Rating: 
Summary: Love Line host turns Author
Review: Dr.Drew, I just gotta say something in my 2nd review of this book. YOU ARE PURE GENIOUS. Anybody putting down this book, or saying its pointless needs to reread it and not skip chapters. This work of art is absolutely wonderful. I listen to Love Line every night, and I hear people putting it down, and I say, "I bet they didnt even read it." Just want to say never quit writing, your a pure genious......as for adam he should stay with entertaining people lol. Can you mention me on Love Line? You can also email me at southerndandy89@yahoo.com , I have a question to ask you on Love Line, but since over here in NJ it would be 3 A.M. before it would even start. PEACE!
Rating: 
Summary: Am I the only one who didn't get it?
Review: I don't remember where I heard about this book, but I thought it would be an interesting read. Well, it was not exactly what I thought it was going to be. Overall, I was disappointed with the book. For starters, where was the editor? Around page 70 I started to flag pages with errors and by the end of the book there were a lot of pages flagged.
I was also disturbed by the 'stereotyping' that occurred in the book. I disagree with the comments that depicted addicts as these 'victims of traumatic childhoods'. Not all addicts suffered horrendous childhoods, but that also isn't to say that some didn't. Can you explain someone who grew up in a stable house, both parents married 30 yrs, no violence, educated; why this person would become a heroin addict? Maybe a combination of genetics, peer pressure, self doubt, depression... but I don't think it has to involve an acute traumatic event as implied in the book.One thing that was touched upon in the book that I completely agreed with were the comments made about the American culture. Lets face it America is going downhill. Values, responsibility, accountability aren't even made an issue anymore(one of my pet peeves). I really liked the fact that this was addressed in the book. I think the passion that Dr. Pinsky has for working with addicts is admirable. I think what I was most impressed with was how much he works! Can a person work that much and still be sane! Gold stars all around for that! I often wondered how physicians felt about patients (esp. addicts), if they were sympathetic to their condition. Most docs that I have been in contact with are usually dismissive to the addict. I still harbour resentments about the treatment I received in the hospital. I won't harp on that one though. Being able to read about how he perceived his patients was nice. I remember seeing Dr. Pinsky on TV several years ago, but I haven't been exposed to his work on his radio show. The fact that he seems committed to not only his patients, but also all the other youth who have questions or concerns, is commendable. However, I don't think this book provides the reality of what an addict feels or what they go through. People who are claiming that this book gives them the insight into an addicts mind are misled. The book doesn't go there. I think it is more accurate for them to say that it gives them insight on how the physician perceives these patients. Maybe it would have been better addressed with a "Drew's story" and then an "Amber's story". This way you capture both perspectives. Another point, the only person who can truely understand an addict, is another addict (why else do you think they go to NA/AA/CA/etc.). This isn't to say that a non-addict can't try to understand an addict. They will probably understand certain feelings, but they won't 'get-it'. Dr. Pinsky, Kudos on your work! Although I disagree with much of the book, by capturing your feelings about your patients it gives us hope that there are still benevolent docs out there.
Godspeed! punkrockingirl@comcast.net
Rating:
Summary: Whats up Doc
Review: I think its absolutely great that you are actually expressing you feelings thru the book, not the usual b.s. doctors do with so many technical technical terms noone understands. Take it easy bro.
Rating:
Summary: Don't worry Dr. Drew
Review: I think this book is deep and shows that there is a need of more people like you in this world. Keep it up Dr. Drew and maybe some people will benefit. As to the humpy dumpty drawings I would like to see the guy who criticized them draw the same thing. I hope you reed this and greeting to Adam from Chicago suburbs !
Rating:
Summary: Compelling and eye-opening
Review: This book is definately a must-read for anybody who has dealt with an addiction. But, above all this book is a must-read for anybody, period. We all have struggles and obstacles that we constantly deal with and have to overcome. Dr. Drew shows the human side to medicine so extremely well, that at times you actually nod your head in agreement with the text. Everybody can find a person or situation in this book they can relate to. We all have friends, relatives, co-workers, etc. that are dealing with various kinds of abuse and traumas in thier lives. This book explores the underlying causes to behaviors that close-minded conservatives would rather just sweep under the rug and hope go away. Knowledge is power and this book is an excellant tool to add into anybodys arsenal. Dr. Drew successfully blends the medical world with the civilian. This book is highly readable without excessive medical jargon, making this an easy read from teenagers on. I commend Dr. Drew for making this book and all the time and effort which were obviously poured into these pages. The number of people that will be affected by this book will be countless. I know for certain it is atleast one. Thanks for helping me take another step on the road to overcoming my own abandonment issues. Buy this book and recommend it to a friend. You will not be disappointed and you might even walk away a stronger person for the effort. And, is that alone not reason enough?
Rating:
Summary: A Great Movie
Review: Throughout the book we are guided by fluent narration describing day to day events in Dr. Drew's day job. Weaving several fictional characters into his routine, we see the struggle, pain and complexity of treating chemical addiction. The typical patient can range from the down and out street urchin to the wealthy upper class executive. We also get an idea of the people working in a treatment center. Rather than steering into clinical dogma it focuses on the human relationships that give birth to, sustain and transcend addiction. The book provides an interesting view through the eyes of this doctor always vulnerable to the manipulation of his patients -directly as they fight to find control of the situation and indirectly as each tragic story tugs at the heart. Through all of it Drew insightfully maintains compassion as he learns and grows as a doctor and human being. I kept thinking this could be a great movie.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting perspective on a familiar subject
Review: I initially had purchased "Cracked" because I am a regular listener to Dr. Drew and Adams syndicated radio talk show Loveline, and had expected that this book would be written mostly for entertainment value. To my surprise and delight, this book was written in the perspective of a physician and the experiences that a clinician faces daily in working with and treating the chemically dependant. After I finished reading "Cracked" I passed it along to my mother who has treated the chemically dependant for the past 25 years as a clinical psycologist, and she can concur with the day to day struggles and successes outlined within the pages of this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has struggled with addiction, or to anyone who has been affected by someones addiction. This book was written with intellect, courage and compassion. Hope to see a follow up to this book sometime soon.
Rating:
Summary: great job, Dr. Drew!
Review: I've been a long time listener to Loveline with Adam and Dr. Drew. Once I heard Dr. Drew wrote a book, I was eager to read it. This book did a terrific job taking the reader into the life of Dr. Drew and his experiences with life and his patients. My sister is an alcoholic and this book gave me the knowledge on how to seek help and to know what to expect. Not only that, Dr. Drew has inspired me to become a better person. There are very few people in this world who can balance a family and career as well as he can. Wanted to call the show to thank Dr. Drew, but there are people out there who need his advise. So with that being said, thanks Dr. Drew. Thanks for everything.
Rating:
Summary: the best book I've ever read
Review: this book kept my attention for quite a while since it is so hard to find a good book that has a person who has actual experiences about what there writing about it was very interesting reading this and I look forard to more books from Dr. Drew pinsky a real life doctor not like the restof the doctors who are boring and lame. I'm an abide listener of love line.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding!
Review: I thought it was brilliant. Each composite case was thoughtfully chosen. The medical terminology was intended to inform and not confound. I have a number of friends and family members who are in the medical and counseling professions with whom I discussed the book, and the consensus was that Dr. Drew's approach was very well thought out and effective. The book gives evidence of the author's vast knowledge and experience, as well as his genuine concern for those who suffer from addiction. All in all, it was extremely well-written and should be required reading in high school health class and by anyone who is dealing with or knows anyone who is dealing with addiction.
| 
