Cracked: Putting Broken Lives Together Again

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing Book!
Review: I ordered this book because of an interest I have in someone close to me. I found it to be limited in new information, (or any information). The author has a set opinion as to the causes of substance abuse and misses no opportunity to do an "I told you so," with all his stories. He could well have boiled the book down to a chapter or two and been done with it. It was poorly and boringly written, and not in the least, self-serving. We now know the good doc is attractive to his young women clients and attracted by them, and admired by many. A far better book is Barry Meier's book, "Pain Killer." Lastly, if I were reading because of my substance abuse problems, I would be extremely discouraged as he offers little hope.

Rating:
Summary: The cover caught my attention!
Review: I don't read books, not since 1989 when I got a Nintendo, but I read the back cover of this one and it seems like it might be shelf-worthy. (In other words, I wouldn't use it to prop up the short leg of the kitchen table). You can tell a lot about where people arrange books in their house. Maybe someone should write a book about that. A pop up book with cartoonish illustrations of how your status in life corresponds to the location and use of books in your house. Now that's edu-tainment.

Rating:
Summary: please read this
Review: dear, dr. drew i hope you get this review that i'm writing you. really was happy about the book cracked it gave me a big picture about what kind off life i have been living i wish i can just talk to you on the phone or in person there are so many question thati have for about people that use drugs. i know your a busy guy and that dosen't have a lot off time but please email me at [e-mail] off a number that i can call you or some thing i live in the LA area and just move here from santa cruz because of what happen to me with a ex-girlfriend that use drugs.

Rating:
Summary: An eye-opener to say the least
Review: I am an avid Loveline listener as well, but I couldn't find Drew's book in any major retailers and didn't yet have an Amazon account, so I forgot all about getting the book. Then I happened across it in a small, independent bookstore and spent the little money I had on me to get "Cracked." So far, I've been thoroughly pleased with it, although I've still got a good 30-40 pages to go.

The sometimes dramatic and frequently painful accounts of addict's lives touch you, whether you're a drug user, some other sort of addict, or a completely "sane" person yourself. I've never touched any drug, including alcohol and cigarettes, to this day, but it's hard not to relate to Drew's stories and his highly knowledgeable perspective. In many ways, Cracked has made me see and understand things about my own life that hadn't quite clicked. Since there is alcoholism in my family, I exhibit several addictive and self-destructive traits without shooting up or drinking myself into a coma, and Drew's analysis of coping with addiction makes it clear that these problems belong to everyone, not just the people going through 12 step programs.

Another thing I particularly enjoyed about "Cracked" is seeing more glimpses into Drew's personality. On Loveline, Adam is always out there with his life and minor problems, while Drew is a bit more reserved. Granted, Drew's personality shines through many times over the air, but it's seen much more clearly in the way he describes his personal thoughts and feelings in this book.

Indeed, there are a few spelling errors that mysteriously slipped past proof-readers, but the minor flaws fail to take away from the shimmering soul of this novel.

Drew, you are a passionate, passionate man for sure! Bravo.

Rating:
Summary: Helping People
Review: Contrary to what our media and culture tells us, there are no easy answers in life. This is especially true with addiction. It is a complex disease in terms of both cause and effect, as well as having a complex cure. There is no overnight fix. It is also a chronic disease and requires a life long commitment to recovery, of which the painfully ironic first step: 'admitting ones powerlessness over addiction' is the most difficult. "Cracked" is an attempt to help those in need come to terms with this difficult step and seek the help they need in overcoming this disease, as well as an attempt to educate an ignorant culture. It IS NOT an attempt at narcissistic self-promotion, but another chapter in Dr. Drew Pinsky's life-long quest to HELP PEOPLE.

Rating:
Summary: dr. drew did it again...
Review: Cracked is AN INCREDIBLE BOOK. Not only does it pull the reader into the story, but it does so in a way that teaches people about what they are reading so that any lay-person can pick up this book and understand the concepts that are put forth in it. Many people with the genetic prevalence for addiction or various traumas described in the book can easily observe their own behavior paralleling that of his patients.

Drew,
I listen to LoveLine every day and i had been trying for a number of weeks to ask my question, but I never got through. I haven't found the answer to my question in any of your books, so I hope that you answer my post. I am a 16 year old male with ADHD. Addiction runs in my family, as an uncle of mine from each side of my family is an addict, in addition to one set of grandarents. My parents are not addicts, and I am curious as to what the probability of me having the addiction "gene" are. I used to smoke pot and drink on weekends, but I lost interest in those activities and now i usually drink only when an opportunity is presented to me by others. What is your opinion? Maybe you could either cover this topic on LoveLine or email me at [e-mail] .

Many Thanks, Jon

Rating:
Summary: The truth about reality
Review: When dealing with issues about sex, drugs, and society in general, it's hard not to be labeled as either a liberal or conservative in the most extreme sense.

Dr. Drew, however, manages to overcome the stereotypes as he states his honest-to-goodness experiences in life, and what he has managed to surmise from them.

The book isn't a classic novel. Dr. Drew is obviously not a professional writer, but that is part of the books charm. You aren't lost in words. It's pure experience. Dr. Drew doesn't dress his patients up as people who belong in an insane asylum. They're real people, sometimes with prominent jobs. He uses several patients to indentify various situations that may have led them into the clinic in the first place.

The book also takes a little side-track to discuss problems with society. I thoroughly enjoy his opinions on this subject matter because it discussed the ROOT of the problem, instead of various sub-subjects. He didn't rant on about how kids shouldn't be having sex, and how society is out of control, and there's no religion left in the world.. He explained WHY he thought society was out of control, which is the most refreshing thing I've read in a while.

