Unhooked - Book Review

Unhooked

Author: Dr. Adi Jaffe
Genre: Non Fiction - Health - Medical
Publisher: Balance
Date Published: January 7, 2025
ISBN-10: 0306833468
ISBN-13: 978-0306833465


GoodReads Rating:
4.46

Book Review of :  Unhooked



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The cover art of “Unhooked” immediately grabs readers' attention and ignites their curiosity. It invites them to question not only the concept of addiction but also their own behaviors, wondering whether their compulsions might actually be addictions and if meaningful change is possible. Author Adi Jaffe, PhD, draws readers in with his candid honesty, openly sharing his own struggles with addiction and personal transformation. This vulnerability creates a sense of connection, making the content relatable and inspiring. More than just a memoir, “Unhooked: Free Yourself from Addiction Forever” serves as a powerful self-help guide. It combines the author’s deeply personal journey with his extensive research in the field and the real-life experiences of his clients. Together, these elements provide a comprehensive roadmap for understanding and overcoming addiction, offering readers tools and insights to create lasting change in their own lives.

The reader is first faced with “What is addiction?”  The Gordian knot of alcohol and/or drug use, pornography, obesity, and other behavior traits that cause physical and mental dependency with adverse effects are considered addictive behaviors. The author uses his life story and the stories of some of his clinical clients to illustrate the development of addiction.  Backed by scientific research, he discusses “the abstinence myth” and presents real solutions. His work is informative, scholarly, and well-documented.

Jaffe also delves into the societal stigmas surrounding addiction and how it can affect an individual's self-worth and identity. He highlights the importance of addressing underlying issues and traumas that may contribute to addictive behaviors.

Dr. Jaffe first explores the origin of the “hooks” that are embedded into the early life of a person and contribute to future behaviors that lead to addiction. He recognizes that admitting addiction is embarrassing and that excuses are expected.  Through self-diagnosis, the reader discovers the stimulus that triggers his behavior. He then is led to evaluate his hidden perception of the triggers and his mental excuses.  The reader explores alternate constructive behaviors to replace compulsive ones.  Skills are developed to use to fight the challenging trigger.  The resulting response is psychologically examined, and the outcome is evaluated.

With worksheets and specific strategies, the reader will be able to understand his personal struggles and apply new skills to create a healthier, happier, addiction-free lifestyle. The author also emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help and support from loved ones during the recovery process. Addiction is a complex issue that requires support, not judgment.


Reviewed by: carole

About Dr. Adi Jaffe


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Adi Jaffe, PhD, is a nationally recognized expert on mental health, addiction, relationships, and shame. Formerly a lecturer in the UCLA Psychology department and the executive director and cofounder of one of the most progressive mental health treatment facilities in the country, he is the founder of IGNTD Recovery. Dr. Jaffe attended UCLA, graduating with a BA and a PhD in psychology. Using both his personal experience and his research and work with clients, Dr. Jaffe now writes for Psychology Today, and has been featured in CNN, The Huffington Post, Insider, and the Los Angeles Times, among many other outlets. Dr. Jaffe lives with his family in Southern California.




Visit https://www.adijaffe.com/unhooked for more information on Dr. Adi Jaffe


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