Product Description

A straightforward, simple and practical resource written specifically for families seeking to help a loved one struggling with substance addiction. Jeff and Debra Jay dispel two all-to-common and damaging beliefs: Addicts, they say, don't have to hit bottom before they can get help and get sober, and second, interventions don't have to be confrontational-hence their emphasis on a love first approach.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #205677 in Books
• Published on: 2000-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 280 pages

Review

'Building a team, choosing a chairperson, anticipating objections, using checklists, and rehearsing for the intervention itself. The reader will find it all here!' - Robert M. Morse, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry Emeritus, Mayo Medical School

'The most comprehensive book available on the technique of intervention, Love First will save lives!' - Kathy Ketcham, coauthor, Beyond the Influence and The Spirituality of Imperfection

'A landmark book that gives families life-saving tools to help get a loved one into recovery. Bravo!' - Jim Ramstad, United States Congressional Representative

'A no-nonsense approach to how to save someone you love from the ravages of addiction disease.'  - William Cope Moyers, author of Broken

 'A significant contribution to intervention literature, and an empowering antidote to the disease of addiction.'  - William I. White, author of Slaying the Dragon: The History of Addiction Treatment

'I am truly excited about the book Love First. Families and loved ones who read this look at intervention will find the keys to begin the process of recovery. ' - John T. Schwarzlose, President, Betty Ford Center

'A convincing new approach to intervention that puts love and respect first.' - Jack Canfield, coauthor, Chicken Soup for the Soul series

About the Author
Jeff Jay is president of the Terry McGovern Foundation in Washington, D.C. He is a professional interventionist, author, and trainer. His work has appeared on CNN, Parade Magazine, and the Washington Post. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, and a certified addictions professional. "I am passionate about intervention for a very simple reason," says Jeff. "Intervention saved my life." Jeff writes a monthly column on alcohol, drugs, and family for the Grosse Pointe News. The column features questions from readers.

Debra Jay is the co-author of two Hazelden Guidebooks: Love First: A New Approach to Intervention and Aging and Addiction: Helping Older Adults Overcome Alcohol or Medication Dependence. She is in private practice as an interventionist specializing in chemically dependent older adults. She provides intervention training and consultation to families throughout the United States and Canada. Ms. Jay has been writing a regular newspaper column on alcohol and drugs in society since 1996. She resides in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

Customer Reviews

Best single source for friends and family of addicted
I've read several books and online materials about substance abuse and how to help someone out of addiction. This book is the most comprehensive, considerate, simple, and useful source for friends or family members. It is more complete and helpful than the better-known cornerstone works from the Betty Ford Clinic and Dr. Vernon Johnson. Not only is the text full of information, but the charts offered at the end to help organize an intervention are most user-friendly and designed to give you a thoughtful helping hand. This one is the best investment.

The best I've read on this subject
Whether you are a family member, a friend or a professional counsellor, this book is a "must-read" for anyone dealing with alcoholism or drug addiction. It may be painful to read, but it's so true. I am purchasing copies to share with friends. I need their support.

Love First, a way to enter the path to recovery
People who are addicted to alcohol fall into one of three categories, according to the Jays: those who know it and want help (whether consciously or unconsciously), those who don't believe it's true of themselves, even though they may be the first to spot alcoholism in others, or attribute it to them; and the third, slightly smaller group that wavers between the first two, sometimes convicted and guilty, sometimes defiant. To all three of these groups the Jays, a pair of strong advocates for recovery, urge us to love them first.

I have seen my share of alcoholics who have finally seen the light and attempted sobriety, and it is very striking how what we read here (that you don't have to "hit bottom" to want to be helped) is often seen in life but seldom seen in the literature. It's always drama, drama, drama and "Days of Wine and Roses" in other recovery literature. Thus LOVE FIRST is a rather genteel approach to recovery, but I'm sure it will have an impact all across America, wherever people are honestly trying to change their ways. And, in addition, this book and the program of the Jays will bring solace to suffering families of all ages, right through the generations.