INSIDE ADDICTION recently had the opportunity to interview Dr. Morteza Khaleghi and Dr. Karen Khaleghi about their new book:
The Anatomy of Addiction
Recognizing The Triggers Standing In The Way Of Recovery

Morteza Khaleghi, Ph.D. and Karen Khaleghi, Ph.D.

IA: What do you hope readers get out of this book, what was your goal?
Drs. Morteza/Karen Khaleghi: Our goal is that the reader will learn to recognize what people and situations drive addictive behaviors, understand the causes of the addicts helplessness and dependency and help families create dynamics that end the cycle of addiction and support discovery and recovery.

IA: What made you write about this topic?
Drs. Morteza/Karen Khaleghi: In working with families and individuals over the last 22 plus years we have successfully helped those struggling with addiction and emotional issues and we have found what works and want to share our insights.

IA: What do you think the reason is behind the high relapse rate among addicts?
Drs. Morteza/Karen Khaleghi: First addicts are frequently not appropriately diagnosed which leads to the wrong fit in terms of treatment plan. Secondly, the addiction and the co-occuring emotional issues must be treated at the same time in order for recovery to be effective.

IA: What can the addict do to prevent relapse?
Drs. Morteza/Karen Khaleghi: Simply put, the addict must learn to connect the dots between their emotions and their behaviors or use. Once this is done they can then learn the warning signs of relapse and choose a healthier method of dealing with their emotional distress.

IA: What can family members/loved one's do?
Drs. Morteza/Karen Khaleghi: The loved one needs to be supported and educated by those treating their loved one as to the individual’s dynamics and what has lead to the addiction. So, the loved one needs to take the direction of the treatment provider. Frequently support groups such as Alanon are highly benefical along with family work.

IA: What is most misunderstood thought about addiction? About recovery?
Drs. Morteza/Karen Khaleghi: There is a misconception that addiction just occurs for no reason and this is not the case. No one strives to be an addict. Even those who are born into addiction feel that they will not sucomb to addiction. There is a reason that addiction occurs. And everyone possesses the ability to choose discovery and recovery.

IA: What can families and addicts do to prevent shame, blame, and guilt surrounding an addiction?
Drs. Morteza/Karen Khaleghi: Families and addicts frequently feel shame surrounding addiction which can inhibit their reaching out and asking for the help that they need. When the addict accepts that they are powerless over their addiction they have made the first step towards recovery. The dynamics of family members and loved one are complex and they need the help of treatment professionals to untangle the issues and get on the path that will lead to better relationships for all members of the family unit.

IA: How can they come to a change to understanding and hope?
Drs. Morteza/Karen Khaleghi: One of the most frequent comments that we hear from families is that for the first time they understand their loved one, and themselves, in terms of what lead up to the addiction. It is this understanding that leads to hope.

IA: Of all the books on addiction/recovery what makes this one different, why should someone get it?
Drs. Morteza/Karen Khaleghi: In our book we go through the issues of the formation of use and abuse which leads to a great understanding of addiction. We then help people connect the dots to understanding how individual factors lead to addiction developing.

IA: Any other information or suggestions you have to help everyone impacted by addiction? Drs. Morteza/Karen Khaleghi: People do possess the unlimited ability to change and to choose discovery and recovery. There are people out there to help in this process.

Note: The Anatomy Of Addiction: Recognizing the Triggers Standing in the Way of Recovery is AVAILABLE NOW everywhere books are sold!