About the Book
This book will change how we talk about addiction and fix a broken system. Addiction isn't a conscious choice-it's a chronic illness that responds to treatment and deserves compassion. Drawing on peer-reviewed research and decades of expertise, Dr. Nzinga Harrison reveals the biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that predict one's risk for addiction in this groundbreaking new book published amid an escalating overdose crisis.
Broken into two parts outlining risks for addiction gained as children, and those we acquire as adults, Un-Addiction: 6 Mind-Changing Conversations That Could Save a Life features conversation-starting anecdotes ("The Accidental Discovery of an Addiction Predictor," "Scrolling Toward Addiction," "How Weathering Any Storm Can With Your Health") paired with sobering data such as findings on how social media and cultural environments can encourage risky substance use, or how adversity increases your chances of chronic illness. The framework of Un-Addiction intentionally guides readers to unlearn what they think they know about substance use, undo stigma surrounding addiction, and uncover solutions that could end the epidemic plaguing our communities. Dr. Harrison synthesizes the latest science on the origins of addiction and provides actionable solutions to address this public health emergency compassionately and effectively.
As the cofounder and CEO of Eleanor Health and host of the Un-Addiction podcast, Dr. Harrison is an in-demand speaker and leading voice on reforming addiction treatment. Her timely insights come as over 20 million individuals struggle with alcohol and drug addictions, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. With predatory pharmaceutical companies under fire and the need for compassionate, personalized care greater than ever, Dr. Harrison is uniquely positioned to change the narrative on addiction and introduce solutions for our broken systems of care.
This groundbreaking addition to addiction books and self-help books for addiction recovery provides a timely and compassionate perspective on drug addiction recovery. Both those struggling with addiction and family members stand to gain powerful insights into overcoming substance use disorders.
About the Author :
Nzinga Harrison, MD, is a double-board-certified physician with specialties in general adult psychiatry and addiction medicine. Nzinga has spent her career as a physician treating individuals from marginalized communities with substance use and other psychiatric disorders. She is also CMO and cofounder of Eleanor Health, an innovative mental health and addiction treatment company committed to creating and improving systems-based delivery of psychiatric and substance use disorder care. Nzinga is a vocal advocate for stigma reduction and is passionate about the necessity for whole-person care as individuals and communities seek to access substance use recovery resources. She received her undergraduate degree from Howard University, completed medical school at the University of Pennsylvania, and did her residency training at Emory University. Dr. Harrison holds an adjunct faculty appointment at the Morehouse School of Medicine and sits on the board of directors for the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Nzinga is married with two teenaged sons, and lives in Atlanta, GA.
Lynya Floyd is an award-winning journalist, media coach, and writer of health books. As a health expert who is also a nationally certified health and wellness coach, Lynya has appeared on The Today Show, FOX, NPR and more. Drawing from her expertise on camera and behind a microphone, she helps clients shine when they step into the media spotlight. She has two decades of experience working on staff and as a freelancer for glossy titles like Oprah, Glamour, Essence, Money, Health, and Cosmopolitan. She lives in New York City but loves traveling the globe.
Review :
"As I read Un-Addiction, I wondered what it would mean if everybody had someone that cared about them with the humanity and talent of Dr. Harrison? Everything would be possible--including recovery--and this book offers us all that promise. In a unique and approachable way, Un-Addiction helps you understand how much addiction is a part of all of our everyday lives. You will come away knowing that no matter where you are, you can still thrive."
-Andy Slavitt, former senior advisor to President Biden, author, and podcast host "Think you understand addiction? Think again. With the news filled with disaster headlines about the overdose crisis, now more than ever it is critical for people to be informed about the facts and fiction of substance use and addiction. In Un-Addiction, Dr. Harrison challenges the many myths the public has been fed around alcohol and drug use and delivers an approachable, humane book chock-full of science, and, importantly, infused with compassion. This book is a must-read for family members, policy makers, and people affected by substance use or addiction--which is to say all of us."
-Dr. Sarah Wakeman, associate professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School
"Un-Addiction struck a chord so deeply within me as one of the tens of millions of Americans whose lives has been impacted by a loved one's addiction. This eye-opening and empowering book will not only remind you that you're not alone in the struggle against substance use disorders, it will also help you find the words, deal with the emotions, and take the actions necessary to fight the problem we all see around us. With compassion and clarity, Harrison artfully shows us how we can end an epidemic that we've felt powerless to change in the past."
-Chamique Holdsclaw, Women's Basketball Hall of Fame member and mental health advocate
"In my recovery journey, I have learned that there are many paths toward achieving the goal of sobriety. Un-Addiction is not only educational and easy to comprehend but focuses on removing the age-old stigmas surrounding addiction and provides tangible solutions toward making progress on the journey. I WILL be recommending this book to friends and people I work with in my recovery circle."
-Mrs. Kasha Davis, actor and performer
"Any kind of addiction can feel lonely, overwhelming, and shameful, which often stops us from facing it in a way that we can overcome it. Un-Addiction is a compassionate and comprehensive guide to facing the truth about what drives addiction. Dr Harrison asks you to dig deep so that you can get to the root of addiction while offering clear and effective tools to heal it. You will be empowered with the support to release the shame, the courage to have the conversations (with yourself and others) you need to have, and the clarity to move forward in your life."
-Christine Hassler, master coach, spiritual psychologist, and podcast host of Over It and On With It
"A transformative guide to overcoming addiction, emphasizing the power of open dialogue. Dr. Nzinga Harrison's expert insights illuminate the path to prevention, intervention, and compassionate support, making this book an indispensable resource amidst the fentanyl crisis gripping the United States."
-Angela Kennecke, journalist and founder of Emily's Hope
"More than anything, this book tackles the despair we feel about addiction. When 'mother's little helper' became granddad's and then our kids' little helper, we were at a loss. But Nzinga Harrison combines stories, science, and conversational how-tos to set us on the right journey. Where there is caring, there is hope. We can help. I love everything about this book. Everyone in healthcare should read it."
-Stephen K. Klasko, MD, MBA, executive in residence at General Catalyst and former president and CEO of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health
"We live in a society where substance use is ubiquitous and deadly. So why are we unable to identify when a problem is developing or have uncomfortable conversations with people we know and love? In this important book, Dr. Nzinga Harrison helps us understand why and presents crucial information in an accessible and practical way. There are many pathways to recovery, and Un-Addiction reinforces the message that there is hope for everyone to overcome addiction and find a road home."
-Chuck Ingoglia, CEO, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
"Too often, addiction just feels too daunting to overcome at any level. Yet in Un-Addiction, Dr. Nzinga Harrison gracefully and eloquently cuts through all of the noise and the hopelessness to attack the problem at its core. This book is full of practical and hopeful answers for anyone that has loved a person impacted by substance use disorder--that's everyone!"
-Greg Williams, producer of Tipping the Pain Scale and addiction policy expert
"A truly necessary book for anyone who wishes to live an examined life. Inspiring, touching, and informative, Dr. Harrison offers wisdom in these pages for breaking the cycle of addiction."
-Georgia Hardstark, podcast host, My Favorite Murder
"Readers will find inspiration, compassion, and empathy in these pages and hopefully transform old ideas into new, updated optimistic ones where treatment is accessible for all and recovery is expected. It offers a fresh perspective on an often-misunderstood chronic medical condition."
-Gary Mendell, founder and CEO, Shatterproof
