Reviews (2)

Great book!
This is not a self-help book but rather a serious, comprehensive, professional presentation of the insidious nature of alcohol and its impact upon the basic structure and functioning of a family. The book is also outstanding simply because of the manner in which it approaches and describes the fundamental aspects of a family - even if one were not focused upon alcohol, the description of what makes up a family justifies purchasing the book. It is not a perfect book, and somewhat tedious/redundant during the last chapters, but it remains (despite a number of years since its publication) one of clearest and profound presentations on either subject (alcohol or family) there is.

Helps explain family systems theory and alcohol treatment
Steinglass' work is an excellent example of how Murray Bowen's family systems theory can be applied to the need to understand how alcohol becomes the central organizing princple in a family.The volume is written more for those who assist families and those in recovery, rather than the patients and family members themselves, that is, for any person in the helping professions who has a working knowledge of system's theory.Well-written, well-researched and quickly understood, it would be a good resource for anyone who deals with alcoholics, their families and adult children's issues.Again,the only drawback is that it is not for the general public but for helping agents and that is not a drawback as long as one is aware of that up front. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Psychology    2. Recovery    3. Self-Help    4. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    5. Alcoholism    6. Drug addiction & substance abuse    7. Family & relationships    8. USA   

Reviews (4)

God Bless Joe McQ!
I strongly disagree with the person who gave Joe one star and criticized him!I have met him personally, sat in his lectures and read his books several time.How can you possibly discourage those seeking recovery to avoid his wonderful books?Perhaps you are far ahead in your recovery, but there are those of us who definitely need Joe and his wisdom.I came in to buy several copies of The Steps We Took for friends of mine.

Brilliant
I can't recommend this book enough; it's even better than "The Steps We Took". Sponsorship Starter
As a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over twenty years, I'm always looking for some additional insights on working the twelve steps--especially for helping new sponsees taking the steps for the first time. I've listened to Joe and Charlie's Big Book study tapes many times over the years and always hear something new and valuable. Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholics Anonymous    3. Christianity    4. Recovery    5. Religious aspects    6. Religious life    7. Self-Help    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    9. Twelve-Step Programs    10. W., Bill    11. W., Bill.    12. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (6)

What a load of crap
I just read the first 8 or so pages of this (whatever Amazon has up there to "browse") and this is such such such propaganda."Jack" obviously doesn't exist - I'm sorry but who says to his friends: "I mean it, this time no extramarital secret life."Fictitious characters, that's who.I wouldn't trust any of the facts in this book - they misrepresent the Titanic disaster pretty casually (the telegraph and the radio were used to enact the rescue mission , and to alert the papers).
This book helped my marriage
I didn't understand what was happening in my own home, that I was losing my relationship to a screen filled with images of women I don't know. I truly thought my husband was 'working' all that time in the den, while I was blaming myself, the kids, our finances, tiptoeing around to stay out of his way. Once I got a glimpse of what he was really doing online I bought Cybersex Exposed right away and what a gift it has been to me! It explained in reasonable terms, so many of the problems I had been experiencing. I wasn't crazy after all! And it gave me some real eduction and direction. I would recommend it to anyone.

decent, but ...
overall, i would say the book was decent.definitely good for someone who has no idea what sort of environments can be found on the internet.also, i'm sure that many people may find it helpful.Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer sex    2. Recovery    3. Self-Help    4. Sex addiction    5. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Sexual    7. Internet    8. Marriage, family & other relationships    9. Sex & sexuality   

Reviews (3)

Talking to Yourself
This book had many usefull insights but the discussion of the 'rescue process' had a profound impact on my life.Like the others that have reviewed this book I have given mine away because I know that it has the power to change lives for the better.I would really like another copy or six.

Very well written and full of insight...
This book changed my life.I enjoyed it so much that I sent it to my sister in Denver to read.I thought it would help her too.Now, she can't find it and I need to read it again.I don't want to try any other bookbecause this one did the trick in helping me change my way of thinking.Inmy case, however, it is something I have forgotten how to do and need toread it again.I was saddened when I found that getting this book againmay be quite a struggle.I'm hoping that enough people respond to this somaybe it will be published again.The world is missing out.

