Healing the Scars of Addiction: Reclaiming Your Life and Moving into a Healthy Future Paperback – July 31, 2018

With the rise of the opioid addiction problem, yet another drug is claiming a generation of addicts. But it’s not just opioids. Yesterday, another study came out of the UK about the harmful effects of alcohol – any alcohol – on the body. Not to mention the obvious issues with screen addiction.So how can Christian families handle addiction? How do you even know if the things you or a loved one enjoys have morphed into an addiction? Is there hope in the seemingly endless cycle of sobriety and addictive behaviors?The new book Healing the Scars of Addiction by Gregory Jantz, attempts to answer those questions and more. Although, written mainly to an addict, the information is possibly more helpful to the family of someone struggling with addiction.The most helpful part is towards the beginning of the book. The author gives lots of questions to ask a potential addict to help them identify an addiction. One set is a longer list of questions that could be applied to any addiction. The other is a very short list of questions aimed primarily at alcohol addiction. Interestingly, the latter set of questions could unfortunately be answered yes, by a huge number of people who consider themselves “normal” drinkers.The other really interesting part at the beginning of the book is the author’s list of potential addictions. While the normal suspects are there, the addition of things like work, anger/negativity, relationships, passive/aggressive behaviors, risk and quite a few more, should give everyone a lot to consider. It was really interesting to think of some of these as addictions that need work to change, rather than behaviors or habits that are an acceptable “part of someone’s personality”.Much of the book is spent breaking down the thought process of an addict – almost a written intervention of sorts. The author presents several case studies and walks through things the addict said and did – as well as the reactions of close family members – as they reach the conclusion an addiction is present. While some of it would be common knowledge to anyone who has watched enough tv or read articles on the topic, there was still a lot of new information.The author also takes time to go through what happens to an addict as they begin the process of confronting their addiction. I especially appreciated the section explaining how and why many addicts set themselves up for future relapses even in the recovery process.While the author is Christian and does address faith a bit, this is not a particularly religious book. I do think God can play a larger role in recovery than the author details, but what he does share is a good start. A few parts towards the end were a bit slow for me, but that’s probably more because I am not an addict and they were written to convince an addict they are worthy of recovery.The only point I question, was one short section on whether or not to view addiction as a disease. The author quoted a study that backed the disease side of the equation. I have seen a more recent study that gives pretty strong evidence viewing an addiction as a disease is more hurtful than helpful. Since it really doesn’t impact the rest of the information presented, I think that debate can go in the same category as nature v. nurture – both have some value.If you are struggling with “breaking a bad habit” or someone in your family keeps throwing the word addiction at you, this book can help settle the issue in your mind and help you sort through your problem behaviors. (If others are using the word addiction, there is a problem whether or not there is a true addiction. Your behavior is hurting them and needs to be addressed.)If you have a child or spouse who is an addict, but hasn’t sought help, this book is a great first read. It won’t give you a to-do list to “fix” your child or spouse, but it does give you a great road map. If nothing else it will help you understand this will be a long road, but there is hope.This book was given to me for free in exchange for my honest review

This is a self-help book. However, it’s not just another self-help book. Throughout the book, Dr. Gregory L. Jantz, PhD, and co-author Ann McMurray, keep playing the one string that they want you to remember: hope.Dealing with real-life issues, sharing (in a transparent yet respectful manner) real-life stories, celebrating real-life victories . . . and commisserating with real-life set-backs . . . the authors of this book just keep reminding me of that favorite Americanism: “Where there’s life . . . there’s hope.”Regardless of your particular addiction, the authors reveal that there is a “commonality” to the addiction cycle. And they aren’t shy about the truth . . . and they don’t pull any punches. If you are looking for a “feel – good, let’s all sing Kum – Ba – Yah! scenario . . . you’ve selected the wrong book.However, if you are serious about dealing with your addiction, or helping someone with theirs . . . and you are willing to put in the work necessary . . . this book can be a great “first step” in that process. The author’s are quick to point out that there is no “quick fix,” and that this book is intended to be a “conversation starter.”But you know . . . that’s where it all begins.I received this book free in exchange for my honest review.5 stars for a refreshing voice dealing with a difficult subject!

It is all too easy to get addicted to a multitude of things today, but it can be really difficult to get rid of those same addictions. I am a firm believer in prayer and God's help, but these things are still hard to battle, so it is good to have books out there on issues one struggles with to get some additional help and advice. I have read and reviewed other books along the lines of this one, but I found this one to do a better job than most. The author seems to really know his "stuff", and approaches it from both a professional and compassionate standpoint. Among other things, the book addresses how and why addictions can happen, then goes on to the how's of getting rid of an addiction. I found the book very well written, and containing a lot of helpful material and advice for those battling addictions.

Healing the Scars of Addiction by Gregory L. Jantz and Ann McMurray is a self-help book for those who are dealing with addictions and are wanting to recover. The book goes into depth to explain the many different types of additions that one may have and how it affects them and other people. The author uses the stories of real people to show the pain and suffering those who deal with addictions have as well as how they moved forward with their lives to overcome their addictions.This is an interesting book to read in the fact that I would never have thought of some of the types of addictions the authors describe. The book is very easy to understand with getting down to the basics of helping the reader know that taking the first step is very hard, but is not the only step to take. Overcoming an addiction is a long hard process that changes the person as they grow and heal. I found this book to be a very interesting book to read. I would recommend this book be read over time so the reader can spend time focusing on what is written and how to use it in their life.I received a copy of this book from through the Revell Reads Blog Tour Program. This is my honest review.