This book will change how we talk about addiction and fix a broken system. Addiction isn't a conscious choice-it's a chronic illness that responds to treatment and deserves compassion. Drawing on peer-reviewed research and decades of expertise, Dr. Nzinga Harrison reveals the biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that predict one's risk for addiction in this groundbreaking new book published amid an escalating overdose crisis.
Broken into two parts outlining risks for addiction gained as children, and those we acquire as adults, Un-Addiction: 6 Mind-Changing Conversations That Could Save a Life features conversation-starting anecdotes ("The Accidental Discovery of an Addiction Predictor," "Scrolling Toward Addiction," "How Weathering Any Storm Can With Your Health") paired with sobering data such as findings on how social media and cultural environments can encourage risky substance use, or how adversity increases your chances of chronic illness. The framework of Un-Addiction intentionally guides readers to unlearn what they think they know about substance use, undo stigma surrounding addiction, and uncover solutions that could end the epidemic plaguing our communities. Dr. Harrison synthesizes the latest science on the origins of addiction and provides actionable solutions to address this public health emergency compassionately and effectively.
As the cofounder and CEO of Eleanor Health and host of the Un-Addiction podcast, Dr. Harrison is an in-demand speaker and leading voice on reforming addiction treatment. Her timely insights come as over 20 million individuals struggle with alcohol and drug addictions, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. With predatory pharmaceutical companies under fire and the need for compassionate, personalized care greater than ever, Dr. Harrison is uniquely positioned to change the narrative on addiction and introduce solutions for our broken systems of care.
This groundbreaking addition to addiction books and self-help books for addiction recovery provides a timely and compassionate perspective on drug addiction recovery. Both those struggling with addiction and family members stand to gain powerful insights into overcoming substance use disorders. Nzinga Harrison, MD, is a double-board-certified physician with specialties in general adult psychiatry and addiction medicine. Nzinga has spent her career as a physician treating individuals from marginalized communities with substance use and other psychiatric disorders. She is also CMO and cofounder of Eleanor Health, an innovative mental health and addiction treatment company committed to creating and improving systems-based delivery of psychiatric and substance use disorder care. Nzinga is a vocal advocate for stigma reduction and is passionate about the necessity for whole-person care as individuals and communities seek to access substance use recovery resources. She received her undergraduate degree from Howard University, completed medical school at the University of Pennsylvania, and did her residency training at Emory University. Dr. Harrison holds an adjunct faculty appointment at the Morehouse School of Medicine and sits on the board of directors for the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Nzinga is married with two teenaged sons, and lives in Atlanta, GA.
Lynya Floyd is an award-winning journalist, media coach, and writer of health books. As a health expert who is also a nationally certified health and wellness coach, Lynya has appeared on The Today Show, FOX, NPR and more. Drawing from her expertise on camera and behind a microphone, she helps clients shine when they step into the media spotlight. She has two decades of experience working on staff and as a freelancer for glossy titles like Oprah, Glamour, Essence, Money, Health, and Cosmopolitan. She lives in New York City but loves traveling the globe. PREFACE
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