Books - ZenRiots

Chasing the Scream

In “Chasing the Scream,” journalist Johann Hari embarks on a global investigation into the history and consequences of the War on Drugs. Through a series of gripping personal stories and historical accounts, Hari challenges the core assumptions that have underpinned drug policy for over a century. He argues that the traditional approach of criminalizing drug…

The Compass of Pleasure

In “The Compass of Pleasure,” neuroscientist David J. Linden offers a fascinating and accessible exploration of the brain’s fundamental drive: the pursuit of pleasure. The book reveals that a wide variety of human experiences—from eating fatty foods and engaging in sex to exercising, gambling, and using addictive substances—all activate the same core pathway in the…

The Complete Family Guide to Addiction: Everything You Need to Know Now to Help Your Loved One and Yourself

“The Complete Family Guide to Addiction” by Thomas F. Harrison and Hilary S. Connery, MD, PhD, serves as an essential, comprehensive resource for family members and loved ones grappling with the complexities of addiction. The book’s central philosophy views addiction as a family disease, one that affects and reshapes the emotional and behavioral dynamics of…

The Craving Mind: From Cigarettes to Smartphones to Love – Why We Get Hooked and How We Can Break Bad Habits

In “The Craving Mind,” psychiatrist and neuroscientist Judson Brewer, M.D., Ph.D., reveals the scientific unity underlying all forms of addiction and compulsive behavior—from smoking and overeating to obsessively checking a smartphone. The book’s central argument is that craving is a universal, scientifically measurable phenomenon rooted in the brain’s simple, evolutionary reward system. It teaches that…

The Daily Buddhist: 366 Days of Wisdom for Happiness, Inner Freedom, and Mindful Living

“The Daily Buddhist: 366 Days of Wisdom for Happiness, Inner Freedom, and Mindful Living” by Pema Sherpa and Brendan Barca is a practical and inspiring daily reader designed to integrate the transformative power of Buddhist wisdom into every day of the year. This book is structured as a year-long journey, with each day offering a…

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook: Practical DBT Exercises for Learning Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance

“The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook” by Matthew McKay, Jeffrey C. Wood, and Jeffrey Brantley is a comprehensive and practical guide for mastering the transformative tools of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This evidence-based approach is specifically designed to help individuals who struggle with overwhelming emotions, unstable relationships, and impulsive, self-destructive behaviors—all issues highly prevalent in…

Healing the Addicted Brain: The Revolutionary, Science‑Based Alcoholism and Addiction Recovery Program

In “Healing the Addicted Brain,” physician and addiction specialist Harold C. Urschel, III, MD, presents a practical and hopeful framework for recovery rooted entirely in modern neuroscience. The book’s core message is that addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease, and that effective, lasting recovery must be treated as a medical condition requiring a comprehensive,…

The Heart of Addiction: A New Approach to Understanding and Managing Alcoholism and Other Addictive Behaviors

In “The Heart of Addiction,” prominent psychoanalyst Lance Dodes, M.D., presents his revolutionary and compassionate theory that addiction is not a disease, but a psychological symptom rooted in intense emotional distress. Dodes argues that the core mechanism driving any addictive behavior—whether it is substance abuse, gambling, or compulsive eating—is the need to cope with an…

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction

In “In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts,” physician and acclaimed author Gabor Maté, M.D., offers a deeply compassionate and groundbreaking exploration of addiction, arguing persuasively that it is not a primary disease or a moral failing, but a complex response to trauma, stress, and unfulfilled early childhood attachment needs. Drawing on his experiences working with…

Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life

“Loving What Is” by Byron Katie is a transformative guide centered on a revolutionary process of self-inquiry known simply as The Work. Katie’s core message is that all human suffering originates not from external reality, but from our unquestioned, stressful, and resistant thoughts about reality. The book introduces a simple yet profound method for finding…