Reviews (105)

This guy needs an editor
I got this book after reading so many great reviews of how it helped people quit. Well, I have no idea how they even got through this waste of paper. At first I thought it was just me, not paying attention to where I left off, but then I saw that some pages were exactly the same, word for word.How many times can you tell someone smoking is disgusting and you don't need willpower to quit? Apparently many. The repetition in this book made me so angry at the poor quality, I wanted to smoke more. This guy is a joke- He quit smoking through hypnosis and now he thinks he knows all the secrets? Um, no. He is just trying to make money (and apparently its working) off people willing to try any way to quit.
I quit smoking a year ago today...
...without the use of sticky patches, gross and nauseating and heart-burninducing gums, tampon-applicator-resembling inhalors, therapy, drugs, hypnosis, herbal remedies, or the like.In fact, when I bought my last pack of cigarettes was when I stopped spending money completely on smoking or anything related to it.I had smoked since I was 14 and by the time I was 25, it held no pleasure.It was something that had to be done, a monster to be fed.The one thing I liked about this book initially was that it promised me I could quit smoking by simply not smoking and nothing more and that I was not a weak addict who needed further crutches to compensate for not smoking.
Stop being a slave - this book will free you.
This book will reveal the truth to you about smoking and your addiction to it with out scare tactics or guilt. After 33 years of being a slave to cigarettes this book gave me the mental weapons I needed to break my addiction. It is not the physical addiction that causes us pain - it is the mental one. After reading this book you will have the tools you need to become a non-smoker. If you want to quit.. get this book and just read it with an open mind. Do it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cigarette habit    2. Psychology    3. Recovery    4. Self-Help    5. Smoking cessation programs    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Smoking    8. Tobacco habit    9. SELF IMPROVEMENT - ADDCTN/RECVRY TRD HC   

Reviews (48)

no stars would be too much
if god is what you want, this is the book for you. If is a way to seperate your self from the horror of alcohol abuse, look else where.This is a book review, not a whos right or wrong blog. After reading this book, I have deducted that the teachings are cult like and support no scientific fact. The version of the book has been updated over time, but still contains the premise originally written over 69 years ago. 69 years? You are going to treat a behavior problem with a technique that old? Its like cutting off your leg to treat a broken ankle. Things have changed, along with the treatment of substance abuse. About the authors, You have the internet USE IT. William Wilson, writing the book was going through withdrawls and under the influence of a drug called belladonna. Any one would report "seeing god" under those circumstances. Wilson was also unfaithfull to his wife, with new members of AA, this is called 13th stepping. Most of all he plagerised other authors to develop his program. The Steps were stolen from a man named Buchman, who wanted control through his religous beliefs, (the Oxford Group) and was a Hitler supporter. Please, if you are getting mad at my review, Check the internet or other books that support my statements.
Superb book, but I can't believe the price.
I'm in AA, and was just perusing the Amazon pages.I came upon the Big Book, and was totally amazed at the price they're charging. At ouR AA group, we sell the Big Book for $6.00, $6.50 for the large print.Go to a meeting, sit & listen, and then go buy it there.It'll save you a ton of money, and you might hear something that sounds familiar.

Amazing philosophy of life
This book is amazing.It has a lot to offer anyone, not just alcoholics, as a philosophy for living.If you strip away all the specifics about drinking and about "God," the _point_ of the book is very Buddhist in a way, very Christlike (as opposed to Christian): take care of the plank in your own eye.Live and let live, stop trying to control others, accept the world rather than trying to control it, don't argue, and so on.Whether you believe in "God" or not, the philosophy of not struggling against the world is beautiful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Recovery    2. Self-Help    3. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    4. Twelve-Step Programs    5. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (17)

