The Match - by Alfred a Borrelli (Paperback)

About the Book

An up-to-the-minute consideration, by a working professional, of the treatment of alcoholism and drug dependency in a broad historical framework, examining the validity of some treatment assumptions.

Book Synopsis

"I wrote this book primarily for psychologists and psychiatrists," says Alfred A. Borrelli, "since they are the major influencers in the chemical dependence field; my purpose was to change some of the thinking about assessment and treatment based on my very extensive experience of now over fifty years. There is a commitment to ideas, in all fields, that have outlived their usefulness. I don't mean that practitioners and academics have no right to keep those ideas that continue to work well; rather, I am offering a criticism of a conservative movement that has become comfortable with older ideas merely because they have a history."

In this regard, he has presented the long history of the psychological field from Plato's time to now and, in the process, suggested why some fields need to change and why some are not aware of their own history. He believes that the ideas here are new and effective, and he has presented evidence for them, because science and scientists move from established facts to established facts, not from stubbornness or loyalty to a tradition. "A final thought." he adds, "about critical acceptance of these ideas. Any production of ideas can be criticized--it is easier to be a critic than a creator. As with all pursuits, whether academic or applied, an open mind is a prerogative for success. "with regard to what i have produced, it was not my intent to cover everything thoroughly, but to provide a thorough overview, for the professional especially. "Consider this work a beginning place for the average reader to understand many issues, as well as a continuing place for those who are highly informed and skilled."

Review Quotes

"This book is a distillation of five decades of experience combining a psychological perspective with a hands-on pragmatic approach to treating drug dependence. Besides having taught at New York City Metropolitan Area colleges, hospitals, and professional schools, he has a long-time Metropolitan Area private practice. Overall, this book should be a valuable resource for those working in the field of substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation."

--Anthony F. Philip, Ph.D

"Wonderful ability to utilize psychodynamic principles in his therapeutic work with those individuals who are mired in the downward spiral of addiction."

--Richard A. Winters, M.D., Psychiatrist

".. a fearless therapist. Willing to take on the most difficult case and find hope..."

--Daniel Mierlak, M.D., Ph.D.

"Al Borelli has been a fine mentor and colleague of mine for the past several years. He is a true scholar in the field, with an unsurpassed wealth of knowledge in his areas of expertise. From his extensive training in psychoanalytic theory, substance abuse treatment, and EMDR, he has developed a most comprehensive approach to treatment reflective of his deep understanding of human suffering and how best to alleviate it. His passion for his work, compassion, and scientific zeal are inspirational."

--Dan Edelman, Psy.D.

"I met Al Borrelli in 1994. He quickly earned my confidence as a gifted diagnostician and therapist. Before beginning treatment with therapy or medication, I've come to rely on his expertise as a master diagnostician."

--Jeffrey A. Berman, M.D., FASAM

Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)