Reviews (2)

The real deal on Addiction Recovery
As a recovering alcoholic and addict for 19 years and a professional worker in the field for 16 years, this book was so refreshing to read. Most people who work with addicts will tell you that until they achieve some sort of "spiritual experience" often through a faith based program such as AA, NA, etc. they never achieve long-term contented abstinence. Even though the author is outside the field of addiction and is primarily a journalist, he does an astonishing job of surfacing the issues that are the "elephant in the living room" of addiction treatment and recovery. With all due respect to the medical and psychological research and literature, none of it speaks as clearly as this book about what "causes" recovery from addiction.

San Francisco Chronicle review
...In his recent book, "The Soul of Recovery: Uncovering the Spiritual Dimension in the Treatment of Addictions," journalist Christopher Ringwald takes a sober and well-documented look at some of the unquestioned claims of the burgeoning recovery movement. Read more

Subjects:  1. Counseling    2. Recovering addicts    3. Religion    4. Religious aspects    5. Religious life    6. Self-Help    7. Spirituality    8. Spirituality - General    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    10. Twelve-Step Programs    11. Addiction & therapy    12. Drug addiction & substance abuse    13. Psychology & Psychiatry / Addictions    14. Religion & Theology | Spirituality    15. Religion: general   

Reviews (1)

A simple guide to the third step and how to apply it.
This book is an excellent guide to the third step and how to integrate it into your recovery.I found it to be very helpful in breaking down theconcept of "turning it over", which I had found to be mysteriousbefore having read this book. It is a simple spiritual manual without beingreligious. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. God (Christianity)    3. Inspirational    4. Inspirational - Protestant Self Help    5. Recovering addicts    6. Religious aspects    7. Religious life    8. Self-Help    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    10. Twelve-Step Programs    11. Will    12. Drug addiction & substance abuse    13. Self-Help & Practical Interests    14. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (2)

If you're not a "joiner"
I'm a do-it-yourselfer and find most of my how-to in books.This book has Q & A sessions to help yourself.It has an extensive "self-interview" after the First Step that is invaluable.It's easy to read and I loved it.

book is ok
This book is ok but there is already a 12 step book for AA. If I were going to recommend one other book besides the original BiG Book of AA it would be An Encounter With A Prophet, the book that helped me understand my higher power better. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholics Anonymous    3. Alcoholism    4. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    5. Neurology - General    6. Rehabilitation    7. Self-Help    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    9. Treatment    10. Twelve-Step Programs    11. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    12. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (2)

An important piece of AA history
This book contains great information and insight about the man who was instrumental in the formation of the 12 Step programs.I even bought one for my sponsor, who knew of Ebby, but didn't know some of the history this book provides.A wonderful addition to every recovery library!

Essential AA History and a Fun Read!
Mel B. has given us a gift in "Ebby, The Man Who Sponsored Bill W.". Finally, the question of, What ever happened to Ebby, is answered fully and interestingly. I especially enjoyed: 1. the social background of the relationship and friendship which led ultimately to Ebby's call on Bill W., 2. Ebby's particular but familiar character qualities that made continuous sobriety difficult for him, 3. Bill W.'s never ending love and respect for Ebby, his Sponsor, that literally sent AA's to the edge of the earth in a quest to 'get Ebby sobered up again', and 4. Mel B's tasteful insertion of "fun facts" throughout the text which will delight readers.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1896-1966    2. Alcoholics    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Self-Help    6. Specific Groups - Special Needs    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    8. Thacher, Ebby,    9. Twelve-Step Programs    10. United States    11. W., Bill    12. Self-Help / Substance Abuse    13. Thacher, Ebby   

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics Anonymous    2. Recovery    3. Rehabilitation    4. Self-Help    5. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    6. Twelve-Step Programs    7. Women alcoholics    8. Alcoholism    9. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    10. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (6)

Like coming home...
Even though this book was written several years ago...I find that when I return to it, even now, it is truly like coming home, like the warmth of visiting an old friend.Filled with wisdom and spiritual insight, it inspires and creates inner peace by reminding us all that our essence is, indeed, love...which "doesn't care what you call it...love just is.It unfolds endlessly and beautifully upon itself."Thank you, Dr. J.

