From Library Journal
The deepest human longing, suggests the author of Will and Spirit ( LJ 2/1/83)a psychiatrist and spiritual directoris to be in loving relationship with God and others, but our freedom to do so is compromised by a multitude of addictions (to security or fame, for instance, as well as to drugs) that "use up" desire. Exploring psychological, neurological, and theological aspects of the addictive process, and their roles of mercy, grace, and will in breaking through to discernment and a consecrated life, May gently but clearly guides readers from attachment to non attachmentor freedom. Extremely well done. ECCopyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
Here is Gerald May's brilliant and now classic exploration of the psychology and physiology of addiction. It offers an inspiring and hope-filled vision for those who desire to explore the mystery of who and what they really are. May examines the "processes of attachment" that lead to addiction and describes the relationship between addiction and spiritual awareness. He also details the various addictions from which we can suffer, not only to substances like alcohol and drugs, but to work, sex, performance, responsibility, and intimacy. Drawing on his experience as a psychiatrist working with the chemically dependent, May emphasizes that addiction represents an attempt to assert complete control over our lives. Addiction and Grace is a compassionate and wise treatment of a topic of major concern in these most addictive of times, one that can provide a critical yet hopeful guide to a place of freedom based on contemplative spirituality.


From the Publisher
Explores the psychology and physiology of addiction from the perspective of contemplative spirituality, describing the relationship between addiction and spiritual awareness.


About the Author
Gerald G. May, M.D., is the author of Addiction and Grace and Care of Mind/Care of Spirit. A psychiatrist, he currently supervisors the program for training spiritual directors at the Shalem Institute in Washington, DC. He lives in Columbia, MD.

ANNOTATION

Drawing on his experiences as a psychiatrist working with the chemically dependent, Gerald G. May details the various addictions from which we can suffer. Addiction and Grace examines the "processes of attachment" that led to addiction and describes the relationship between addiction and spiritual awareness.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Here is Gerald May's brilliant and now classic exploration of the psychology and physiology of addiction. It offers an inspiring and hope-filled vision for those who desire to explore the mystery of who and what they really are. May examines the "processes of attachment" that lead to addiction and describes the relationship between addiction and spiritual awareness. He also details the various addictions from which we can suffer, not only to substances like alcohol and drugs, but to work, sex, performance, responsibility, and intimacy. Drawing on his experience as a psychiatrist working with the chemically dependent, May emphasizes that addiction represents an attempt to assert complete control over our lives. Addiction and Grace is a compassionate and wise treatment of a topic of major concern in these most addictive of times, one that can provide a critical yet hopeful guide to a place of freedom based on contemplative spirituality.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal