SELF-HELP

Drink? The New Science of Alcohol and Health

by David Nutt

Hachette Go. Dec. 2020. 256p. ISBN 9780306923845. pap. $16.99. SELF-HELP

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Nutt, an English neuropsychopharmacologist (Imperial Coll., London) specializing in the research of drugs that affect the brain, wants to show readers how to drink for a living rather than live/die for drinking. He discusses in depth the many harmful physiological effects alcohol has on the brain and other organs of the body. The author also explains the “why” of hangovers and the reasons people under the influence have more accidents and die. Several chapters detail alcoholism and help readers diagnose potential problems. Not one to tell people to stop drinking, Nutt offers suggestions on how to gain control over the substance, such as ordering the smallest measure, limiting drinks to one half per hour, and surrounding oneself with nondrinkers.

VERDICT The author offers an abundance of medical research without judgement. This book is ideal for those who are already drinking too much or think they might be.

Reviewed by Deborah Bigelow, Director Emerita, Leonia P.L., NJ , Dec 01, 2020

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