Love is all there is
In this slim volume there are all the words that we need to convey the idea that if we teach only about and with love there is no need for anything else.We are love and when we teach with that expression, only good can result.Easy to reach and one to keep for your library. It is a classic.

60s mind-expanding era meets 21st century love
The first few chapters held great promise, but this book got pretty weird quick. Clinics that teach only love are a great idea, but I'd rather have their workbook filled with application and result oriented material than this "guru's" personal history..."man". To save yourself a read, imagine someone you respect and trust, possibly more than anyone you really know. And they say to you, "In the moment of choice, when you choose how your heart will deal with a situation--use only love." When walk away from them, believe them wholeheatedly for the rest of your life and take time to remember and apply their words daily. Then, spare yourself the read on this book--it get's weird fast... Writing about your 60s mind expanding experiences? Come on, the movie Ghandi teaches more about love than this. (I threw the book away.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attitude (Psychology)    2. Love    3. Mental healing    4. Personal Growth - General    5. Psychology    6. Recovery    7. Self-Help    8. Twelve-Step Programs    9. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    10. Popular psychology   

Reviews (1)

Great Guide for The Day
This book contains meditations to help you through each moment of each day.I truly believe in the power of daily meditations and their usefulness for recovery and a successful life in general.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Devotional    2. Devotional calendars    3. Meditation    4. Meditations    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    7. Twelve-Step Programs    8. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (3)

An important book for anyone with questions about addiction
Dr. Seppala's book deals with a very important and little understood topic in a wonderfully straightforward manner. The 12 step programs (Alcoholics Anonymous, etc.) are so often in the public eye from references in the lay press that these programs have become poorly understood cliches.This book strips away what you thought you knew, and fills in the gaps with well supported information on what simple and effective things 12 step programs actually are. Too Good to Keep Just for Clinicians
Marvin Seppala has done it!He has gone where no other M.D. in recent memory has been willing to go.By writing this concise yet provocative book, Dr. Seppala has given us a window into the world of twelve step recovery programs.He shows a great respect for the ability of people of all walks of life to engage in a "mutual" support program in order to save their lives and the lives of countless others. Too Good to Limit to Clinicians!
Marvin Seppala has done it!He has gone where no other M.D. in recent memory has been willing to go.By writing this concise yet provocative book, Dr. Seppala has given us a window into the world of twelve step recovery programs.He shows a great respect for the ability of people of all walks of life to engage in a "mutual" support program in order to save their lives and the lives of countless others. Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Medicine    2. Health Care Delivery    3. Medical    4. Medical / Nursing    5. Patients    6. Psychopathology - Addiction    7. Recovering addicts    8. Rehabilitation    9. Substance abuse    10. Twelve-Step Programs    11. Medical / Family & General Practice   

Reviews (2)

Heal to happiness...
It is good to see Barbara S. Cole writing again. Her experience in dealing with those who have had a chemical dependency, and its effects on relationships is on the mark, and will prove beneficial to those that are fortunate enough to experience this book. Brava, Micio!

Makes my heart smile
I've read this book twice already.It helps to make family discussions about a serious subject easier.No book on recovery contains a comparision between the 12 steps and the 12 promises of sobriety like this one does. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism    3. Case studies    4. Recovering alcoholics    5. Rehabilitation    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    9. Treatment    10. Twelve-Step Programs    11. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    12. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (1)

An often overlooked benefit to yoga
Every form of addiction is bad, no matter whether the narcotic be alcohol, morphine or idealism. (Carl Jung)
Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Healing - Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    3. Performing Arts/Dance    4. Self-Help    5. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    6. Twelve-Step Programs    7. Yoga    8. Body, Mind & Spirit / Healing / Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    9. Drug addiction & substance abuse    10. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    11. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (4)

MUST READ!!!
If you're in recovery, this is a great, great read. It takes a hard and quick look at this most elusive of steps. This book changed my life!
This book is WONDERFUL!I'm almost at 1 year sober, after reading this book I felt like I hadn't worked the 6 & 7 steps properly and didn't understand the way they should be worked. I recommend this book to ANYONE in recovery.

