Book & Product Reviews

BOOKS

Natural Remedies for Overcoming
Opioid Dependency

by Dr. Catherine Browne
www.storey.com

It’s no secret that the nation’s opioid dependency has reached epidemic proportions. Unfortunately, traditional methods of treatment, such as the use of low-dose opioid drugs, behavioral therapy, and counseling, have relapse rates as high as 91%. So, it’s no wonder that the problem doesn’t seem to be getting any better. According to Catherine Browne, a doctor of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, this is because either the root of the problem isn’t being addressed or people cannot physically make it through the withdrawal phase. With over 30 years experience and supporting scientific studies, Dr. Browne has created a practical guide for using natural therapies to help people wean off opioids, manage withdrawal symptoms, address pain without opioids, and help restore physical and mental health postwithdrawal.

Dr. Browne explains how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such as acupuncture and acupressure, herbs, essential oils, nutritional supplements, meditation, diet, and exercise, can be used to address addiction and restore the body to optimal functioning. For the skeptics and for those who are simply curious, she explains how opioids and addiction work so that readers can understand how and why TCM methods are effective—and describes how these methods are meant to augment and complement modern medicine and techniques. Dr. Browne sets realistic expectations, explaining that these methods are not a quick fix; they take regular long-term practice. However, when used correctly, these natural methods show lasting effects. Individuals and families who are struggling with addiction, as well as medical practitioners and holistic healthcare professionals, will find help and encouragement in Dr. Browne’s detailed protocols and advice for integrating natural therapies with standard medical treatment.

FEELING BETTER: Beat Depression and Improve Your Relationships with Interpersonal Psychotherapy by Cindy Goodman Stulberg, DCS and Ronald J. Frey, PhD,FEELING BETTER: Beat Depression and Improve
Your Relationships with Interpersonal Psychotherapy
by Cindy Goodman Stulberg,
DCS and Ronald J. Frey, PhD,
www.newworldlibrary.com

For years, the first line of defense for depression has been pharmaceuticals. But, in Feeling Better: Beat Depression and Improve Your Relationships with Interpersonal Psychotherapy, psychologists and authors Cindy Goodman Stulberg and Ronald J. Frey, PhD, say that it is actually our relationships that offer the most effective path to healing: “We want to let you in on a secret. Your relationships hold the key to your happiness.” The book is divided into weeks, rather than chapters, as a way of being true to IPT, which is a short-term therapy that asks individuals to work on particular tasks in a particular order over eight to twelve sessions. Each week introduces a new topic, teaches new skills, and offers tools and resources to help readers practice those skills. The authors provide real-life, inspiring stories and a dose of humor to entertain and help readers learn.

Knowing that depression is an illness as legitimate as any physical ailment, Feeling Better helps readers get clarity around the four main areas in life that can be contributing factors to why people feel sad, blue, down, and depressed: life transitions, complicated grief, interpersonal conflict, or social isolation. By finding clarity about these aspects of their lives, they can go on to make the changes they need to feel better. Furthermore, “You don’t have to be diagnosed with depression to benefit from the strategies we’ll teach you. If you feel bad or down or stressed, we can help you,” write Stulberg and Frey. “Your problem areas—whether it’s conflict with another person, grief that won’t go away, a life change, or lack of supportive relationships—may be connected to what happened years ago, but we’ll be keeping the focus on what you’re experiencing in the present and what you can do in the here and now to feel better. We’re going to give you the tools and techniques to get the most from your supportive relationships, improve your challenging ones, and, if necessary, make the tough decision to end a relationship that’s holding you back.”

THE TOXIC PARENTS SURVIVAL GUIDE: Recognizing, Understanding, and Freeing Yourself from These Difficult Relationships by Bryn Collins, MA, LPTHE TOXIC PARENTS SURVIVAL GUIDE:
Recognizing, Understanding, and Freeing Yourself from These Difficult Relationships
by Bryn Collins, MA, LP
www.hcibooks.com

It’s your first relationship, and in many ways the most important one. The relationship we have with our parents should be a nurturing and loving bond, yet for many people it is a source of frustration, puzzlement, confusion, anger, attraction, and rejection interspersed with joy. They last with us our entire lives, even after they no longer live. The Toxic Parents Survival Guide is for those who need different ways to deal with their parent’s dysfunctions so that they don’t suffer and don’t pass along emotional unavailability to the next generation.

People who are emotionally unavailable are unwilling or unable to invest emotions in a relationship. At its core, emotional unavailability is the inability of one person to connect with another in an emotional, appropriate way. Instead, the relationship is unstable, unmanageable, mysterious, and often unfulfilling. Psychologist Bryn Collins explores complicated relationships with emotionally unavailable parents, and profiles the most common types of toxic parents using case studies and quizzes. Whether they were unavailable because of addiction, mental illness, or being overly controlling, this practical book will help validate your frustration and emotional struggles, help you set clear boundaries, and teach you how to un-mesh yourself and move forward to a place of strength and peace without guilt.

PRODUCTS

iHealth Infrared
No-Touch Thermometer
ihealthlabs.com

The iHealth Infrared No-Touch Thermometer is brand new to the market. No need to wake the baby (or your partner!) — just hold, aim and press … and a simple vibration lets you know it is done. With advanced no-touch infrared technology, you get an immediate reading using the iHealth Thermometer without having to place it under your tongue, in your ear, or rub it across your forehead to gain an accurate reading. You get your temperature instantly, with results ready in just one second. It also features a backlight for nighttime reading so you can see it clearly even in total darkness. The iHealth Thermometer is especially handy for parents of little ones! Priced at $19.99.

BAO (Bad Ass Organics) Food and Drink Liquid Pickle BoostsCULTURED LIQUID PICKLE BOOSTS
baofoodanddrink.com

BAO (Bad Ass Organics) Food and Drink Liquid Pickle Boosts offer the bold and complex flavor of fermentation coupled with the probiotic power of lactobacillus. Drink this unique shot to restore balance and energy to your day. Each Liquid Pickle Boost shot is made with the 7000-year old method of lacto-fermentation and organic green tea. Six unique boosts are available, including Turmeric (a blend of organic turmeric & organic dandelion root), Green (made with organic chlorella & spirulina algae), Red Ginger (featuring vitamin C from organic hibiscus & antioxidant properties of ginger), Deep Purple (with organic elderberry and organic licorice root), Hot Shot (with spice & antioxidant properties of chili peppers), and Beet (includes the flavor and antioxidant properties of red beets).