America Anonymous

Eight Addicts in Search of a Life

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Addictions, Self Help, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science
Cover of the book America Anonymous by Benoit Denizet-Lewis, Simon & Schuster
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Benoit Denizet-Lewis ISBN: 9781416594376
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Publication: January 6, 2009
Imprint: Simon & Schuster Language: English
Author: Benoit Denizet-Lewis
ISBN: 9781416594376
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication: January 6, 2009
Imprint: Simon & Schuster
Language: English

America Anonymous is the unforgettable story of eight men and women from around the country -- including a grandmother, a college student, a bodybuilder, and a housewife -- struggling with addictions. For nearly three years, acclaimed journalist Benoit Denizet-Lewis immersed himself in their lives as they battled drug and alcohol abuse, overeating, and compulsive gambling and sexuality. Alternating with their stories is Denizet-Lewis's candid account of his own recovery from sexual addiction and his compelling examination of our culture of addiction, where we obsessively search for new and innovative ways to escape the reality of the present moment and make ourselves feel "better."

Addiction is arguably this country's biggest public-health crisis, triggering and exacerbating many of our most pressing social problems (crime, poverty, skyrocketing health-care costs, and childhood abuse and neglect). But while cancer and AIDS survivors have taken to the streets -- and to the halls of Congress -- demanding to be counted, millions of addicts with successful long-term recovery talk only to each other in the confines of anonymous Twelve Step meetings. (A notable exception is the addicted celebrity, who often enters and exits rehab with great fanfare.) Through the riveting stories of Americans in various stages of recovery and relapse, Denizet-Lewis shines a spotlight on our most misunderstood health problem (is addiction a brain disease? A spiritual malady? A moral failing?) and breaks through the shame and denial that still shape our cultural understanding of it -- and hamper our ability to treat it.

Are Americans more addicted than people in other countries, or does it just seem that way? Can food or sex be as addictive as alcohol and drugs? And will we ever be able to treat addiction with a pill? These are just a few of the questions Denizet-Lewis explores during his remarkable journey inside the lives of men and women struggling to become, or stay, sober. As the addicts in this book stumble, fall, and try again to make a different and better life, Denizet-Lewis records their struggles -- and his own -- with honesty and empathy.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

America Anonymous is the unforgettable story of eight men and women from around the country -- including a grandmother, a college student, a bodybuilder, and a housewife -- struggling with addictions. For nearly three years, acclaimed journalist Benoit Denizet-Lewis immersed himself in their lives as they battled drug and alcohol abuse, overeating, and compulsive gambling and sexuality. Alternating with their stories is Denizet-Lewis's candid account of his own recovery from sexual addiction and his compelling examination of our culture of addiction, where we obsessively search for new and innovative ways to escape the reality of the present moment and make ourselves feel "better."

Addiction is arguably this country's biggest public-health crisis, triggering and exacerbating many of our most pressing social problems (crime, poverty, skyrocketing health-care costs, and childhood abuse and neglect). But while cancer and AIDS survivors have taken to the streets -- and to the halls of Congress -- demanding to be counted, millions of addicts with successful long-term recovery talk only to each other in the confines of anonymous Twelve Step meetings. (A notable exception is the addicted celebrity, who often enters and exits rehab with great fanfare.) Through the riveting stories of Americans in various stages of recovery and relapse, Denizet-Lewis shines a spotlight on our most misunderstood health problem (is addiction a brain disease? A spiritual malady? A moral failing?) and breaks through the shame and denial that still shape our cultural understanding of it -- and hamper our ability to treat it.

Are Americans more addicted than people in other countries, or does it just seem that way? Can food or sex be as addictive as alcohol and drugs? And will we ever be able to treat addiction with a pill? These are just a few of the questions Denizet-Lewis explores during his remarkable journey inside the lives of men and women struggling to become, or stay, sober. As the addicts in this book stumble, fall, and try again to make a different and better life, Denizet-Lewis records their struggles -- and his own -- with honesty and empathy.

More books from Simon & Schuster

Cover of the book One Drop of Blood by Benoit Denizet-Lewis
Cover of the book The Man Who Caught the Storm by Benoit Denizet-Lewis
Cover of the book Gang of Five by Benoit Denizet-Lewis
Cover of the book Settle the Score by Benoit Denizet-Lewis
Cover of the book The Little Quiz Book of Big Political Sex Scandals by Benoit Denizet-Lewis
Cover of the book Promise Land by Benoit Denizet-Lewis
Cover of the book Decision #6: How to Increase Your Self-Worth by Benoit Denizet-Lewis
Cover of the book Out of Control by Benoit Denizet-Lewis
Cover of the book FDR and Chief Justice Hughes by Benoit Denizet-Lewis
Cover of the book The Broken Window by Benoit Denizet-Lewis
Cover of the book Spell Sisters: Grace the Sea Sister by Benoit Denizet-Lewis
Cover of the book Judge This by Benoit Denizet-Lewis
Cover of the book Neversuch House by Benoit Denizet-Lewis
Cover of the book The Prince by Benoit Denizet-Lewis
Cover of the book The Sleeping Beauty Killer by Benoit Denizet-Lewis
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy