Recovery related to the 12 steps
353455
I like the way the 12 steps are tied to the Bible since I think true healing comes from God alone.
491579
In research supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, tests using PET scans of addict's brains demonstrate that once addiction has been established, the addict's brain physically changes, possibly forever. These changes make it difficult for an addict to learn from their experiences. Psychological processes, such as denial, and neuro-psychological processes, such as state-dependent learning, interfere with the addict's ability to retain the needed information necessary to break the bonds of addiction. This is one key trait that all addicts share - they don't "learn their lesson." This is why it's also said in twelve step groups that there is no mental defense against addiction; a fit spiritual condition is our only hope. Allen Berger has written "12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery" to help us stay in fit spiritual condition.

 The 12 stupid things are:

1)  Believing addiction to one substance is the only problem.
2)  Believing sobriety will fix everything.
3)  Pursuing recovery with less energy than pursuing addiction.
4)  Being selectively honest.
5)  Feeling special and unique.
6)  Not making amends.
7)  Using the program to become perfect.
8)  Confusing self-concern with selfishness.
9)  Playing futile self-improvement games.
10) Not getting help for relationship troubles.
11) Believing that life should be easy.
12) Using the program to handle everything.

  Once we get the monkey off our backs, emotional sobriety is the next step in recovery. Because drugs and alcohol suppress emotions, addicts don't develop the emotional maturity necessary to learn from life experiences. Once the drugs and alcohol are removed, we still have to face the problems we've been running from: severe and incapacitating depression or anxiety, chronic relationship problems, underachievement, unprocessed traumas, insomnia, anger and rage, self-hate, fear of social interactions, inability to pursue dreams, thoughts of suicide, feeling lost and alone, and constantly thinking about using. Many of these problems are what caused us to become addicted in the first place, so if we don't learn how to deal with them, just simply not using is not going to work. These problems are not going to go away on their own.

  "12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery" is one of the best relapse prevention books I've read. As every addict will tell you, quitting is easy, it's staying quit that is hard. If you are serious about recovery, and really want to quit, but just can't seem to, you may be making one or more of these mistakes, so read this book and give it another try.

David Allan Reeves
Author of "Running Away From Me"
2364344
This book is perfect for anyone seeking 12 step recovery adapted to fit the Pagan lifestyle.
4566221
If you are in a recovery program or are a student of A Course in Miracles, you will really enjoy this book.  You might also wish to check out Daily Meditations for Practicing The Course by Karen Casey.  I am on my third time through this book.  I have been a student of "The Course" for quite a few years.  It is quite a journey.
2438558
Great, it was recommended to me and it written to the recovery process a few more exercises as you heal.  A lot of the same my Physical therapist has given me.
2247800
The Twelve Steps for Christians provides a study for alcoholics, addicts, etc. who KNOW WHO their GOD is. We have created a recovery group using this book that brings believers together in CHRIST for their recovery. The scriptures and CHRIST HIMSELF are the ROCK upon which we follow the 12 steps and change lives. It has been a welcomed ministry for our church and a blessing for the christian who needs to attend 12 step meetings,...keep their eyes upon JESUS and what HIS GRACE and MERCY have done for them, ...and practice becoming a truly new creature IN CHRIST.
3519869
Tom Monte's book is a book written from his heart that details 7 steps involved in the healing process involved in recovering from a severe illness.  Cancer and Cushing's Disease are among the illnesses written about.  The book is both inspirational and self help.  It provides a diet to follow and recipes conducive to recovery from severe illness. Tom talks about 12 people, 4 in detail that recovered from illnesses they were not expected to and then gleans the lifestyles, diet, exercise and other healing techniques that contributed to their recovery.  If you are recovering from a severe illness or supporting someone who is....BUY THIS BOOK and read if from cover to cover!!!
3155136
As an individual in long term recovery and what that means for me is that I have not used a drink or drug recreationally since March of 1986, I recommend this book.  My recovery began in 12step programs and I am grateful for their existence.  As my understanding/sobriety increased, I was drawn to "Buddhism" particularly Zen.  Noah has generously articulated much of what my experience has been in recovery and while as one reviewer pointed out empirical evidence is lacking, what he has written resonates. The language and process in his book is practical and easy to follow, without some of the magical thinking found in some programs.  I plan to host a meeting.
3708926
Thank you for sharing your journey to wellness. I am in awe of the power of narrative therapy and your journey to recovery!! Hope that doctors can see the wonder of the healing this modality can provide. Thank you for opening this door and path for me!
3014679
The pure message. The fundamental program, worked fundamentally, will bring fundamental change. The 'program' is about helping others and subsequently improving the self. Be open to questioning all that you think you know about recovery, read this book and become empowered to affect change in others and in yourself. The message in the book is nothing new but it seems radically different from what is taught in recovery meetings today. Recovery can be a very fast process. Read this book and find out how simple it is to achieve full recovery from substance dependence.
2018517
Mountain Air is a good read for 12-steppers and people in recovery in generalespecially those who may be facing the challenge of returning to (or finding oneself in) environments which could trigger relapse.

What I liked best about this book is that it connected the experience of Higher Power with the power of Mother Natureas reflected in the change of seasons, the wisdom of natural cycles of flora and fauna in Nature and the natural environment, as  potent guides along the journey beyond relapse into deeper healing.  As a therapist myself, and author of Betrayal, Trust and Forgiveness,  I also especially appreciated the humility and courage required from the author (who is clearly a helping professional) to publicly (not anonymously) admit her own  need to seek professional help as part of her journey of recovery from relapse.  Questions at the end of each chapter can be useful tools for confronting Self-betrayal as may happen when traversing the slippery slopes of relapse recovery.
4218316
This is a very helpful book for anyone at any stage in their recovery. It is easy to understand. It gives another way to look at an old problem "How to maintain recovery". As someone who has worked in the field of addiction medicine for over 30 years I would recommend this book.
227493
This is one of my favorite recovery books.  If you have time in and struggle this is a a helpful.  The story is a sponsor taking a sponsee through the steps . the sponsee is a yale educated "Big Brain" and the sponsor a grizzled old timer. I get it out and read it once or twice a year.  Lots of wisdom packed into an easy read. If you wrestle with "Big Brain" syndrome meaning you think you know it all especially about program, this is a must read.
3083760
Easy and quick reading - I have just begun the book and was referred to it by Smart Recovery.  I recommend you visit this site if you have not done so yet
2988346
I really love these meetings, and it is a very cool idea to recovery, for something a bit different than 12 steps.
2524287
Chapter 5, in action. I am a recovered alkie, sober almost 30 years. I encountered this book from a friend. I now highly recomend it to any new person I encounter searching for more than the current 'teachings' in AA.  Anyone who is willing to do the 12 steps exactly as written can attain all  these folk have and more. The voices in this book tell exactly how it  works. The experience of each writter is believable with no pulled punches.  It is my belief this book will be a great addition to any sober alkies  library. I like the idea of the same writters telling how they got sober  doing the steps, and later describing how they found a 'Power Greater than  themselves' as stated in the book 'Alcoholics Anonymous'. I can think of  about 25 people I would buy this book for Christmas or Birthdays or just  because they're my friends. WPG. Recovered Alkie
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This prayer journal bible study saved my life and my son's as he was battling Mental Illness and addiction. It led me to listen to God more and then led us to WestBridge, a rehab dual diagnosis facility. He is now 9 years sober and works there as a counselor/care manager. Go to WestBridge.org for info, God Bless!