Addiction-Proof Your Child: A Realistic Approach to Preventing Drug, Alcohol, and Other Dependencies

By Stanton Peele

Book Overview

Renowned addiction expert Stanton Peele offers an unorthodox yet effective method that helps parents combat addiction. This practical guide takes a calming, realistic approach, explaining how to impart the fundamental values that will protect children and prevent experimentation from evolving into dependency. "Dr. Peele offers a smart, readable, commonsense guide for parents concerned about their children's drug and alcohol use. Persuasively rebutting the alarmist view advanced by the 'experts, ' he shows the importance of reinforcing children's independence, promoting constructive values, and fostering the ability to learn from mistakes. He also shows how to teach youth to recognize the risks in overusing substances and suggests safeguards for the small minority who are at greatest risk for addiction."--Aaron T. Beck, professor of psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0307237575
• ISBN13: 9780307237576
• Release Date: August 2007
• Publisher: Harmony/Rodale/Convergent
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

EK

Very interesting perspective on approaching substance use in young people. I liked the book very much as it gave me very good ideas that match more with my values and beliefs, although may not be as popular in mainstream parenting trends.

Truth to Set us Free

What a comfort to find one expert that hasn't lost his way in this topsy turvy rehab world. In the radical tradition of Dr Spock's Baby and Child Care Stanton Peele reminds us that it all comes down to love. The wisdom in Addiction Proof Your Child was hiding in plain sight: We need to act on our best nurturing instincts and hold on to our common sense. Peele reminds us how. With a compass pointing to true north Peele gives detailed and practical directions to help parents negotiate the journey in today's world. Your grandmother couldn't have said it better.

It's not the drugs; It's a relationship

Fans of Dr. Peele's previous work will recognize his succinct, incisive critiques of common myths about addiction and treatment as he presents a refreshing alternative to ubiquitous disease-model perspectives. His familiar, practical approach to the struggles we all experience continues to emphasize personal responsibility and a focus on values. Peele's gift for storytelling makes this a highly readable page-turner. There's a warmth and genuineness in the examples that explains why he is a therapist in such high demand. The book trains readers to become better, more thoughtful, more empowering, role models whether their children risk drug problems or not. His anecdotes and explanations show empathy for parents, clients, and teens that no other book on this topic can touch.

Practical, prescient advice from Peele

It is fascinating to see Stanton Peele turn his attention to rearing non-addicted children. For decades, Dr. Peele championed the view that addiction is best approached at a societal, familial, and personal level - that the recent surge in the "addiction-as-a-brain-disease" concept is misguided and more significantly self-defeating. Instead his book approaches the genesis of addiction in the home, and teaches parents how they can avoid this fate, which is increasingly festooning our society. Dr. Peele's website offers a wealth of information and the opportunity for you to have your questions answered by the author.

A Real Parenting Book

Dr. Peele has written the best book on parenting I have ever read! He continues to be a force in the field of addiction and health behavior change by challenging the collective cultural thinking for common-sense & scientific thinking! As we've known for many years, it really is all about love (which always has included limits and saying no). Dr. Peele challenges us parents to do the job we signed up for: loving our children, treating them with respect, and guiding with limits. Being positive role models for our kids, albeit imperfect ones, is and always has been our most crucial role, far more important than genetics when it comes to predicting "addictive" behaviors. Dr. Peele shows us firmly just how important! Bravo! Dee-Dee Stout, MA, CADC II, Faculty, CCSF, SFSU.