It Works if you Work It!
The steps in this book work, if you do what they suggest!
"Don't confuse" ... reply
To the person who wrote "don't confuse AA with religion,"I think it is you who should reread the book.The book would never call someone "ignorant" who thinks AA is religion.It goes on and on about how DIFFICULT IT IS to accept that you are powerless over alcohol and that only by giving yourself over to a "higher power" will you get better.It's hardly "ignorant" to feel that way, such people simply are not "ready" for the AA "message."
DON'T CONFUSE AL-ANON WITH RELIGION
The negative comments left by a few are fairly ignorant, in that Al-anon is NOT a religion NOR does it EVER suggest that a person BE religous in order for the program to work.It asks people to be SPIRITUAL, which is entirely different. Those who don't understand what this book is about (which IS part of the process by the way) should GO to an Al-Anon meeting and get themselves educated, instead of JUST reading a book and then discounting the entire program and book out of ignorance. They are doing themselves AND their loved-one a HUGE disservice! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics Anonymous    2. Alcoholism    3. Psychology    4. Recovery    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    7. Treatment    8. Twelve-Step Programs    9. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (39)

The Sun Shone on Me
Get the "Expanded Edition" if possible. Alcoholic issues and mental health issues have been around for quite some time. Woititz Marries the two in a wonderful owner's manual for your (or someone close to yours soul) The person close to me was severely compromised by her (sober) parents ACoA issues and the other siblings' willingness to buy into the insanity. If you can find a book called "Grandchildren of Alcoholics" by Ann W. Smith, it is an excellent resourse for people who dont see alcoholism in their own families, but perhaps do see it in their grandparents. Would love to hear from others on the same journey.

Educational/Easy to Read
This book is excellant for ACOA's who wish to gain a better understanding of how their childhood has lasting effects on their life as an adult.It was my first book on the subject, and a great introduction.

Not a good first book on the subject
I've read a number of books on this subject. I wouldn't say this book was unhelpful but is too absolute in its information to be anything but alarming to anyone tentatively looking for answers. It's also not very well written. I would suggest reading either "Recovery, A Guide for Adult Children of Alcoholics" by Gravitz & Bowden (an excellent first book) along with "A Primer on Adult Children of Alcoholics" by Cermak for an added layer; and then, absolutely essential as a more in-depth book: "Children of Alcoholism - A Survivor's Manual" by Seixas & Youcha. Leave the Woititz book for more information. By all means, read it. It does have excellent information; just remember the adage "Take what you need and leave the rest". Something she unfortunately forgot to include. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult children of alcoholics    2. Alcoholics    3. Alcoholism    4. Codependency    5. Family relationships    6. General    7. Recovery    8. Self-Help    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    10. United States    11. Adolescent children    12. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    13. Marriage, family & other relationships    14. Self-Help / Codependency   

Reviews (9)

Phenomenol Book
Incredible little book that I discovered when I first got sober.Practical suggestion for daily living without a drink.This book was exactly what I needed when I began my life transformation.Highly recommended for anyone that desires to live a day at atime without a drink.

Living Sober
This book has great, practical suggestions on dealing with situations and feelings that are troublesome for alcoholics. It does not "preach" or talk down to the reader.Every AA meeting should make this book available!
This should be the 2nd book you acquire...
...right after "Alcoholics Anonymous" aka "The Big Book". First, as a recovering alcoholic myself, I must comment on some of the previous statements here that border on reckless endangerment:
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Subjects:  1. Recovery    2. Self-Help    3. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    4. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    5. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (2)

A woman's Way is a terrific guide
A Woman's Way Through the twelve steps workbook is a great tool to accompanyStephanie Covington's book "A Womans Guide through the Twelve Steps.The questions are insightful and to the point without being overwhelming.I have found these two books to be an immeasurable asset to working the twelve steps.