It's a wonderful book, very practical.
A cognitive therapy approach, it takes the view of identifying the distortions in ones thinking, then stating a more realistic and workable alternative. It is wonderful for those of us that can't just switch in one step from "I'm bad and really messed up" to "I'm wonderful".It helps develop more realistic and useful self talk.I bought several and gave them away, now I don't have one for myself, just when I want to brush up. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Personal Growth - General    3. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    4. Psychology    5. Recovery    6. Self-talk    7. Family & Health   

Subjects:  1. Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects)    2. History    3. Minnesota    4. Psychology    5. Psychopathology - Addiction    6. Psychotherapy - General    7. Recovery    8. Self-Help    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    10. Substance abuse    11. Treatment    12. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (1)

Wisdom for every hour of every day
From John Howard Prin, author of STOLEN HOURS: Breaking Free From Secret Addictions, Syren Books, 2004
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Subjects:  1. Alcoholism    2. Drug addiction & substance abuse    3. Recovery    4. Self-Help    5. Self-Help / Substance Abuse    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General   

Reviews (17)

Helpful to any parent who has lost a child
I think that this is one of the best bereavement books I have ever read.No matter what the conditions were of your childs' death, you will find yourself in this book.This book drives home that we may be thrown into a different world when our child dies, but we bereaved parents all share many common similarities in feelings and thoughts.This book helps a bereaved parent realize that they are not alone in their grief; the emotions they are feeling are 'normal'.I would recommend this book to anyone who has lost a child and any family member or friend who knows someone who has lost a child.

Don't bother
After the death of my 24 yr old son in September 2000 I was desperate for some relief from my grief. I read several books on the loss of a child. This was the worst one. I felt cheated after reading it, I wish I could have gotten my money back. The book that helped the most was "The Bereaved Parent."

Incredible Read
After experiencing our own devastating losses, this book comforts me still. I highly recommend it to anyone who has lost a child, from conception to adulthood. You are never alone in your grief.Your life will go on. GB ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bereavement    2. Children    3. Death    4. Death, Grief, Bereavement    5. Emotions    6. Family & Relationships    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. Grief    9. Psychological aspects    10. Recovery    11. Coping with death & bereavement    12. Family & Health    13. Self-Help / Depression   

Reviews (11)

Recovering from the War: A Woman's Guide to Helping Your Vie
I highly recommend this book to ANY combat veteran's wife and family. It should be required reading for any wife of a combat veteran even if her husband has not been diagnosed with PTSD. This book is the best!
This book was so helpful to me... I keep buying it and giving it away! It is the best book I have read on coping with PTSD, and I have read them all. It tells you what to expect and why. Who to contact in the VA for help. What forms will need to be filled out and how to deal with all the government agencies. Also lists several self-help groups. Everything from A to Z. It will give you a whole new understanding of your father, brother, husband, or significant other.

I'm not alone!
This book is an excellent counseling tool for the spouses of combat veterans who live with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.I have given this book the many spouses.Many say that the greatest thing the book does for them is help to show that they are not alone in their experience with the veteran PTSD sufferer. Patience Mason gives the spouse an understanding of what is going on that leads to a sense of comfort and the courage to continue the battle.The battle, is to find a way to stay with their vet and at the same time preserve their own sanity.This is the best book out there for contents and ease of reading! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Psychological aspects    2. Recovery    3. United States    4. Veterans    5. Vietnam War, 1961-1975    6. Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975    7. Women   

Reviews (1)

Whammo!
Ever wonder why your spouse can't handle criticism? Ever wonder why they are a perfectionist? I just sort of accidentally ran into a passage of this book somewhere on the net. Found it here and Whammo! Nail on the Head! I felt like I had found my personal bible/instruction manual for someone who was close to me.
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Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism    3. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    4. Grandchildren of alcoholics    5. Recovery    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    8. United States    9. Psychiatry   

Subjects:  1. Compulsive behavior    2. Dao de jing    3. Lao-tzu    4. Laozi    5. Laozi.    6. Moral and religious aspects    7. Recovery    8. Religious aspects    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    10. Taoism    11. Non-Classifiable    12. Tao te ching   

Reviews (2)

The Eye Of Revelation; The 5 Rites
I have been doing the 5 Rites daily for several months now.When I started, I was in much pain, having to walk sometimes with the aid of a cane.I couldn't climb stairs, even two.Now I was with an energetic step.I have lost 40 pounds, and I am told that I look like I did 15 years ago.I recommend the book, and applying the rites to everyone.