The only reason I didn't give this book a five is because I didn't like the ending. I wanted there to be more :).

On a side note- I realize some may think loveline is a bad show and that Dr. Drew is doing the devils work. That statement couldn't be farther from the truth. I once thought that show was just MTV trying to suck the soul out of the universe, but happenstance I ended up listening to loveline one night and I only wish I had started sooner (it would have saved me from a relationship that in the end, I am still trying to recover from). If you're a parent, I ENCOURAGE you to get both this book, and Dr. Drew and Adam's Guide to Love and Life or whatever the title is for your kids. It's not ALL about sex and drugs, it does infact deal with life and love, too. I think the point Dr. Drew and Adam seem to drive home every night is that the four are all connected to each other. As a society I don't think we understand these four things enough. I think we dress them up and parade around them but never *really* touch upon them.

So in conclusion, I can't wait for Dr. Drew's next book.

Rating:
Summary: This book is for everyone
Review: I am an avid listener of Loveline and was excited for Dr. Drew's book to come out,but I thought it would be strictly a look into the psychology of an addict. However, I ended up taking so much more from it. The tales of Dr. Drew's daily life were a fascinating look into a man I respect very much. Being a 2nd year law student a typical day for me spans many emotions, and often times I feel truly alone in the world. However, seeing how Dr. Pinsky deals with his triumphs and struggles make me realize that there's no such thing as a perfect person. We all have our doubts about our life, and this book allowed me to realize that this is OK. I learned we must take our ups with our downs and always learn from both. I applaud Dr. Drew's honesty, and I have taken so much from this book. Don't feel that if you are not an addict or dealing with one in your life that this book is not for you. It's an engrossing story of a real person, not a self serving book only written to stroke his own ego.

Rating:
Summary: Earth to Dr. Drew!
Review: Well, hello!
I'll make u a deal Dr. Drew. I'll buy your book (which I am sure is excellent) if you explain to me why Loveline takes no callers over 25!! I was shocked when I finally got the courage to call and was told that. I'm 50 and figure I have twice the problems that they do! LOL! I wanted to know what effect 30 years of drug abuse (just about everything, but now just estrogen, wellbutrin, some wine after work and the occasional joint) has on my menopausal problems (mood, sleep ect.). Your screener thought it was an interesting question but wouldn't let me through. One of my lotto wishes is to spend a few hours of "quality" time with you because I think you guys are great and right on the $$ with your callers. I only get to listen for the 1st hour before I get off work but I listen every Mon.-Thurs. on 98 Rock. My e-mail is [e-mail]. I hope I don't get a bunch of spam now but it's worth it if I can get an answer from you. I'll pick up the book soon regardless.
Love ya!
Deb

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Exemplary.
Review: When I first heard Dr. Drew was writing a book, I was thrilled. This is the guy I had been listening to on the radio for almost a year, giving advice to all kinds of different people, and I respected him more than I'd ever respected anyone.
On June 16, I got the oppurtunity to meet Dr. Pinsky upon visiting the Loveline studio. At each commercial break, he would come out and speak with my dadand me, and 90% of his talk was about his book. I could tell he was really excited. He explained to us what it was about, and told us how he had spent a long time on it, and really poured himself into it. This got me psyched even more, and I just couldn't wait until August "Twenty-One," as he would say.
Well, the book arrived here at Amazon a bit earlier than I'd thought it would (Aug. 19), but I was on it, and immediately had my dad order the book for me. When it arrived on Aug. 28, I devoured it for more reasons than one.
There were many specific elements that I loved about this book. I liked the way I could really hear Dr. Drew's voice in the writing. This was exemplified by phrases such as "highly structured environment."
I also liked the fact that, while it had its share of medical jargon, the lamen could easily understand it. This is how it should be, as this is a read for everyone. The average person still seems to think of an addict as one who is simply too weak-minded to overcome the "obstacle" of the addiction. Dr. Drew abolishes this myth using science that in words that is easy for most anyone to understand. It is also an excellent read for the struggling addict, as it really explains the biology of addiction; The first step of the 12 in Alcoholics Anonymous is admitting powerlessness over the addiction. This is, of course, an extremely hard thing to do, as we as humans do not like the idea of not being in control over most any element of our life. This step is made more difficult by the fact that while addicts are constantly told they are powerless, they can't believe it because it seems no one gives a clear explanation. That is, until now. In startlingly clear words, Dr. Drew explains how the brain actually changes with addiction, and how the "survival center" of the brain "goes awry."
So much information and so many themes can be sucked out of this book, it's almost overwhelming. I've read it twice now, and have gone back a third time to highlight points that either A) Teach me something about how the body works or B) I simply find important, and wish to relate back to at some point. The book has gotten me extremely interested in addiction medicine, and even moreso in psychology, which I had already planned to major in. This book IS a must-read for anyone out there who A) Is interested in addiction B) Is in some way affected by addiction and C) Is of the species Homo sapiens.
In closing, I would just like to thank you, Dr. Drew, for providing us with this insight into a genius physician's mind, and for providing us with knowledge about human beings that will give us insight into our everyday interactions. Because of your book, I have changed profoundly, in terms of how I think of myself, how I relate to others, and how I think of others. May you always keep up your good work on Loveline, whether or not Adam stays; I think I'm one of the few people who likes the show just as much, sometimes more, when Adam isn't there. It was a great experience meeting you, and I only hope to bump into you again one day. My dream would be to work side by side with someone whose ideas are as fearlessly honest and prophetic as yours. God bless you.

-Thomas
Dr: I'm not sure whether it is possible for you to do this, but I would be thrilled if I could get an E-mail from you; I have a ton of questions for you, although if needed, I could probably compact them a bit. Godspeed. [e-mail]