprint.
Long description
Where do the roots of addictive behavior lie -- in our genes or in our environment, in our chemistry or in our character? In the Craving Brain, Dr. Ronald Ruden asserts that the roots of addiction most defintetly do not lie in our character. Rather, they lie in a complex chain reaction that originates in an ancient survival mechanism in the brain. When this system is inappropriately activated, it drives the body to crave, sometimes with addictive behavior as the end result. In clear, straightforward language, Dr. Ruden outlines his remarkable successful treatment program which he believes can cure this problem.
The Craving Brain offers crucial insights into the world of addiction. This revolutionary book will bring hope to millions of people who suffer from a wide range of addictions, from gambling and alcohol to drugs and food.
Review
A remarkable achievement. Dr. Ruden has managed to articulate a simple and elegant model that explains far-reaching aspects of human behavior, most notably the devastating problem of addiction. This will provide the impetus for study and investigation for years to come. -- David M. McDowell, M.D., New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Ruden, medical director of the Biobalance Center of New York, unveils a new theory of addiction, explaining the physical elements of addiction as well as the reasons people become addicted to food and drugs. He outlines a successful treatment for people suffering from addictions of all kinds, involving medically altering levels of two brain chemicals, dopamine and serotonin. -- Book News, Inc. The first step in achieving biobalance, as Ruden calls it, is removing stress; the second involves disposing of denial. Those seeking biobalance must work hard at emphasizing what is positive, right, and good in their personalities and actions, and Ruden, although he says this is not a self-help book, offers suggestions for moving along the path to biobalance and appends 60 pages of annotated references to the key scientific literature supporting his arguments. -- Booklist Dr. Ruden's approach to addiction is informative, elegant, and a pleasure to read. It is clear he has mastered a difficult, often murky field which will hopefully aid many of our patients and provide new pathways for research. -- Douglas Marcus, M.D., senior attending physician, South Oakes Hospital, Amityville, New York