Editorial Review

"I loved my mom very much. I also hated her." The confusion and pain experienced by daughters of alcoholic mothers remains a somewhat taboo subject, but is thoroughly explored in this fascinating and inspiring book by Eleanor Agnew and Sharon Robideaux. The two authors come from entirely different backgrounds: one is the daughter of an educated East Coast professional family; the other, from a family of poverty-stricken, uneducated Southerners. What they have in common is their childhood with alcoholic mothers, their consequent suffering of mental and physical abuse, and their struggle with the need to protect, keep secrets, and survive.Agnew and Robideaux gathered the stories in Read more

Reviews (13)

The best book I have found
As an adult daughter of an alcoholic mother, I have read several ACoA books but never really found anything that spoke to me like My Mama's Waltz did. I was amazed at how many issues stem from growing up with an alcoholic mother. It was so comforting to read others' experiences and know that I'm not crazy and other women are going thru the same things. This book is a gem and I have recommended it to my three sisters and a girlfriend. So far, everyone has loved it as much as I did. If you are an adult daughter of an alcoholic mother you have to read this book!!!

Healing words
I have not even finished this book yet, but already I feel like I'm healing. My mother was an alcoholic (now dry), her mother was an alcoholic, and I used to drink heavily myself. It's shedding light on some of my tendencies (trying to bend over backwards to please everyone, feeling abandoned by my mom at times, and so on). It also explains to me some of her behaviors and why she has anger lingering in her life and how it affects her still. Very insightful.

Excellent
My mother was not an alcoholic, but her mother was. I helped me to understand my mother so much better and how being raised by an alcoholic effected her life. As a person in recovery 7 yrs and now a mom, this book solidified my sobriety to see what a burden an alcoholic mother can be to a child. Thank You. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Children Of Alcoholics    2. Clinical Psychology    3. General    4. Mothers and daughters    5. Psychology    6. Recovery    7. Self-Help    8. Sociology Of Women    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    10. Agnew, Eleanor    11. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    12. Fiction / General    13. Robideaux, Sharon   

Reviews (3)

Everyone should own a copy of this book!
This book is written in plain English and is easy to read. I enjoyed it so much that I purchased several copies a had them sent to my friends.

Becoming Naturally Therapeutic
Exceptional.Very practical.The author does a great job giving real examples for each of the therapeutic traits she espouses.I have worked with troubled youth for about 6 years and regularly refer to her book in my work with students and in coaching other staff.Very easy read, easily understandable, and right on the money!A great resource for anyone and everyone who fully engages in relationships with friends, lovers, clients.

thoughtful - thorough- practical & compassionate
Ms. Small's book is considered a "classic" in the field of counseling persons with addictive illness for very good reasons. Her writing is very clear, concise, jargon-free (a huge plus in a field wheresome books require a separate glossary to understand the terminology! ),and extremely practical. Her utilization of brief and to-the-point clinicalexcerpts from counseling sessions are always appropriate and are followedup by additional applications. Her chapter on "Confrontation,"will, once and for all, help novice and experienced clinicians understandthat it does not mean dealing with your or the client's anger, lying,transference, etc.; it is simply a way to directly help the other grasp theessence of their beliefs, communication(s) and behavior(s) in non-shamingways. Highly recommended to anyone considering counseling on either side ofthe equation and/or significant others of persons with addictive issues.One of the best i've run across in my 20+ years in the field.Alsorecommended to anyone interested in the qualities of a healer/effectivetherapist. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism    2. Alcoholism counseling    3. Caring    4. Counseling    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    9. Family & Health    10. Self-Help / Drug Dependence   

Reviews (10)

One of the Best on This Subject
I've given out many copies of this book over the years.It's been the source of profound insight for people coming out of dysfunctional family systems.The first part of the book on "Discovery" seems especially helpful, some of the tecniques in the last "Recovery" part of the book will help some but not all.A "one size fits all" approach will have it's limitations, but this book has been the most useful in shedding light on this pervasive problrem so many have to deal with.

A therapist's viewpoint
I refer to this book constantly.First read it in 1987.It provides and excellent tool for educating clients from alcoholic/dysfunctional families.The chapter on chronic shock is particularly enlightening.ACOAs reading it usually have an "aha" experience that leads to understanding and goes a long way toward problem resolution and new coping techniques.

