Help teens make informed decisions about their health and wellness with judgment-free information about addictions. From drugs and alcohol to pervasive use of electronic devices, more teens are exhibiting addictive behaviors.
What’s the Big Deal About Addictions? provides teens with lecture-free, reliable, and factual information about a range of addictions, from drugs and alcohol to electronic devices, social media, and other addictive activities, such as pornography, eating, gambling, and sex, among others.
A practicing psychologist and a certified substance abuse counselor, Dr. Crist shares advice for teens who are having serious troubles with addiction and for teens with casual levels of use who may be concerned about their use. With teen stories and quotes included,
What’s the Big Deal About Addictions? speaks directly to teens about the real-life struggles with casual use and addictions they’re seeing and experiencing among peers in school and in the broader community.
Packed full of information to help teens make informed decisions,
What’s the Big Deal About Addictions? covers:
- The difference between casual use and addictive use, and the consequences of using
- The types of addictions, addictive behavior, and the risks associated with each
- How to overcome an addiction and the types of treatments available
- How to know and accept when recovering from addiction may require giving up certain friendships
- Tips for preventing relapse or developing a secondary addiction
Additional resources for help and information are provided at the back of the book.
Dr. James J. Crist is the clinical director and a staff psychologist at the Child and Family Counseling Center (CFCC) in Woodbridge, Virginia, and a substance abuse counselor, working with addictive disorders in teens and adults. At CFCC, he provides psychological testing and individual, couples, and family psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults, specializing in children with ADHD, depression, and anxiety disorders.
He has authored and coauthored numerous books including I'm Here: A Peer Counseling Guide for Teens; What's the Big Deal About Addictions?; What to Do When You're Cranky and Blue; What to Do When You're Scared and Worried; Siblings: You're Stuck with Each Other, So Stick Together; and The Survival Guide to Making and Being Friends.
“A valuable resource for education and self-help.”
— Booklist
“Critically important and unreservedly recommended.”
— Children’s Bookwatch
“Making concepts relatable by giving glimpses into the lives of teenagers impacted by substance use and/or technology, Dr. Crist also offers down-to-earth suggestions, which foster better understanding and inspire hope for a manageable way forward for dealing with any behavior that could prove problematic.”
— Steven M. Harner, Psy.D., licensed clinical psychologist, Child & Family Associates of Greater Washington, LLC
“The book avoids preachiness and invites the reader in a warm, almost casual, conversational tone. Crist provides scientifically reliable, non-stigmatizing information and resources about a wide range of addictions-related issues. In addition to the (expected) drug and alcohol material, the book also covers addiction to porn, love, food, technologies, video gaming, and online gambling, and even addresses the reality of systemic racism in drug-related arrests. The section that orients readers to treatment approaches and recovery resources is especially useful as it also drives home the reality that trauma and mental health concerns go hand-in-hand with addictions.”
— Sally MacKain, Ph.D., licensed psychologist and professor, University of North Carolina, Wilmington
“What’s the Big Deal About Addictions? provides much-needed information on different types of addictions and substance use in a factual, non-threatening, non-lecturing, and respectful way. The book is easy to read for both adolescents dealing with addiction and family members wanting to understand and support their loved ones. I highly recommend Dr. Crist’s book—it will empower readers.”
— Vicky Castro, M.S.W., school social worker, Virginia
“What’s the Big Deal About Addictions? is up-to-date and very understandable for all readers. Dr. Crist provides so many gems of information; I especially liked his use of quick tips. The quotes he provides bring the topic alive. This is a must-read for all those who provide alcohol and drug education.”
— John W. Herdman, Ph.D., LADC, author of Global Criteria: The 12 Core Functions of the Substance Abuse Counselor, and CEO of HerdmanHealth
“Dr. Crist has provided a nonjudgmental, helpful tool for teens that provides a realistic and educational overview of substance use, abuse, and addiction. As a therapist for over 40 years working with adolescents and families, I will use this as one of my tools with my clients to assist in improving their decision-making and choices. A useful tool for teens as well as adults.”
— George Young, licensed clinical social worker, master addiction counselor, Envision Counseling, Virginia
“In What’s the Big Deal About Addictions? Dr. Crist uses a conversational approach to addressing the epidemic of addiction facing our kids. Fear-based, consequence-driven interventions are often the go-to method despite evidence that other approaches are more effective. Dr. Crist provides reliable and factual information about effective approaches, arming teenagers, their families, and healthcare providers with the information they need to foster health and wellness in the lives of young people.”
— James M. Ryan, LCPC, VP of Clinical Services, Ashley Addiction Treatment
“Dr. Crist’s book about addictions is an important resource for our children, their siblings and friends, and especially their parents, teachers, and loved ones. It is authoritative, very readable, and excels in its practicality. What impresses me most is how Dr. Crist treats these problems and those who suffer with them so sensitively and respectfully, modeling to all of us how to empathize, talk to, and help each other!”
— Tony Muccio, M.A., LPC, retired therapist, Arlington Community Services Board
