New Book on Gay Men and Addiction

Hello 10,000 Couples Editor,

I wanted to make you aware of a new book coming out from Michael Shelton, author of a number groundbreaking self-help books, including Boy Crazy: Why Monogamy Is So Hard for Gay Men and What You Can Do About It.  Michael's new book, entitled Gay Men and Substance Abuse, hits bookstores in May. 

I'd like to offer you and your editorial staff the opportunity to get an advance look at this book, whether or not it results in a review. Following is a press release which gives you a sense for Michael and the book. I can send the advance galleys for the book out to you this week, just let me know what address you would like it sent.  

Thank you!

Mike Weiner
Hazelden Publishing
612-703-3932


============================================
MEDIA CONTACTS: Christine Anderson, 651-213-4231
  Paul Maccabee/Mike Weiner, 612-337-0087
 
NEW BOOK, GAY MEN AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE,
LAUNCHED NATIONWIDE BY HAZELDEN PUBLISHING

Treatment Counselor Michael Shelton Provides Guidance for
Addicted Gay Men and Their Partners, Friends, Family

CENTER CITY, MN, March 30, 2011 – Hazelden Publishing has released Gay Men and Substance Abuse: A Basic Guide for Addicts and Those Who Care for Them – one of the first books ever published in America for gay men who are addicted to alcohol and other drugs, along with their friends and family.
Offering in-depth information on addiction and recovery that is specific to the lifestyle and culture of gay men, the 216-page paperback by treatment counselor Michael Shelton is available at bookstores nationwide beginning May 1, 2011. Shelton reveals the social and psychological factors -- including shame and internalized homophobia -- that play into homosexual men’s addictions. The book presents a comprehensive look at best practices in meeting gay men’s unique needs in recovery.

Among the topics covered in Gay Men and Substance Abuse:
·      The connections between homophobia and drug abuse
·      Substance abuse and romantic relationships
·      Common challenges for gay men in recovery
·      Successful relapse prevention protocols for gay men
·      A loved one’s role in regards to intervention and support
·      Decoupling sexual activity from drugs and alcohol

Shelton, M.S., C.A.C., a nationally-certified treatment counselor who works with homosexual men dealing with substance abuse disorders at facilities in the Philadelphia area, is also the author of four other books, including Boy Crazy: Why Monogamy Is So Hard for Gay Men and What You Can Do About It. In Gay Men and Substance Abuse, he highlights the unique challenges involved with substance abuse and gay men.  The author explores a range of factors specific to the gay male culture that can heighten abuse of alcohol and other drugs and impact recovery, including the coming out process, feelings of shame and internalized homophobia, the prevalence of unsafe sex while under the influence, an intensified focus on body image and the club scene where poppers, GHB, Ketamine, MDMA and Meth are commonly used.

“There have been very few books, if any, that have been written specifically on issues relating to gay men and addiction that are designed to be read by the addicts themselves– and by the people who love and care for them,” says Nick Motu, publisher and vice president of Marketing and Communications at Hazelden. “Given that gay men have a higher incidence of chemical dependency than the overall public and that Hazelden Publishing is intent upon serving a diverse community, Gay Men and Substance Abuse truly fills a void for gay men and their partners and friends who need guidance about addiction, treatment and recovery. Gay Men and Substance Abuse is a landmark book, written with compassion and deep insight by Michael Shelton.”

For more information about ordering copies of Gay Men and Substance Abuse ($14.95 sugg. retail), visit the Hazelden Bookstore at www.hazelden.org/bookstore or call 800-328-9000. Gay Men and Substance Abuse will also be available on amazon.com and at booksellers nationwide.
 Media Note: For review copies, photos and/or interviews with author Michael Shelton about the issues raised in Gay Men and Substance Abuse, contact Christine Anderson at 651-213-4231 or Paul Maccabee at 612-337-0087.

About Hazelden Publishing
The goal of Hazelden Publishing is to publish real-world resources on addiction, treatment and recovery that are accessible for all experience levels and learning styles. Dedicated to providing products that help people recognize, understand and overcome addiction, Hazelden Publishing started in 1954, when world-renowned addiction treatment center Hazelden bought the rights to a book written by Richmond Walker. The book’s format was untried – a brief meditation, followed by a daily reader and prayer. The book launched Hazelden’s publishing operations by selling almost 5,000 copies in its first year. Since then, Twenty-Four Hours A Day has sold over 8 million copies in 30 countries.
 
#   #   #