Key to a mystery
This book solved a painful problem for me. It helped me first to see beyond my abstinent parents to my grandparents' alcohol problems. Next it suggested that my father could leave the alcohol, but bring an intense behavior pattern from that context.Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Children of Alcoholics    2. Recovery    3. Self-Help    4. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    5. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    6. Self-Help / Adult Children of Substance Abusers   

Reviews (9)

excellent
Besides going to alanon, this is an excellent starting point to validate and identify your problems with an alcoholic. Also buy Jeff Jay's LOVE FIRST--on how to do an intervention.I bought both of these books for myself and my friends so they would understand what I was going through (friends give you all the wrong advice until they really understand)and help me with the intervention--which WORKED!!! Don't be afraid to tell people. You are hurting yourself and your children by keeping secrets.Believe me, my 6 year old knew way more than i could have imagined when I started being honest with her--I was shocked--sometimes it seemed like she understood more than I did). To my shock--My husband went into a 28 day detox/alcohol rehab program after I did the intervention---it MUST be done RIGHT to work!Even the interventionist said he was a really tough case.These 2 books did the trick (I read many other books that did not "speak to me" the way these 2 books did. After 2-3 years of research online and in books--these are the 2 books that worked for me and my husband.After his 28 days treatment he refused a sober house (which was a mistake--it would have been better if he was recovering away from me and my daughter for OUR sake not his).In a sober house, the newly sober alcoholic can still go to work, see family, etc--he just lives in the sober house for support and checks and balances). So, After the 28 days, he has now been in outpatient rehab for 2 months.A very slow, emotional time for the family, but at least he is abstaining from alcohol.They tell me it takes 4-6 months for their heads to clear and really start a true recovery. THUS, I cannot stress enough that AFTER treatment the follow up is almost as tough. You must get your WHOLE family into recovery/treatment--the best thing is to insist that you alcoholic spouse/friend/dad/eic. go to outpatient rehab after inpatient rehab (even better, to a sober house first after inpatient treatment) and then the family and significant other should be in any and all programs available at the out patient tratment.That is when you realize that YOU need to help YOURSELVES and stop worrying about the alcoholic.PLEASE, go to ALANON as well and read these books. Also look at books on co-dependency to help you and your children get a life.The books by Beatty (I forgot her first name)on co-dependent 12 steps are excellent too. ESPECIALLY if you have kids involved.

A good place to start...
This book is a good place to start when you realize there need to be changes in your life -- especially when you are married to an alcohol abuser.While not everything in the book was tailored to my situation, I found the information to be helpful and insightful.The style of writing is a bit casual, but I think that is purposeful to keep the reader involved.I plan to purchase the books about adult children of alcoholics by the same author.

better answer than this horrible solution is available
I understand that it's not easy to leave your spouse-- even when you can't find him anymore under all that alcohol.However, if the environment is entirely sick and you have children involved, how can you justify staying?This book IS helpful if that's your decision, but the truth is, you'd be better off thinking about holding an intervention and help the person.They don't have to hit bottom and you don't have to settle for a life loneliness and sadness and disappointment.Drunks are irrational, illogical, and can be MEAN.If you are in a relationship with someone exhibiting these characteristics secondary to alcohol abuse, why would you stay indefinitely?
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Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism    3. Family relationships    4. Psychological aspects    5. Recovery    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    8. United States    9. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    10. Self-Help / Alcoholism   

Reviews (34)

A wondrous and wild ride
Pete Hamill's memoir of his early days in Brooklyn, his flirting with the visual arts, and his later years as a hard-drinking reporter and writer is brutally honest, evocatively descriptive, and crackles with so much emotion and description that the reader feels as if he's right along with him.

New York in the 50's
Pete Hamill is a New Yorker and he explains what it was like to grow up in the 50's.Some of his insights are brillant.For example his discussion of how television changed community life was wonderful.He also points out how a young person could move around the City was nostalgic.
Brilliant autobiography of a life in which drinking is pervasive
I picked this up because it was referenced in Caroline Knapp's Drinking: A Love Story, and the two are often cross-marketed on Amazon.com.I was expecting more of a story about alcoholism and specific drunk events in Hamill's life.This is much more than a story about alcoholism, it is a story about Hamill's life, and alcohol just so happens to be pervasive throughout his childhood and adulthood.This is truly a complete picture of a man, of his boyhood in the Neighborhood, his family, marriage, his career, and alcohol touched every aspect of his life.Drinking was a constant throughout Pete's journey--a way to celebrate with friends, a way to get through your anger, a way to be social in the Neighborhood, and a way to relate to your co-workers as a newspaperman.In Hamill's boyhood, it was a point of pride in the Neighborhood to be able to handle your liquor, not to be a drunk, but to keep a steady stream of drinking while trading jokes and stories and songs.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Authors, American    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Editors, Journalists, Publishers    8. General    9. Irish Americans    10. Journalists    11. Social life and customs    12. United States    13. Alcoholism    14. American English    15. Biography & Autobiography / General    16. Biography: general    17. Drug addiction & substance abuse   