BUY THIS BOOK PLEASE!
It has no fat (extra pages). It has linedrawings of the rites. It is short and simple. Read this book first. Then go to "Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth, Book 1". Then "Ancient Secret of theFountain of Youth, Book 2". Then "Ancient Secret of the Fountainof Youth Cookbook". Then buy the "Ancient Fountain of Youth" video. And finally "The Five Tibetans". "TheFive Tibetans" makes a good cross-reference. Some people like to jumpright into food. Be a little cautious in this area. This "eating eggsbit" (the yellow yolk part) has been a seat of controversy. I havenoticed that the real early edition of this book does NOT caution aboutthis. Just be careful. Anyway, you will have a nice cookbook. Consider thisbook agood "primer". Buy it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Recovery   

Reviews (22)

an amazing anthology
When my granddaughter was born still, I immediately turned to the solace offered by the written word, finding that to be much more helpful than the empty cliches and platitudes offered by acquaintances. This is an incredible collection of writing, both fiction and nonfiction, essay and poetry, on the subject of the loss of a child. Many, if not most, of the writers included have experienced this most devastating of all losses. The authors introduce each section with personal writing that forms an intimate connection. They draw from classic literature as well as modern, making this a book that offers something to everyone. I found myself re-reading sections in an attempt to hold off coming to the end of this sustaining book. I doubt this book will ever make it to my bookshelf, as I will be turning to it often for inspiration and comfort.

The one I still read...
It's been five years since the death of my precious son and although many books were helpful in the early months and years this is the one that has lingered with me the longest. I still turn to it from time to time, especially on the hard days.
The most depressing book I have ever read
I found this book to be extremely depressing and full of despair, which someone who has lost a child doesn't need to feel more of.This book offered no hope and must have been written by authors who believe they will never see their children again.I refuse to look at life and death that way and instead choose to have hope of reuniting with my daughter and peace in knowing that she is in a much better place than we are.Obviously I would not recommed this book for anyone who has lost a child. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bereavement    2. Children    3. Death    4. Death / Grief / Consolation    5. Death, Grief, Bereavement    6. Grief    7. Psychological aspects    8. Recovery    9. Self-Help    10. American English    11. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms    12. Coping with death & bereavement   

Reviews (1)

All the teen questions you need answered! With verses!
I'm turning 20 tomorrow and this book has helped me a lot on guys, dating, parents, friends, and my own personal, typical teen probs. I highly rec'd this book to any MOM, Dad, anyone with a son or daughter. I felt like sometimes I don't know everything about the real world, so I used this book. MOM doesn't tell me everything. But the Lord has help me dealt with the personal probs of making my life easier to overcoming obstacles. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books - Young Adult    2. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    3. Christian life    4. Conduct of life    5. General    6. Juvenile literature    7. Miscellanea    8. Recovery    9. Religion (Young Adult)    10. Religious life    11. Teenagers    12. Juvenile Fiction / General    13. Youth Interests   

Subjects:  1. Drug And Alcohol Abuse Treatment    2. Family Psychotherapy    3. Family/Marriage    4. General    5. Neurology - General    6. Psychology    7. Recovery    8. Self-Help    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    10. Substance abuse    11. Treatment    12. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (1)

Great Daily Devotional Book for Recovering Christians
This book has a great amount of wisdom within it's pages. It really unveils the Serenity prayer from a Christian viewpoint. Each devotional focuses on one of the key words in the Serenity Prayer (God, Grant, Serenity, Accept, etc) and has a discussion topic around that word. The words are cycled throughout the year. Why is this book out of print - I don't know!?!?!Read more

Subjects:  1. Consolation    2. Devotional    3. Devotional calendars    4. Meditation    5. Recovery   

Reviews (3)

Read - no MEMORIZE this book
This is the most complete book on what love is and isn't that I have read or even imagined.This book is way more than about romantic love, it's about life. Buy this book!! It will change your life
I know Brenda..as well as anyone who has worked intimately with a therapiest. Actually a healer of the hightest order. Love's Way is more than important book, it is an essential field guide for those wishing to lead a more healthy whole life. In a time when many of us know the "time is now" to be authentic to our live's calling, love is the way. Brenda is a rare guide who has the gifts, heart and wisdom to live what she writes about. Buy this book now and give it to others!!!!