Heads Up Ladies!
This is definitely a head's up and listen up for women in recovery....using this in conjunction with "A Womans' Way Through the Twelve Steps" is a sure way to add to any other 12 step program that you may be using.I am a person who has been in recovery for 10 years, and found that many women's issues were not being addressed and this combination is an absolute winner.It can be used by yourself, working with a sponsor or in a group ..some wonderful "aha's" have been experienced and so many women helped in this process.Read it...do it....you won't be sorry. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drug And Alcohol Abuse Treatment    2. Mental health    3. Obsessive-compulsive disorder    4. Recovery    5. Self-Help    6. Sociology Of Women    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    8. Treatment    9. Twelve-Step Programs    10. Women    11. Drug addiction & substance abuse    12. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    13. Popular psychology    14. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (30)

Very Very TRUE!
My husband and I both endured shame and guilt based rearing in our youth.Faced with the birth of our second child due this fall, we felt the need to close some old issues that continue to reoccour in our own parenting.We picked up this book and read it in one night.We cried because this book spoke to the very core of our issues and gave us great ideas into healing our past.I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who had a difficult childhood.

Finally some tools to work with
I am so grateful for this book as it has already given me so many insights. Somehow I thought that I was bad or defective, that there was something inherently wrong with me. Having read this book I realise I am the person years and my parents have made me into. A child whose family was dysfunctional and whose parents leaned heavily on alcohol as years went by, how could I have grown into a healthy young woman? Instead, I am an intelligent perfectionist, an over-responsible workaholic who tolerates being treated badly and neglects her own needs. However, I have been able to see that I can change - that I do have the right to learn to live a balanced and happy life. I also bought the work book that goes with this text book, and am thoroughly enjoying filling it in. My mind is working overtime making new connections and trying to make sense of my life, but I wouldn't change it for anything.

Not a good place to start
This is not a book for "newbies." If your family is f*cked up, you'll do better with information that is more basic to supporting your getting OUT, rather than how to survive being in it... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Children of Alcoholics    2. Adult children of dysfunctiona    3. Adult children of dysfunctional families    4. Codependency    5. Inner Child    6. Recovery    7. Rehabilitation    8. Self    9. Self-Help    10. Treatment    11. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    12. Popular psychology    13. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (16)

An Exceptional Book: The Peniultimate Alternative Health and Detoxification Guidebook
This book was out of print for years and I despaired of ever obtaining a copy of my own."The Detox Book" is an exceptional but sadly overlooked and underused lifeline to near-perfect health in our imperfect and toxic world.
Bruce Fife's program will teach you how to rest and restore your body's natural detoxification abilities.
Functional medicine is ideal medicine made real; it is a new medical model--a more successful way of treating human illness and disease--born of recent technological and clinical advances applied in a fresh methodology. Through Detox, a term that covers regimens for ridding the body of toxic substances. These toxins can be ingested or inhaled: Pesticides, heavy metals, alcohol, cigarette smoke and dry-cleaning and other chemicals. Or internally produced: Hormonal by-products, cellular waste; if not ousted, they can impair immunity and lead to fatigue, mental fogginess, skin problems, neurological ailments or heart disease. Bruce Fife's book, The Detox Book: How to Detoxify Your Body to Improve Your Health, Stop Disease, and Reverse Aging, 2nd Edition contains all the information you need to complete your detoxification program at home. Our body's natural detoxification system is designed to support our health by eliminating waste products from our metabolism and from environmental toxins. Like any other hardworking system, it needs periodic rest and support to continue functioning optimally. Bruce Fife's program will teach you how to rest and restore your body's natural detoxification abilities.
Good book, but a little unrealistic at times
Overall, I really enjoyed this book.I've actually implemented much of the advice given, such as the All Natural Diet.This book has a lot of really good, useful information, and I was very enlightened on the chapters about fasting.I plan to try my first fast in the next week or so.
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Subjects:  1. Detoxification (Health)    2. General    3. Health & Fitness    4. Longevity    5. Medical / Nursing    6. Recovery    7. Toxicology    8. Toxins    9. Complementary Medicine    10. Diets & dieting   

