The Complete Family Guide to Addiction: Everything You Need to Know Now to Help Your Loved One and Yourself is a practical, evidence-based resource co-authored by Thomas F. Harrison and Hilary S. Connery, MD, PhD, and published by Guilford Press in 2019 Guilford PressElmhurst University Online BookstoreSno-Isle Libraries.

📘 What's Inside

Scope and Structure
The book is organized into five clear parts, covering:

1. The science of addiction and how the brain is affected

2. Emotional impact on family members and codependency dynamics

3. Legal, financial, and behavioral challenges and how to address them

4. Treatment modalities and how to find and afford appropriate care

5. Recovery strategies, relapse prevention, and long‑term maintenance Wikipedia+15Sno-Isle Libraries+15Google Books+15Verywell Mind+14Google Books+14Taylor & Francis Online+14

Tone and Approach
Written in accessible, non‑clinical language, this guide is meant for families and friends seeking practical help. It delivers up‑to‑date, unbiased research with no moralizing—offering clarity on enabling vs. supporting, myths vs. facts, and more Wikipedia+13Audible.com+13Audible.com+13.

🧠 Why It Stands Out

• Comprehensive yet reader‑friendly: Covers emotional, financial, legal, and treatment aspects in plain English, avoiding overwhelming jargon Amazon+10Sno-Isle Libraries+10Barnes & Noble+10.

• Evidence-based: Endorsed by experts like Dr. Gabor Maté for its accurate, compassionate approach rooted in current clinical knowledge Audible.com.

• Broad usability: Suitable for spouses, parents, adult children, and friends—even helpful for individuals who might question their own behaviors Dokumen+7Google Books+7Goodreads+7.

💬 What Readers Are Saying

• For some readers, it “brings back a lot of pain—but is accurate and enlightening,” helping them understand their loved one's experience and what truly helped or hurt them eBay.

• Clinicians also find it a "great resource" to support clients in navigating addiction help with confidence and clarity Verywell Mind+3Amazon+3PangoBooks+3.

🛠️ Key Takeaways for Helping a Loved One and Yourself

1. Learn the Science

Understanding how addiction alters brain function can help families move past judgment and toward empathy.

2. Set Boundaries without Enabling

The guide clarifies how to support your loved one without enabling destructive behaviors—balancing compassion with healthy limits.

3. Explore Treatment Options

From medication-assisted therapy to cognitive‑behavioral approaches, the book outlines a wide spectrum of interventions and practical steps to seek help.

4. Manage Legal & Practical Pressures

It offers guidance on navigating issues like court involvement, consequences of substance misuse, financial stress, and workplace impact.

5. Sustain Recovery

Tips for relapse prevention, understanding triggers, and building a stable recovery-supportive environment are all included.

📚 Related Resources & Methods

• CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training): A supportive, research-backed approach that teaches positive reinforcement and communication strategies to help motivate a loved one into treatment—proving more effective than traditional interventions Taylor & Francis Online+15Google Books+15Sno-Isle Libraries+15Verywell Mind.

• Support groups for families like Al‑Anon and Families Anonymous offer peer-based support, shared stories, and emotional recovery tools for relatives and others affected by someone’s addiction Verywell Mind+1Wikipedia+1.

✅ Is This Book Right for You?

If you're looking for a trusted guide to:

• Understand the root causes of addiction

• Communicate effectively and compassionately

• Navigate treatment choices and recovery maintenance

• Support your own well-being while helping others

—then this book is a solid, balanced resource.