The reference book Emotional Addictions proposes that some people may actually be "addicted" in an unhealthy manner to specific emotions. The emotion could be anger, anxiety, apathy, egotism, envy, guilt, jealousy, resentment, revenge, or self-hatred. Historically, one of the greatest challenges to both mental health and substance abuse counselors has been the addict who has been clean and sober for some time, yet still has substantial difficulties coping with life. Ladd contends that emotional addiction operates under similar criteria to a physical addiction, with both forms of addiction showing characteristics of denial, compulsive behavior, dependency, tolerance, addictive thinking, and withdrawal symptoms. By combining emotions with addictions, Ladd has written a cutting-edge approach to helping people with addictions and mental health problems.

Prizes

Winner of NeoPopRealism Journal & Wonderpedia Awards WonderBook of the Month for December 2009; 2010 International Book Award winner--Addictions and Recovery category;.

While geared to the counseling professional…[Emotional Addictions] incorporates case study examples which are clearly understood by individuals with only a basic background in addictive behaviors. Emotional Addictions may well serve as a critical aid for the counseling professional ready to embrace a new concept in healing troubled clients. There is a need for such an innovation in addictions and mental [health] counseling and Dr. Ladd has met that challenge. -- Clare Kilpatrick Benz, expert in addictions and Coordinator of Experiential Learning, Penn State University
A comprehensive look at mental health and addictions from an innovative and intuitive approach. Dr. Ladd's pioneering book captures the complexity of addictions and human emotions in powerful yet easy to read chapters that shed light on psychological concepts only now beginning to be researched. This is a "must read" for seasoned clinicians, [and] new graduates as well as spouses, parents, and individuals who find difficulty managing the challenges of everyday living. -- Jennifer Gaudreau, practicing psychotherapist, Cornwall, Ontario, Canada

Peter D. Ladd coordinates the Certificate of Advanced Studies Program in Counseling for St. Lawrence University's Graduate School of Education. Dr. Ladd also acts as the licensed clinical supervisor for the Tekanikonrahwa:kon Holistic Health and Wellness Program on the Akwesasne Mohawk reservation. He has written numerous books and articles in the areas of addictions counseling, family counseling, Aboriginal studies, and conflict resolution.