Reviews (65)

if god is what you want.
if god is what you want, this is the book for you. If is a way to seperate your self from the horror of alcohol abuse, look else where. By reading the previous reviews, all I see is a bunch of name calling. AA members learn to seperate themselves from the so called NORMIES, and only find understanding through surrounding themselves with other alcoholics. This upsets them, and leads to the attacks you read here. Understand, this is a book review, not a whos right or wrong blog. After reading this book, I have deducted that the teachings are cult like and support no scientific fact. The version of the book has been updated over time, butstill contains the premise originally written over 69 years ago. 69 years? You are going to treat a behavior problem with a technique that old? Its like cutting off your leg to treat a broken ankle. Things have changed, along with the treatment of substance abuse. About the authors, You have the internet USE IT. William Wilson, writing the book was going through withdrawls and under the influence of a drug called belladonna. Any one would report "seeing god" under those circumstances. Wilson was unfaithfull to his wife, with new members of AA, this is called 13th stepping. Most of all he plagerised other authors to develop his program. The Steps were stolen from a man named Buchman, who wanted control through his religous beliefs. Please, if you are getting mad at my review, Check the internet or other books that support my statements. Support your recovery.

A desire to stop drinking, readiness at the bottom and the application of these TENETS has kept me sober for over 31 years.
Have just ordered another copy of "The Big Book" as mine has about worn out. Alcoholics Anonymous - the book and program together have stood the test of time. Many tens of thousands of people have become sober long term by keeping the "Big Book" handy. Alcoholics Anonymous literally saved my life. It is a blueprint for living that could benefit anyone. The seriousness of Alcoholism can be identified as an insidious killer of person, family, friends, work reltionships and more. Keep the book around - it can work for you!!

Showing Its Age
Yes, the spiritual ideas encompassed in this book are timeless.In fact, all the principles within are found in any mainstream religion.It has been extrodinarily helpful to me in transforming my life.
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Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholics Anonymous    3. Alcoholism    4. Recovery    5. Rehabilitation    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    8. Treatment    9. Twelve-Step Programs    10. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (11)

Morning devotionals
We facilitate a 12-day educational program on the disease of addiction and we often use this book for morning devotionals. Twelve days of devotionals for the 12 steps of recovery.

An awesome help for anytype of recovery
If you are in any type of recovery the Serenity: A Companion For 12 Step Recovery is a must.It has all the steps that assist you as you go through each step of your recovery.This book can help restore you in all areas of your life.Even if you are not in "recovery" it's a 5 star companion for any Christian to have.

Love It!!!
The beginning or the book give a very helpful description of the 12 step, As helpful as any other "12 + 12" publication.Then it links each step to passages in either the NT, Psalms, or Proverbs and has a full page meditation.Very helpful and the best book I've fould to find scripture readings that directly support each of the 12 steps! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bibles    2. Bibles - New King James    3. Psychology    4. Recovery    5. Social Psychology    6. Christian Living    7. Christian ministry & pastoral activity    8. Religion / Bibles / New King James    9. Spiritual Growth   

Reviews (10)

Freedom from Mara (Illusion)
This is an interesting dimension on the 12-steps which were Christian in origin and spiritual in nature. One Breath at a Time is a Buddhist slant on the one day at a time approach in recovery. One primary lesson from Buddhist philosophy is that attachment and craving are at the root of suffering. Addiction is both an attachment and a craving whose compulsions take over and trap an individual in an endless cycle. Whether the addiction is to a substance or a behavior the illusion that it frees the person from pain is what mara is ... a mirage promising bounties that are empty. So ... for those who are interested in other perspectives of recovery - this is one read to consider.

Recommended
This book is well written and easy to read.I relapsed with 13+ years in a 12 step program and having a difficult time getting reconnected.As someone with Buddhist leanings who never quite bridged the gap between the steps and Buddhism I found this book to be of great help.If you are even remotely interested in working the 12 steps from a Buddhist perspective I highly recommend this book.

Excellent.
This is the book I have been looking for since I started studying and practicing Buddhism 13 years ago.It is clear, insightful and the author uses his life experience as examples.Kudos! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Compulsive behavior    3. Meditation    4. Moral and ethical aspects    5. Recovery    6. Religious aspects    7. Self-Help    8. Self-help techniques    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    10. Twelve-Step Programs    11. Body, Mind & Spirit / Spiritualism   

Reviews (27)

Informative
I appreciated the unbiased information presented in this book...It was quite eye-opening and really changed the way I view alcoholism.The description of the physiological process of an alcoholic was amazing, completely different than I would have expected.A good read, A MUST read for anyone learning about the disease.