Reviews (2)

The Self-Sabotage Syndrome
From the moment I started to read this book, I was 'smacked in the face' by the relevence of this book in my life at this "exact juncture" !. PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO WORK-RELATED PROBLEMS
If you have been losing jobs despite working "very hard", and you are an ACoA, this is the book that will finally answer the big questionof "why! "ACoA's, as explained succinctly yet in detail byWoititz, have ingrained patterns of behavior that result in problems on thejob.We can identify these patterns, come to understand where they camefrom, and finally, do something to change them! This book gave me far moreinsight than years of counseling - Woititz truly knows the ACoA! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult children of alcoholics    2. Alcoholism    3. Alcoholism and employment    4. Employment    5. Industrial Social Work    6. Psychology    7. Recovery    8. Self-Help    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    10. Anthropology    11. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    12. Popular psychology    13. Self-Help / Adult Children of Substance Abusers   

Editorial Review

George McGovern, the 1972 Democratic nominee for President, offers a tragic family drama while confronting the choices of his own life in this story of a daughter's fatal fight with alcoholism. Told in direct prose, the tale is a harrowing one. Teresa Jane McGovern, the middle child of five, began drinking at age 13, was hospitalized for depression after her arrest for smoking pot at age 19, cleaned up for a while in her 30s, but then spiraled out of control until she froze to death in a parking lot after a drinking binge. Her father openly examines his role and the causes of his daughter's demise. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Terry's Purpose in Life-To Help Others Through Her Story
This story holds a grip on me that I can't get over. Maybe I am like George McGovern myself in that I too can't explain what causes a beloved child in the family to grow up and self destruct. This story haunts me in that I am watching my own daughter at the age of 43 create similar suffering for every member of her family and friends who love her. I relate so strongly to the McGovern family on every page of this book, even to our own happy 50th wedding anniversary last year, that it frightens me based on Terry's tragic outcome just a year after the McGovern's celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. At the same time, I am so grateful for McGovern's advice as to what he would have done differently, especially in the last several months of Terry's life. I just bought several books for family members, and one to donate to a Milwaukee area hospital Women's Pavillion library that has every subject covered but alcoholism! This book documents one of the most heart rending accounts of alcohol addiction that I could ever imagine. Your tears may stain these pages, but Terry is continuing to help others, like me as she did in life through the courages words of her father.

A Father's Tragedy
This book was an incredible read.I was riveted from page one. Terry McGovern's death was such a senseless one.It serves to remind me that not all alcoholic deaths are due to cirrhosis(sp?) Alcohol can claim lives in the strangest of ways.Terry McGovern stumbled out of a bar and fell into a bank of snow, freezing to death.I still am shaken up when I think of this.
A harrowing and heartrending tale of alcoholism.
Former South Dakota senator, and one time Presidential hopeful, George McGovern relates the sad story of his daughter Terry, who's alcoholism finally killed her when she passed out in a snowfilled alley outside of a bar one cold December night.With an objective honest and insight into both his daughter and the nature of addiction, McGovern tells how him middle daughter grew up and became mired in an inescapable quicksand of addiction.Having recently lost my wife to the ravages of this disease (ironically this book was one of hers and one she quite enjoyed reading) I can relate to McGovern's feelings of anger, frustration, and helpless regret over how the disease warped both his daughter's spirit and mind.This book is an essential for anyone who has ever had to battle, or has a loved who battles, this wretched, life eating disease.Highest recommendation. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (George Stanley),    2. 1922-    3. 1949-1994    4. Alcoholics    5. Biography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Family Relationships    8. Legislators    9. McGovern, George S    10. McGovern, Terry,    11. Self-Help    12. Specific Groups - Special Needs    13. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    14. United States    15. McGovern, Terry    16. Self-Help / Alcoholism   

Reviews (7)

Happy Hours
This book is a "must read" for every young woman. The book is intelligent, an easy read and deals with the subject of women and alcoholism in a realistic and credible fashion.

