Review by Kaylawallace523 -- Why can't Johnny Just Quit?

Kaylawallace523 · Post by **Kaylawallace523** » 23 Jun 2019, 22:39

[Following is a volunteer review of "Why can't Johnny Just Quit?" by Kyle Oh.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Kyle Oh, M.D has gained some insight into addiction through years of talking to his pain management patients. Insight, that all the rest of the researchers into addiction seem oblivious to. In his work of non-fiction, Why can't Johhny Just Quit? he explains what he learned from his patients, how he came to the conclusions he did, and why others fighting the epidemic of opioid and other addictions have missed these simple truths about addiction and drug use.

His main theory, which I think I can foretell without it being a spoiler, is a very simple fact about drug use that even most addicts don't realize. Each drug has a very different effect on each individual, depending on that person's genetics. This is why most people take pain medication and are fine, while others receive a prescription and, over time, become gripped in addiction, enslaved to the chemical. This is true for all substances, says writer and pain management doctor, turned addiction specialist, Kyle Oh, M.D. He reports that, through asking his patients one simple question, he has uncovered some facts of addiction, overlooked by most physicians and specialists. Because he asked his patients, "How does the drug make you feel?" and because he listened to their answers non-judgementally, he was able to write this book, proclaimed on the title page as A Common Sense Guide to Understanding Addiction. (And how to finally win the war on drugs!)

In relation to opiate pain medicine, he found that his patients had two very different responses to this question. Some said the pills just made them sleepy, dopey, and maybe even relaxed, while they effectively diminished their pain, but this experience is not a true high. The patients that had this reaction did not become addicted. Others said it made them happy, feel invincible, and gave them energy instead of making them drowsy. This is euphoria. This is a true high. Some people will chase this feeling of ultimate happiness, until the drug takes them over. At this point they need it, just to feel normal. This is addiction. Another interesting point made is, that a person susceptible to one drug may not be susceptible to another. Someone might feel extreme euphoria from opiates, but is unable to get a high from cocaine. While most people will feel spaced out when they smoke weed, only a few will feel good enough to want to repeat the experience over and over.

As a recovering alcoholic, myself, Dr. Kyle Oh's insight resonates with me as being inherently true. In AA, one thing I learned is that alcohol affects me differently than most people who consume it. While others may get dopey and silly and lose some of their inhibitions, what I experience is what the author of this book has termed a "True High." I used to drink to feel happy and energetic, but the problem was always that I would not, or really could not, stop. Every drink I had sat on my shoulder and whispered "more... MORE." This is why I have not consumed alcohol in over three years. I often tell people, I am allergic to alcohol, because it absolutely affects me differently. While I do agree with all the hypotheses presented in this book, this is one area I believe has, at the least, been underplayed. In AA, it is called The Phenomenon of Craving. It seems that the alcohol, or other substance, once in the system of a person susceptible, creates an immediate craving for more. For an addict, that craving can be irrepressible. My only critique is that I wish the book would have gone into a bit more detail into the nature of cravings.

I think Dr. Kyle Oh is brilliant and perceptive of the psyches of people who think, and live, and ARE genetically different from himself. This is a significant skill. One thing he wrote stuck with me, and I wish for everyone to understand the concept. He wrote, "Most people are taught to believe that everyone must experience the same thing they do. Most of the time this is correct." I disagree only slightly. I really believe that most of the time, this way of thinking is incorrect. Nevertheless, his point is, to me, very enlightening. He goes on to say "However, when you ask this simple question about how a person reacted to opiate pain medications, the answers you get are profoundly different."

I am of the persuasion that the insights written in this book could benefit the fight against opioid addiction. If all doctors could learn to speak and listen to their patients in a non-judgmental way, and ask them "How did the drug make you feel? (at first)", some patients decline into addiction could be prevented. As a pain patient trying opiate pain medicine for the first time, pay attention to how it affects you. If you experience euphoria, defined as an exaggerated sense of well being, you are at risk of becoming hooked on it. Armed with this knowledge, you have the opportunity to choose not to take that risk, and to not fall into the trap that is addiction.

Throughout this volume, other theories and insights are revealed. There is a chapter on suboxone/subutex for those considering treatment. Medical facts, research, and scientific data are delivered to the reader in a manner that is simplistic and intuitive, making it easy for anyone to understand. Also, included, is a series of case studies, I enjoyed reading. The entire script was clearly professionally edited and if there were any errors, they eluded me. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars, because I recommend that everyone from doctors and specialists to the sufferers of addiction should read this, with a wholly open mind. Set aside preconceived notions of addicts and whether you think addiction is a disease or an over-indulgence of vice. Read this book, and you will most likely see addiction in a whole new way. Physicians, keep it on your shelves.

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Why can't Johnny Just Quit?
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nooregano · Post by **nooregano** » 27 Jun 2019, 23:06

Oh wow, this sounds like an incredible book!

think Dr. Kyle Oh is brilliant and perceptive of the psyches of people who think, and live, and ARE genetically different from himself. This is a significant skill.

This is very underrated and important skill! I have always been impressed by those that can do that, or even those who take the time to understand how different psyches work and where/how they differ.
You've made me very interested in this book, now! This was a thorough and insightful review, thank you so much!

Brendan Donaghy · Post by **Brendan Donaghy** » 28 Jun 2019, 01:59

I reviewed this book too and thought it was really interesting and informative. I didn't like the author's writing style too much, or his habit of repeating himself, but I thought he gave a fresh insight into the treatment of addiction which should be compulsory reading for all in the medical profession. Your review is excellent, all the more so because it is based on your own personal experience of the subject. Many thanks for sharing!