A travel guide to find love without addictions
Brenda Schaeffer's book is very personal since it reveals not only true case history but also candidly share a practicing therapist reflections. She reveals to her readers how love is available to all and to understand what it really is in the union of the body, ego, soul and spirit. Read more

Subjects:  1. Love    2. Love & Romance    3. Love / Sex / Marriage    4. Recovery    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    7. Marriage, family & other relationships    8. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness    9. Popular psychology    10. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (10)

Communicates to the reader in plain English
This book explains addiction in real life terms...no fancy medical terminology or diagnosis.The author opens with his own personal story regarding the loss of his brother to perscription drug addiction.The book is also full of other personal stories which reveal the horrors not only endured by the addict, but by the addicts family, friends, and co-workers.This book is a must for anyone who is an addict, or for anyone who's life is being affected by one.

An Excellent Book
An outstanding piece of work about a very serious drug problem. This book would be helpful to addicts who wish to recover. It would also be enlightening to family members who suffer due to a loved one's addiction.

A Very Helpful Book
This book gave me some excellent insights on recovery from prescription drug addiction. It was very helpful, since very little has been written about this topic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drug abuse    2. General    3. Medication abuse    4. Recovery    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    7. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    8. Popular medicine    9. Self-Help / Drug Dependence   

Reviews (5)

a must read
I read this book after getting a hand out in a recovery class. The hand out was on Charmers and Con Artist. It had this book title on it. I have never been so glad to have bought a book. If your in an abusive relationship or not you must read this book. You probably know someone who fits the profile and you will save yourself and others a lot of angish. Be enlightened know the signs, read this book.
Victims Understand
I would like to address the 'knightofthelance' reviewer. I appreciate your review; however, I think your statement that the author's admisssion that she has also been a victim and that you saw that as tainting her work with bitterness, etc., does not jell with so many other self-help books written by victims who finally 'see the light'.Most victims are encouraged by knowing the author knows whereof he/she speaks.To them, it lends further credibility to the author's understanding of the issue and greater insight to their own experience.I think the other reviews show that.This subject matter may not touch you as deeply if you have not been victimized.While you seem to try to be objective, victims are, of necessity, subjective.The feedback from them is that the message is water in the desert, validation that they are not crazy, and gives a ray of hope for recovery.For them, it is life changing.

Subject matter long overdue!
I was a victim of the charmer/con artist/abuser. This book was detailed, informative and insightful. I could not put it down. My son now wants to read it after having me read several excepts aloud to him. As I read on the train to work, people would ask me where they could get the book (just from viewing the title). My one disappointment in the book, however, is that it didn't offer a viable and/or Spiritual manner of resolution to the problem.I plan to order two more for my Pastors. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues    2. Counseling    3. Miscellanea    4. Psychotherapy    5. Religion - Christian Life    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    8. Swindlers and swindling   

Subjects:  1. Alcohol Abuse    2. Alcoholics    3. Problems, exercises, etc    4. Psychology    5. Recovering alcoholics    6. Recovery    7. Rehabilitation    8. Self-Help    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    10. Women alcoholics    11. Women's Health - General    12. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (3)

Pure Facts
Written in '89, this book is as current as can be.Extremely helpful, specially for family of addicts.Very clearly and to the point, it covers all the facts; onset of desease, progression, treatment and most important relapse prevention.A must read if someone you love is cocaine dependent.What an eye opener!Highly recomended.

This book is a must for understanding cocaine addiction!
When my husband entered rehab for cocaine addiction several weeks ago, I knew nothing about this drug, and why it had such a hold on him.After reading this book, I feel like I can understand where he is at, and how to deal with it.As someone said before it contains priceless information.I thank God I was able to find this book. I highly recommend it to addicts, family members, and professionals wanting to learn everything about cocaine addiction.

The most useful information I've come across on the topic!
As someone who has suffered with an addict for years, and who also plans to eventually practice in the field of addiction and recovery, I found this book to contain a wealth of priceless information.It provided incredible insight into the mind of the addict which will be useful to the addict himself, to family and friends, as well as to the treatment professional.A must read for anyone touched by the pain of addiction. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cocaine    2. Cocaine abuse    3. Neurology - General    4. Prevention    5. Recovery    6. Relapse    7. Self-Help    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    9. Treatment    10. Addiction & therapy    11. Alcoholism    12. Counselling    13. Drug addiction & substance abuse