Why do people get addicted to alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, prescription medications, and other drugs? The McAuliffes give a simple, yet profound, answer LOVE. They define chemical dependency as "a committed pathological love relationship of a person to a mood-altering chemical substance, a psychoactive drug, in expectation of a rewarding experience."   "The McAuliffe's book reflects the results of lives dedicated to the pursuit of a comprehensive understanding of addiction and recovery of the whole person. The brilliance of The Essentials lies in its ability to incorporate multiple theoretical and technical disciplines while unifying these various perspectives by adding clarity and focus. It is a foundational book for every practitioner and educator in this field."   Scot Adams, Ph.D. Director of Services, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services     "The Essentials of Chemical Dependency provided the first truly holistic approach to chemical dependency. Whether our clients are chemically dependent, cognitively impaired, or suffer from co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders, the McAuliffes' definitions and conceptual framework are understandable, real, and life changing. Their work instills confident hope for recovery."   Jean Sassatelli, RN, MA Senior Director for Behavioral Health, Catholic Charities of Omaha     "I am forever grateful for the in-depth, solid treatment I received from Bob and Mary, two of the best pioneers in the CD field. The Essentials has had a profound effect on my life and my professional work."