Review by Mounce574 -- Why Can't Johnny Just Quit?
8 posts
[Following is a volunteer review of "Why Can't Johnny Just Quit?" by Kyle Oh.]
In 1988, the US Supreme court ruled alcoholism as a choice. Congress disagreed and stated alcoholism not to be "a willful misconduct" of those who are addicted. Instead, it was officially ruled as a manifestation of a medical disease.
Pain management doctor Kyle Oh writes a powerful message in Why Can't Johnny Just Quit? He defines addiction, how it fits the portrayal of disease, and some factors that may lead a person to become addicted. Oh then explains alcoholism and opiate addiction in detail: the effects on the brain and the receptors affected, statistics of overdoses and death, and the treatment methods he utilizes for patients in his clinic. He includes footnotes at the end of each chapter to provide the research studies he obtained his details from.
I liked the direct way Oh presented his knowledge and beliefs. He comments on the negative beliefs and media portrayal that labels me as an addict. Nevermind the fact fifteen years have passed since I used methamphetamine and cocaine, I often hear the judgemental statement “once an addict, always an addict.” The recovery process from any drug is difficult and I recognized how Oh understood his patients. I agree jail shouldn't be the first stop for anyone diagnosed with addiction. Treatment facilities are better equipped to handle the psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms. While I was in county jail, I witnessed heroin addicts go through withdrawals resembling what I would expect from a person dying. Oh's description was not an embellishment when he explained the horrific pain some patients experience.
It is with regret, that I must mention some points that I disagree with. I don't think Suboxone or any of its generics is a cure-all for all addicts of opiates. I believe that it may assist with slow tapering off of stronger pain medication, but some addicts abuse this medication too. My second issue with the book is Oh did not mention any recommended treatment for other drug addictions like methamphetamine, rave party drugs (Ecstasy is one example), and the myriad of pharmaceuticals prescribed for mental illness (Xanax, Adderall). The subtitle of this book A Common Sense Guide To Understanding Addiction (And how to finally win the war on drugs!) fell short of my expectations.
Overall, I cannot put into words my appreciation for Oh's approach to recognizing the struggle for people trying to escape addiction. His explanation of what “high” is in contrast to the media's portrayal of goofy grinning inebriates, is spot on. What does it feel like? My experience was, in the beginning, a feeling of extreme happiness and lack of inhibition when socializing with others. Unfortunately, continued use led to the loss of my job, home, vehicle, and being ostracized by my loved ones.
I am rating this guide 4 out of 4 stars. I honestly cannot deduct a star for my opinion of what could have been written or Oh's use of Suboxone in his pain management clinic. He does state that the “proper use” of the medication was highly effective. The editing of this book is impeccable, easy to understand, and lacks any profanity. I recommend this to anyone that is an addict, a recovering addict, or a family member of an addict. Knowledge is a powerful tool in prevention, so this would be excellent for drug counselors, students, and parents. I hope publications like this one will someday prevent others from feeling ashamed when seeking treatment.
******
Why Can't Johnny Just Quit?
View: on Bookshelves |
In 1988, the US Supreme court ruled alcoholism as a choice. Congress disagreed and stated alcoholism not to be "a willful misconduct" of those who are addicted. Instead, it was officially ruled as a manifestation of a medical disease.
Pain management doctor Kyle Oh writes a powerful message in Why Can't Johnny Just Quit? He defines addiction, how it fits the portrayal of disease, and some factors that may lead a person to become addicted. Oh then explains alcoholism and opiate addiction in detail: the effects on the brain and the receptors affected, statistics of overdoses and death, and the treatment methods he utilizes for patients in his clinic. He includes footnotes at the end of each chapter to provide the research studies he obtained his details from.
I liked the direct way Oh presented his knowledge and beliefs. He comments on the negative beliefs and media portrayal that labels me as an addict. Nevermind the fact fifteen years have passed since I used methamphetamine and cocaine, I often hear the judgemental statement “once an addict, always an addict.” The recovery process from any drug is difficult and I recognized how Oh understood his patients. I agree jail shouldn't be the first stop for anyone diagnosed with addiction. Treatment facilities are better equipped to handle the psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms. While I was in county jail, I witnessed heroin addicts go through withdrawals resembling what I would expect from a person dying. Oh's description was not an embellishment when he explained the horrific pain some patients experience.
It is with regret, that I must mention some points that I disagree with. I don't think Suboxone or any of its generics is a cure-all for all addicts of opiates. I believe that it may assist with slow tapering off of stronger pain medication, but some addicts abuse this medication too. My second issue with the book is Oh did not mention any recommended treatment for other drug addictions like methamphetamine, rave party drugs (Ecstasy is one example), and the myriad of pharmaceuticals prescribed for mental illness (Xanax, Adderall). The subtitle of this book A Common Sense Guide To Understanding Addiction (And how to finally win the war on drugs!) fell short of my expectations.
Overall, I cannot put into words my appreciation for Oh's approach to recognizing the struggle for people trying to escape addiction. His explanation of what “high” is in contrast to the media's portrayal of goofy grinning inebriates, is spot on. What does it feel like? My experience was, in the beginning, a feeling of extreme happiness and lack of inhibition when socializing with others. Unfortunately, continued use led to the loss of my job, home, vehicle, and being ostracized by my loved ones.
I am rating this guide 4 out of 4 stars. I honestly cannot deduct a star for my opinion of what could have been written or Oh's use of Suboxone in his pain management clinic. He does state that the “proper use” of the medication was highly effective. The editing of this book is impeccable, easy to understand, and lacks any profanity. I recommend this to anyone that is an addict, a recovering addict, or a family member of an addict. Knowledge is a powerful tool in prevention, so this would be excellent for drug counselors, students, and parents. I hope publications like this one will someday prevent others from feeling ashamed when seeking treatment.
******
Why Can't Johnny Just Quit?
View: on Bookshelves |
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