Alcoholism information
This book really made me think about the meaning of the word alcoholism, the causes and effects of the disease. Enlightening.

Accurate and Informative
This small book is still the most helpful tool for those who wish accurate information about the physical and psychological aspects of alcoholism.The disease of alcoholism is still misunderstood and to many people remains a moral problem or a failure of will power.While there has been progress in the treatment of many diseases over the past 20 years, there has been little change in the outlook for a cure for alcoholism. This book explains the physical and psychological disease in a way that can be easily understood.I have used this book for 22 years and have provided it to persons who wish to recover from the disease, always to good effect.And I am so grateful that it continues to be in print. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Recovery    2. Self-Help    3. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    4. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    5. Self-Help / Alcoholism   

Reviews (31)

It's a good read
I liked the book and it didn't take long for me to read it. I did not grow up in a home with alcoholism or drug addiction (Other than nicotine), but I was able to relate to a lot of what was written in the book.

not helpful
I didn't find journaling and the recovery phase at all helpful. I think it's a lot of theory and not enough practical wisdom and the section on making requests for what you want in your partner totally ridiculous. In real life this doesn't work.

Recovery Tools
This book was recommended by my therapist. After going thru the whole book and writing all the exercises, I have unlocked and unloaded a ton of childhood pain and trauma.You will shed floods of tears and feel terrible feelings you have buried, but this process is like the purging of toxins so you can begin to heal.
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Subjects:  1. Interpersonal Relations    2. Love & Romance    3. Recovery    4. Relationship addiction    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Sexual    7. Coping with personal problems    8. Marriage, family & other relationships    9. Physiological & neuro-psychology    10. Self-Help / Codependency   

Reviews (64)

Feeling good Hand Book
this is an excellent self help book that can be used in conjunction with treatment to address depression, anxiety, and relationship issues.

Useful Addition
Definitely a useful companion to go along with the basic text.Sincerely and consistently practice the principles within these books and your life will change.Never give in to the despair of depression, it is an evil that can be conquered on a daily basis with persistence and courage.I personally know about the hell of depression, and also know that there is a way through it.Highly recommended.

Cognitive therapy classic
I read this book when I was going through a divorce several years ago.The handbook helped me to review the thinking that was contributing to my depression. Although my depression was situational, I was overwhelmed and was filtering information negatively.Recently, my son went through a depression and I gave him this book and another excellent book, Optimal Thinking--How to Be Your Best Self that provides specific questions to resolve disturbing emotions.I recommend each of these books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cognitive Psychology    2. Cognitive therapy    3. General    4. Psychology    5. Psychotherapy - General    6. Self-Help    7. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    8. Popular psychology    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Editorial Review

The roots of alcoholism in the life of a brilliant daughter of an upper-class family are explored in this stylistic, literary memoir of drinking by a Massachusetts journalist. Caroline Knapp describes how the distorted world of her well-to-do parents pushed her toward anexoria and then alcoholism. Fittingly, it was literature that saved her: She found inspiration in Pete Hamill's Read more

Reviews (132)

AMAZING!!!
Words can't even express how grateful I am to Caroline Knapp for writing this book. I've never seen my own thoughts and emotions over alcohol put into words and expressed so freely. I never really thought about my inner monologue before, or how I rationalize my drinking and subconsciously always make sure it is available. I've been seeing a counselor and have tried several times in the past to quit drinking. I don't think I had the strength to do so 100% until after I read this. I honestly feel like she followed me around w/ a video camera and electrodes hooked up to my brain to read my thoughts for the past 15 years! It allowed me to take a good look at myself and truly be honest with myself about my drinking and beahviors. This book was so powerful to me, and I urge any woman who is struggling w/ their own alcohol addictions to read it. You'll realize you're not alone!
R.I.PCaroline Knapp
CAROLINE KNAPP, who for 11 years worked for the Phoenix newspapers - first as a staff writer and editor, and then as a contributing columnist - died on Monday, June 3, from complications arising from lung cancer. She was 42.
Relationships
This book is for women who enjoy reading about relationships, in repetitive, excruciating, detail.Her mother, father, sisters, girlfriends, boyfriends, etc. etc. and her drinking.Guys will find this hard to keep open. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Case studies    8. Knapp, Caroline,    9. Recovering alcoholics    10. Specific Groups - Special Needs    11. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    12. United States    13. Women    14. d. 2002    15. Self-Help / Recovery   

