America Anonymous

Eight Addicts in Search of a Life

By: Benoit Denizet-Lewis

Narrated by: David Drummond

America Anonymous is the unforgettable story of eight men and women from around the country - including a grandmother, a college student, a bodybuilder, and a housewife - who are struggling with addictions. For nearly three years, acclaimed journalist Benoit Denizet-Lewis immersed himself in their lives as they battled drug and alcohol abuse, overeating, and compulsive gambling and sexuality. Alternating with their stories is Denizet-Lewis's candid account of his own recovery from sexual addiction and his compelling examination of our culture of addiction, where we obsessively search for new and innovative ways to escape the reality of the present moment and make ourselves feel "better."

Through the riveting stories of Americans in various stages of recovery and relapse, Denizet-Lewis shines a spotlight on our most misunderstood health problem and breaks through the shame and denial that still shape our cultural understanding of it - and hamper our ability to treat it. Are Americans more addicted than people in other countries, or does it just seem that way? Can food or sex be as addictive as alcohol and drugs? And will we ever be able to treat addiction with a pill?

These are just a few of the questions Denizet-Lewis explores during his remarkable journey inside the lives of men and women struggling to become, or stay, sober. As the addicts in this book stumble, fall, and try again to make a different and better life, Denizet-Lewis records their struggles---and his own---with honesty and empathy.

©2008 Benoit Denizet-Lewis (P)2009 Tantor

Loved this book

I loved this audiobook - I've listened to it three times. I bought it because I wanted to understand more about addictions and I found the book engaging and informative. It's very well written and thought-provoking, and the reader was excellent. Highly recommended!