Boring
I was really hoping I would read stories about different woman struggling with alcohol. Instead each chapter has only a paragraph about a woman's struggle and then spends the rest of the chapter discussing and dissecting it. I have not been able to finish the last few chapters because I get too bored while I am reading it.

She wrote the book for her sister, an alcoholic
Happy hours by Devon Jersild, is a book I would recommend to any woman who struggles with drinking at some point in their lives. It is written because AA is tailored towards men.Most recovery programs are, and they are sometimes hard for a woman to grasp the different thinking and tailored approach, alot of twelve step and treatment programs have.
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Subjects:  1. Self-Help    2. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    3. Women's Health - General    4. Women's Studies - General    5. Self-Help / Alcoholism   

Subjects:  1. Alcohol use    2. Alcoholism    3. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    4. Drug use    5. Geriatric Psychiatry    6. Older people    7. Psychiatry - General    8. Psychology    9. Psychopathology - Addiction    10. Recovery    11. Self-Help    12. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    13. Treatment    14. Addiction & therapy    15. Geriatric medicine    16. Psychiatry   

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism    2. Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects)    3. Erickson, Milton H    4. Group psychotherapy    5. Medical / Nursing    6. Neurology - General    7. Psychology    8. Substance abuse    9. Treatment    10. Addiction & therapy    11. Drug addiction & substance abuse    12. Psychology & Psychiatry / Psychotherapy    13. Psychotherapy   

Reviews (9)

Medicine for the sick
Wow. Reading this book was like discovering the world isn't flat, after all.If you love an alcoholic and have been afraid to change because you're afraid you'll lose the one you love, PLEASE read this book. Your life is waiting for you!!

I never thought a book could help me so much
If you've ever been in a relationship or marriage where you live with an alcoholic, you know that denial, saying it isn't that bad, making excuses for bad behavior and anything else you can think of that will not have to make you face reality all becomes a part of your behavior.After living with my alcoholic husband for ten years, this book gave me the courage to love myself and care about myself enough to start thinking of ME.I left my husband and his problem and it was the best thing that ever happened to both of us.It has been very painful, but it has brought a lot of honesty and relief.He joined AA and is in recovery.I don't know if I would have ever had the nerve to take a step for myself without the honest and forthright information this book has to offer.I keep it by my bedside and reread it whenever I need a lift or reassurance.Thank you, Toby, for every chapter, especialy Chapter 33, "Don't Say You're Changing - Just Do It".I recommend this book to anyone in an alcoholic relationship.Like the book says, the decision to stay or not is yours and there are no guarantees either way, but loving yourself FIRST is the best thing you can do for yourself and the ones you love.

This book saved my life.
How unique every situation is. Yet how amazingly SIMILAR. Read more

Subjects:  1. Recovery    2. Self-Help    3. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism   

Reviews (6)

No Axe To Grind
Clear readable practical education and guidance on dealing with your or your loved one's addiction.Covers all the most important treatment approaches without moralizing and helps you choose what is most helpful or appropriate to your situation. I have already recommended to two patients who both found it tremendously helpful.

Forget the title-This is a really smart book!
The title of this series always turns me off--so formulaic and usually simplistic. But this book is different! The format is simple and the material is presented in the clear, crisp and easily readable style typical of this series but this book is also truly wise, practical and compassionate in its approach. There is up-to-date information on medications, the physiology of addiction, treatments and groups that can offer support to the addicted person and plenty of practical advice for those on the sidelines (family, friends, spouses) who want to help but don't understand the problem. The book makes practical suggestions for treatments/groups that can help, how to deal with relapse cravings and moving forward in life without relying on an ultimately self-destructive habit. I have 30 years of experience as a therapist and this is one of the few selp-help books that I respect. I plan to give it to my clients and to recommend it to colleagues. Buy it---you won't be disappointed!

