This is not the first memoir in which Kerry Cohen shares her frank and fraught experiences with addiction, but it's the first I've read. She attributes her behavior to having been neglected and abandoned as a child, and to an unshakable conviction that she herself is unlovable. The author is a licensed psychotherapist, and cites research to support some of her concepts: for example advocating an alternative to AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) called MM (Moderation Management) which allows for the problem drinker (or person with a drinking problem, I'm unclear on her differentiation) to continue drinking. Cohen alludes further to a distinction between alcoholism (alcohol dependence) and alcohol abuse (problem drinking), but doesn't follow through on that premise with clear definitions or prescribed methodology. Lush is an utterly forthright overview of Cohen's daily struggle, humiliation, and failure to cope with her drinking, as it ravages marriage, career, and her own well-being. To her credit, Cohen does describe the effects of alcoholism on the mind and body, emphasizes stress as an important factor in addiction, and offers a paragraph on how to quit love addiction (ironic, considering the source). I question the wisdom of validating self-destructive and risky behavior, and wouldn't categorize this book as Self-Help.

How much do I love Kerry Cohen. Since Loose Girl, I have read every book she has written and while they have not all been excellent, I have enjoyed them.

Lush....Lush stands out for me, as much as Loose Girl. Cohen's strength is to write her story - her truth. This book is both a memoir and an inspiration. Cohen delves back into her addiction to love (and men) while showing us (and herself) the similarities between addictions - cross addicting to booze.

Interestingly, Cohen did not start drinking until middle age and she analyses this aspect, which confuses her in the beginning, only to realize that, in some way or another, she and many other people cross addict all the time.

If you insult easily don't read this book. Cohen doesn't mince words and doesn't put herself up on a pedestal.

My personal interest, in this book, peeked when she looks at addiction and gives us her view of what an addict is and what addiction is. Many of what she said touched a nerve and I found myself nodding. While she and I don't share the same addiction, Cohen touches on how all addictions (be it to booze, men, drugs, gambling, food) can cause misery.

I don't agree with Cohen's view on AA, but I do admire her for doing so much research and trying to think outside the box.

What a great, great, sad story this is. I hope Cohen writes a lot more about her life. I would be right in line to buy the books.

The only negative I will give this book is that at one point, Cohen says she wishes she had an eating disorder (or words to that effect). Kerry.......believe me, you don't wish that.

Entertaining, couldn't put it down! Definitely recommend!

Author Kerry Cohen reaches her early 40s and realises she has a drinking problem. Despite functioning perfectly normal and managing to maintain her job (as a therapist no less!) and dropping her children off to school every day, she's using alcohol to cope with all of her emotions. I devoured this book in just a few hours - I found Kerry's account absolutely fascinating. From reading her perspective, it's easy to see how someone can find themselves in this place without even realising, as the slide from regular social drinking to daily problematic drinking is pretty steady but at the times so gradual that alcoholism seemed to creep up on her.

This is a very easy read in terms of the writing style, as well as Kerry's frank and up-front honesty. I think I expected some drastic change at the end but it seems Kerry's changes to her behaviours were rather less dramatic and theatrical than I had hoped. I was so pleased to see a positive slant to finish with, but somehow I just expected a little *more* to round off Kerry's book.

In a tell all Kerry Cohen describes the struggles and demons of alcoholism and overcoming this disease. This book is definitely intense. I personally have never struggled with addiction, but Kerry is phenomenal at describing how quickly this spiraled out of control.

Lush will take you through the motions of someone going out for one or two, but soom that leads to one too many. I would recommend this book as many could relate to their own addiction or a loved one,