Hooked: Five Addicts Challenge
Our Misguided Drug Rehab System
By Lonny Shavelson

 Review excerpts

“Like no other book I’ve read, Hooked brings home the reality of addicts’ lives and their need for drug rehab programs that work.  Anyone with a drug problem, caring for a loved one with a drug problem, or involved in drug rehab, must read this fascinating book.” – Martin Sheen, Actor

"…through his five subjects, Shavelson puts heartbreakingly human faces on ‘the drug problem’ in America. Deeply felt, deftly rendered, stunningly informative and often enraging, this powerful breakthrough book should be read by everyone interested in addiction treatment and public policy.” – Publishers Weekly,  May 14, 2001, starred review.   

“A terrific read and a refreshing challenge to traditional drug rehab programs… This lively portrayal of current rehab options from the point of view of five addicts is a ‘must read’ for anyone involved or interested in effective treatment options for people whose addictive behavior is harming themselves and others.” – G. Alan Marlatt, Director, Addictive Behaviors Research Center, University of Washington

 “A compassionate, dignified portrayal of addicts’ daily struggles, as seen by an investigative journalist’s keen eye.  Hooked offers an important new contribution to the drug policy debate.” – Robert MacCoun, Professor of Law and Public Policy, University of California at Berkeley, and coauthor of Drug War Heresies.

“Shavelson’s personalized account shows a human sensitivity and concern with drug abusers, who are often viewed as social outcasts.  Shavelson guides the reader through these various rehab programs with a sensitive reflection on the public and private impact of drug-abuse programs to address this vital social issue.” – Booklist, May 15, 2001 

“In Hooked, Lonny Shavelson tells how the drug rehab system fails those who need it the most.  …(He) deftly draws out his subjects in a way that makes the book a compelling and, at times, heartbreaking read.”– Time Out New York, May 31, 2001 

“A powerful new book on the drug war's trenches...  (Shavelson) overturns our most cherished notions about addiction and recovery.”  Salon.com, June 7, 2001 

“Most compelling…  Shavelson tells his story with compassion… He has plenty of vitriol, however, for Byzantine bureaucracies that confound addicts seeking help.”  Mother Jones, July, 2001 

“Shavelson diagnoses a dysfunctional rehab system…  Hooked is a landmark work on our nation’s most widespread public health problem…”  San Francisco Chronicle, July 24, 2001

“Shavelson is a wonderful, compassionate observer...  This is the first time in many years of reviewing for the American Journal of Psychiatry that I have had the pleasure of reading a work that I simply could not put down.”  American Journal of Psychiatry, May, 2002