The best book I've read on addiction--really helpful!
I can't recommend this book too highly. I have been working in this field for years and have searched for a book that would not turn off people struggling to come to terms with addictive problems. This book is easy to read, concise and presented in a manner that invites the reader to stay with the material. In addition to giving great information on the biology of addiction, it is full of excellent suggestions on how to practically go about attacking the problem. And it is optomistic! So important when someone feels overwhelmed by the problem and has struggled, often unsuccessfully, to change behaviors that are self-defeating. I would also advise relatives and friends of addictive persons to use this book to help them cope better with this issue and to find hope. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    2. Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects)    3. Psychopathology - Addiction    4. Recovery    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    7. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    8. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (1)

Great author, but watch for errors...
This author writes on this subject in an informative and unbiased way.I am a nursing student and this kind of knowledge is essential. Especially since I will probably end up working in an Emergency Department or as a Psych Nurse.I could only give it 3+ stars.I couldnt give it 4 or 5 stars as I did find some technical errors.Also some of the information presented does not clarify somethings, which could lead someone to a misconception. But all in all this is a book I would recommend to students of health professions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry - Organic    2. Drugs    3. Drugs of abuse    4. Medical    5. Pharmaceutical Preparations    6. Pharmacology    7. Pharmacy    8. Psychopathology - Addiction    9. Psychotropic drugs    10. Public Health    11. Public Health (General)    12. Science    13. Science/Mathematics    14. Social aspects    15. Alcoholism    16. Drug addiction & substance abuse    17. Neurosciences    18. Science / Chemistry / Organic    19. USA   

Reviews (37)

Ever give up drinking for a few weeks to make a point?
I'm in my 50's, spent 20+ years working in middle management in Fortune 500 companies, rarely even got hangovers, but was worried that I was drinking too much.I found this book an excellent wake-up call for those of us whose drinking, over the years (or decades) has been escalating to the point where we begin to wonder if our relationship with booze is getting the better of us.Its the fact that the auther was both a successful profession, and not perceieved by anyone else as having a serious problem that is what struck home the most for me.Like the author, I have several times quit drinking for a week or a month just to show myself I can.The mere fact that I felt I needed to do this was proof that I was at least sub-consciously aware that I was developing a dependence.Over the years, I began drinking more frequently and in greater quantity (although always 'safely' - either at home or when someone else was driving).While this book might be considered 'fluff' by real hard-core abusers, I think its value is in helping those who are beginning to question their lifestypes to really understand where they might be heading.

There are alternatives for thinking people
Good personal stories included in this book.
An excellent read; a good beginning
I heard about this book on the unhooked.com website. This a must read for an intelligent person who is serious about never drinking again. Just enough scientific research intermixed with personal stories - most high bottom drinkers will find themselves in this book.Those who trashed this book seemed to be filled with anger (a very predictible alcoholic response.) A few desired detailed research statistics on alcoholism.I don't need exhaustive studies to tell me if I have a problem or not but if need be, you can find all that online.What's important to remember is: This is just ONE of the many valuable tools available for becoming sober for life.If you are wise enough to take from this book what will help you and not expect it to be your "Big Book" then you will definitely benefit from the read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism    3. Recovering alcoholics    4. Rehabilitation    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    7. Treatment    8. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse   

Reviews (5)

Very useful book, but it takes study
This is an excellent book to read if you want to stop drinking.However, I personally tried to stop drinking using this book alone, which didn't work.After a few years of making half-hearted attempts to quit drinking, I finally started going to SMART Recovery Meetings (Self-Management and Recovery Training), and that did the trick.SMART Recovery is based on cognitive and REBT therapy, which is exactly what Philip Tate teaches in this book.In fact, Philip Tate is actively involved in the SMART Recovery organization.
Reads like a lesson in psychology, not that helpful in my opinion.
This book focuses way too much on disputing irrational self-defeating thoughts such as putting yourself down for not being able to stop drinking. The books answers your self-defeating thinking with such retorts as "prove it" over and over again. This book is also very ambiguous with confusing statements like this one all throughout the book.
Great Book!
Very enlightening for people stating, "I don't really want to quit, I've tried to quit and I can't, or I don't really think I have a problem."Read more

Subjects:  1. Self-Help    2. Sociology    3. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    4. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    5. Alcoholism    6. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    7. Self-Help / Alcoholism   

Reviews (17)

Yet another "recovering alcoholic" disrespecting the program they supposedly hold dear...
This stuff makes me sick.Ms. Cheever is supposedly a recovering alcoholic, yet she chooses to deliberately ignore the parts of the program that are inconvenient to her career.
Reaction to the Deeply Dissappointed from an addict...
This story may have been inaccurate on certain details that mean very little when one is trying to find inspiration to help overcome addiction.When you are trying to figure out what is wrong with you and why you fell into this pattern of self abuse, names, dates, and the difference between methods and techniques mean very little.This story with it's flaws and inaccuracies still got my attention and gave me comfort.In fact if you think about it, there are many different versions of the Bible that only differ by one or two small details yet they all provide comfort to millions as this story provided to me and I'm sure many other addicts, the same way that Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob intented when they began.