Reviews (29)

An enlightening book!
This book was recommended by my therapist.It opened my eyes to a few things I did not see before.It helps you put words and faces to things you see and experience.It is very enlightening and helpful!!I would highly recommend it for anyone.It helps you to see and understand codependency, and ways that it manifests in our lives and childhood.It gives examples of functional and the dysfunctional.I just got the workbook that goes along with it, and am currently working on it.I give it many kudos!

Growing up in a dysfunctional way can be explained by Chaos Theory
We all know that when we drop a stone in one part of a pond it creates ripple effects.Its the same thing with a person's life from the very beginning, what happens to him or her in childhood creates a ripple effect or domino effect all the way to the present.People often say that they are who they are not just because of their inborn traits but also because of their experiences in life.If what you have experienced in childhood made you who you are, which in turn influenced your behavior in your adolescent and teen-age years, which again added new negative experiences for we know how brutal adolescent and teen-age years are, which again affected you and rippled effect to your 20's....the vicious cycle doesn't end.It is like what Chaos Theory is saying, "Sensitivity to initial reaction" it is observed everywhere: one domino, in a long line of dominos, fall..the rest fall too one by one; in a house of card you take off one from the bottom and a slight mistake will make the whole house of card fall; how you angled your shooting arm SLIGHTLY different from how you usually shoot a basketball affects the angle of the ball GREATLY by the time it gets close to the rim....this is because the effects can be INCREMENTAL, meaning for example as a person is growing up, the effects of childhood may not be noticable because its effects are incremental over the years, it COMPOUNDS in a way that you are not AT THE RIGHT LEVEL in your life...everybodys doing a Marathon and your not doing anything with your life at all, or your doing a one-hundred meter dash while everybody else is doing a Marathon, my point is your not doing it LEVEL by LEVEL as you grow up which in the long run compounds enough to begin to affect you adversely.If you were not doing anything in life at all later on you'll feel sorry for it for everybody lived their life, their at 8 and you are still at 4, and if you tried to be so ahead all of your life you might one day regret it because you didn't get to live life like how everybody else lived life, they went through 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10, you jumped from 1 to 10, MISSING OUT all in between! so childhood has a long effect on a person's life, maybe you can incrementally break free of your childhood, see what happens.

This book changed my life - better than similar titled
I read a lot of books with similar titles to this one.But this one is dramatically different in the sense that it (for me) correctly identified that the condition I live with is all about me... and that it lives and operates in me without having anything to do with anyone else - except that the actions of others can trigger me.
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Subjects:  1. Co-dependence (Psychology)    2. Codependency    3. General    4. Recovery    5. Self-Help    6. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    7. Self-Help & Practical Interests    8. Self-Help / Codependency   

Reviews (30)