Drop The Rock
This is a great "quick reader".If anyone is totally aware that they have a character defect and wants to make a change in their life, this book really helps on spiritual level.Read more

Subjects:  1. Patients    2. Personal Growth - General    3. Personality disorders    4. Rehabilitation    5. Self-Help    6. Self-help techniques    7. Twelve-Step Programs   

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Oxford Group    3. Religious life    4. Self-Help    5. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    7. Twelve-Step Programs    8. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Subjects:  1. Self-Help    2. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    3. Twelve-Step Programs   

Reviews (11)

Coercion?
The people who are "coerced" into attending 12 step programs as referenced in this book are drunk drivers. There are no SS henchmen wandering around neighborhoods scooping innocents into AA meetings. I do not have pity for any drunk driver or their sentences. For many, many years the courts saw people with 6, 7, 8 10 DUI offenses, and what do you do? Lock someone in prison for LIFE on what, a 6th DUI?How about the 10th?Where in 20,000 fatal accidents alcohol played a role, does anyone really have pity for someone who must attend some AA meetings for nearly contributing to this carnage?? This number is as many Americans as are murdered by _guns_. I challenge the authors of this book to tell the millions of AA members who have found solace, then serenity then peace, after being sent to AA by the courts that it is such a sham.I also challenge them to volunteer in a recovery home for indigent women, as I do, and meet with woman after woman who failed to continue an AA program of recovery, and whereit brought them.And not instantly, and not because they said "oh gee I must drink because now I don't have AA".QUITE the opposite.They frequently do so after 2 or 3 years being away from the program, feeling so good about their success, they feel cured, they drink, they lose everything.
Not the original intent.
I've been going to 12-Step programs, including AA, since 1986.My life has undoubtedly been saved.In my case this is partly because I was open-minded enough to see that what I needed was a combination of the foundation of AA, without which I couldn't stay sober, & other support groups & resources.I originally experienced AA & other 12-Step programs in New York City, where the 12-Step population mirrored the variety of spiritual beliefs and lifestyle choices of that city's population. But I am alarmed to see how fundamentalist Christianity has been coming to dominate AA, particularly in more provincial areas.While AA stemmed from the very Christian Oxford Group, Bill Wilson attempted through various of his contributions to the Big Book, etc., to open the program to all.Approximately 65 years later, as this book says, some people don't come to AA by choice (the original path). There they may feel they can't fit in without converting to Christianity & being a Republican.I'm one of those who has stayed in AA but who winces when meetings end with the (clearly Christian, exclusionary) Lord's Prayer & when I hear fear-based (the "disease" itself), negative statements supposedly based on a very primitive concept of Christianity.I stay because the program helps me & my spirituality, but I do (at this point - hopefully it will get easier!) struggle to allow a patchwork recovery, with AA being but one part.I also stay in case other liberals, or people for whom Christianity isn't the only choice, will feel more welcome.When I came into AA it felt like a dynamic, vibrant, exciting opening to possibility. I stay partially in the hope this miracle can again happen in a program where one of the statements I DO like is "Don't leave five minutes before the miracle."As for folks being coerced into AA as the only alternative to jail, I think this is completely wrong.More alternatives should be offered. While AA doesn't seem to want to allow this information, I know people have managed to find sobriety and keep sobriety without AA - it is not the only path.However, I do resonate with Carl Jung (who helped formulate the program with Bill Wilson), who came to the conclusion that alcoholics (&, by extension, other addictive personalities) couldn't stay sober without replacing booze, drugs, etc., with a spiritual path, etc.