An exploration into the root of all conflict, deeper than supposed
opposites such as sobriety/addiction, good/evil, etc.And what a deeply touching book Susan Cheever has written here, so loving and affectionate, so eloquent -- the very reasons to be suspect by our sober fellow citizens still awaiting the untarnished messiah who will deliver us from this vale of tears!Of course Bill Wilson was no saint!And JFK and MLK were promiscuous, the list goes on and on.Lincoln was a depressive, now he was even gay!
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Subjects:  1. Alcohol Abuse    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. General    6. Specific Groups - Special Needs    7. Twelve-Step Programs    8. Alcoholism    9. Biography & Autobiography / General    10. Biography: general   

Reviews (2)

Insightful, cutting edge help for those with family problems
This book provides practical real-world direction for dealing with painful, frustrating situations involving substance using family members.I would recommend this book to anyone who has a family member who won't get help for their addiction.It is easy to read and gives clear direction for real world problems.

A brave new approach
For anyone who has struggled with the helplessness and the pain of loving an alcoholic, this is the book for you. Meyers and Wolfe lay out a definitive and realistic plan of ACTION. Finally someone has the courage to say "You CAN help your loved ones." This unique approach has the potential to give new hope to so many. Thank you to these authors. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Change (Psychology)    3. Codependency    4. Family relationships    5. Recovery    6. Rehabilitation    7. Self-Help    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    10. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (2)

Ever person over 30 should read this book.......
If you have lived your life in the adult world for any period of time, it's time you read this book.Take a look at your emotions and relationships from a new perspective!This book gives us insight into why we behave the way we do, and then suggests ways to integrate ourselves into a broader perspective that allows us to change those things that are making us unhappy. the most lucid book on the basic problem of being human
Jonh Firman's "The Primal Wound" (with help from partner Ann Gila), is definitely not just another self-help book. It is the book toread if you want to understand the deep dynamics of growing up and thewounds or the primal wound that you carry.Using the wonderfullypost-Jungian model of Psychosynthesis, Firman details in clear and simplelanguage the development of wounds and how they create a survivalpersonality that is different from one's authentic personality. The book isa gem, full of ideas from amny sources.The integration of them will causetranspersonal theorists to take a closer look at what psychosythesis theoryhas to offer.This book shows that it has a lot to offer because it isintegrative and synthesizing in nature. This dynamic is part of thestructure of Psychosynthesis and Firman's book proves that we haven't heardthe last of him. There is a wealth of material here and wisdom as powerfulas it gets. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Psychiatry - General    3. Psychology    4. Psychosynthesis    5. Psychotherapy - General    6. Self-destructive behavior    7. Transpersonal psychology    8. Alcoholism    9. Drug addiction & substance abuse    10. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology   

Subjects:  1. Self-Help    2. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    3. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    4. Popular psychology    5. Self-Help / Twelve-Step Programs   

Reviews (4)

Problem Drinker or Alcoholic?It Doesn't Matter!
I don't know if I was a problem drinker or alcoholic.I don't care - I'm not into labels.But I do know I wanted to drink less and become less dependent on alcohol.And 7 Weeks helped me.One message in the book is you've got to take responsibility for your drinking instead of chalking it up to genes or a bad childhood or whatever.Another message is you can change if you want to.And Cornett gives concrete tips to cut down.
Drink/Link is not recommended for the alcoholic
This book is not written for those of us that have been overindulging for years.It is written for the folk that are on the verge of becomming an alcoholic.
A Winner for Anyone Questioning Their Drinking
This book has been a lifesaver for me. For years I enjoyed social drinking without problems, but the last couple of years I've questioned if I was drinking too much. This program showed me how to pace my drinking, how to make a drinking plan in advance before I started drinking(which really worked)and how to stick to my limit fairly easily. It also made alcohol less important to me - a huge step in the right direction to get back on the healthy social drinking path again. I recommend this book to anyone questioning their drinking. It's a straightforward approach to drink less and drink appropriately. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies    2. Recovery    3. Self-Help    4. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    5. Acupuncture    6. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    7. Alcoholism    8. Prevention    9. Drinking of alcoholic beverages    10. Psychological aspects    11. Health & Fitness - General    12. Moderation