Don't debate whether you need it or not...just read it
If you're investigating this book, chances are you can benefit greatly from the information.What harm can come from you feeling less shame in your life?None.
HEALING that keeps giving...
I bought my edition of Bradshaw's "Healing the Shame that Binds You" in 1988, one year after my experience with The Caron Foundation's ACOA treatment program.
An Excellent Starting Point for Recovery
From my own family experiences, I became numb to the world.This made the process of finding a solution difficult because I couldn't even find a starting point for recovery.This book was a fantastic source of enlightenment because it names, very specifically, the varying facets of shame and causes of depression.It helped me really put a finger on what I was wrestling with, and give me a "to-do" list for therapy.I don't think this book on its own will help you actually recover, but it definitely will give you a specific plan of action and greater understanding of how unhealthy behaviors perpetuate through generations.I believe talk therapy is the way to successful recovery because they can recognize unhealthy behaviors that you don't notice.Thankfully, professional therapists truly are a "safe place" to reveal secrets that tied you down.I'd recommend this book to people who felt numb like I did (and do), and need a way to regain some clarity.When you have the courage to face your darkest fears, you will realize it was worth a hundred times the pain in order to feel genuinely happy again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Personal Growth - General    2. Psychology    3. Psychotherapy    4. Recovery    5. Self-Help    6. Shame    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    8. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    9. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (11)

insightful
This very well written books offers insights about who we are as a person and why we are the way we are.I found the book very comforting because it reinforced what I was feeling inside.This book also gives advice about how to change.I think that even if you don't come from an "abusive" family you should read this book because I know that everyone can relate and learn from it in many ways.

Nobody teaches this stuff. Read it!
Excellent. A bit dated but timeless content. The beginning and end speaks to AA type meetings but it's not the main focus of the book, co-dependency is, which just about everyone deals with growing up. Quick read. There are a few short stories featuring animals that are sprinkled betweenthe chapters,adding levity and a moment to escape and explore how the new information may serve you. My favorite, The Goose, whose parents told her not to leave the pond despite her feeling sick but she finally did leave and discovered she was right. The family unit unknowingly puts family members into positions and then keeps them there unable to see the dysfunction. Once one family member took action leaving the others behind the others eventually followed. If one family member is acting out and you don't know why it is not always the issue of the one who is acting out, look beyond, look to yourself first. Highly recommended.

wow
Illuminating and frightening.We all have baggage and until we find a place to safely store it, those closest to us are also burdened with it.The ideas in this book promote taking responsibility for our actions, looking into the motivations of those actions, and examining the source of our attitudes without placing blame on anyone.It's a great book about growing up to be healthy and facing one's demons without guilt.It's a relief to read this material and know that it's OK to feel a certain way, and even better to feel that healthy change is possible. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult children of alcoholics    2. Adult children of drug addicts    3. Adult children of dysfunctiona    4. Adult children of dysfunctional families    5. Alcoholics    6. Alcoholism    7. Codependency    8. Family Psychotherapy    9. General    10. Recovery    11. Self-Help    12. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    13. Adolescent children    14. Self-Help / Codependency   

Reviews (13)

Great resource
I felt that this book effectively serves two purposes. First, it is an outstanding resource for survivors of sexual abuse and their partners to feel that they are not alone in their struggles and experiences. Second, as a clinician, this book gave me great insight to the experience of a sexual abuse survivor and gave me direction to use with clients who are survivors. After I finished reading it I loaned it to a client right away. Her response to reading it was as positive as mine.

Very Good and hard to find material
It's hard to find actual exercises for you and your partner like in this book. They work even if you figured out a few on your own, it's nice to know why they work so well. It's also good to hear the male side, I wasn't really sure how many men had been abused before, now I know. It's too bad more of us don't talk about it in the open we talk about everything else! Review
I bought this book, which is titled The Sexual Healing Journey, when I started healing from being abused in my childhood. When I first read this thorough book I felt able to relate to many of the topics. The topics included discussion on different types of sexual abuse, problems actual survivors developed as a result of abuse, positive assertion of the topic sexuality.Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - Sexual    2. Adult child sexual abuse victi    3. Adult child sexual abuse victims    4. Recovery    5. Rehabilitation    6. Self-Help    7. Sexual Instruction    8. Sexual abuse victims    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    10. Health & Fitness / Sexuality    11. Sex & sexuality    12. Sexual abuse   

Reviews (25)

Must-read for all those whose childhoods were less than perfect, and that's most of us
John Bradshaw does a beautiful job showing how we all carry a historical "inner child," the child we really were.When that child did not get the love and nurturance that it needed, it will either act out or act in later in our adu