cover image The Hidden Addiction: And How to Get Free

The Hidden Addiction: And How to Get Free

Janice Keller Phelps. Little Brown and Company, $19.45 (250pp) ISBN 978-0-316-70470-0

The authors, both medical doctors, maintain that four out of 10 people are addicted to sugar, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and some prescription drugs because they are born with a metabolic or genetic predisposition. Phelps and Nourse here offer a program for fighting such addiction that involves heavy doses of vitamin and mineral supplements, exercising, developing new routines, consulting with a physician or therapist and and the temporary use of anti-depressant drugs under medical guidance. Unfortunately this book does not address the complex psychological problems that accompany and often predate addiction. Moreover, most experts agree that the biggest hurdle to overcoming a bad habit is wanting to give up the habit. The Sugar Syndrome is aimed at those who have already won half the battle. (April)