Denial and Deception
Denial and Deception is what these 12 Steppers have been doing for years now. They have been denying that they are not a cult like fundamentalist religion and deceiving everyone with their fabrications that they are the only treatment (that works) for addictions and even the made-up co-dependency construct.Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism    3. Recovery    4. Rehabilitation    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    7. Treatment    8. Twelve-Step Programs    9. Addiction & therapy    10. Self-Help / Twelve-Step Programs   

Reviews (4)

Better Ways To Spend $14
I read thru The Real 13th Step by Tina Tessina. Not For Addicts Only
In spite of it's title, "The Real 13th Step" is on a path whose traffic is not restricted to the addicted, but to many others who, as a result of childhood experiences, have not grown, nor grown up, in a manner which offers the best chance at contentment, or ultimate happiness. Though substance abuse might be the ultimate response to abusive childhoods, the fact is that many of the abused are not addicted to substances at all, but, rather, to behaviors which might, almost as effectively, cut them off from loving relationships, or from success in other life "tasks". Help To Reach Real Independence, Review by Bernie P. Nelson
If you desire real independence, help finding solutions to problems and managing failure- this is a must-read book. The author, a licensed marriage & family therapist with 25 years experience, provides evidence that some people are not born with addictive personalities and provides a model for moving beyond the dependency of a 12 step addiction program. Within these enlightening, uplifting pages are professional guidelines for anyone, struggling with addiction or not, wanting to find a true inner purpose, more self-confidence and self-reliance for rewarding, autonomous living. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism    2. Compulsive behavior    3. Psychological aspects    4. Psychopathology - Compulsive Behavior    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    7. Treatment    8. Twelve-Step Programs    9. Drug addiction & substance abuse    10. Mind, Body, Spirit   

Reviews (2)

Best Spiritual Book
This is the best spiritual book I have ever read because it is about 'doing' rather than theorizing.God is a verb, not a noun. It takes the traditional 12 Steps and makes it applicable for everyone, even if you're not fortunate enough to be an alcoholic.That sounds odd, but if you speak to many recovering alcoholics, they thank their disease and their use of the 12 Steps for their awakening to a Spirit-infused universe.

Best of Both Worlds
Spirit vs Spirit! This is the definitive essay on living a free life! Don't whine--Just work the steps. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health/Fitness    4. Self-Help    5. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    6. Twelve-Step Programs    7. Family & Health    8. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (2)

Bill W on Bill W
This is an autobiography of Bill Wilson, one of the co-founders of AA.It is an edited transcript of recordings he made during September, 1954, at the Hotel Bedford in the company of a man named Ed Bierstadt.The bookcontains interesting anecdotes on Bill's first forty years of life. Thepurpose of his recording these stories was to describe his childhooddevelopment and how it related to his personality development andsubsequent descent into alcoholism. It ends abruptly at his speech beforethe Oxford Group.The Afterword briefly describes the ensuing thirtysixyears and contains many footnotes referring to other books of interestabout Bill W and the history of AA.This book is very refreshing andavoids the controversies that plague so many of the other biographiesrecently published.To read the account of Bill's spiritual experienceagain, in his own words, is extremely compelling.There are also severalappendices which flesh out many of the references in the story.

Bill W on Bill W
This is the story of AA co-founder Bill Wilson's first forty years of life set forth in his own words recorded at the Hotel Bedford during September, 1954.He is assisted by Ed Bierstadt.The book is a wonderful compilationof anecdotes told in Bill's own words in an effort to shed light upon howhis experiences led to his personality development which contributed to hisfall into alcoholism.It is refreshing and free of controversial argumentsfound in some of the more recent biographies.The description of hisspiritual experience once again by the man himself is very uplifting.Theafterword and appendices nicely flesh out this historical account of thistruly special man to whom so many owe their lives. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcohol Abuse    2. Alcoholics    3. Alcoholics Anonymous    4. Biography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Recovery    7. Self-Help    8. Specific Groups - Special Needs    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    10. Twelve-Step Programs    11. W., Bill    12. Addiction & therapy    13. Alcoholism    14. Biography: general    15. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    16. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Subjects:  1. Obsessive-compulsive disorder    2. Psychology    3. Psychopathology - Compulsive Behavior    4. Self-Help    5. Twelve-Step Programs    6. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Subjects:  1. Health - General    2. Medical    3. Self-Help    4. Twelve-Step Programs    5. Illness   

Reviews (1)

anthropology, sobriety, manhood in the world's largest city
A Berkeley professor attends an Alcoholics Anonymous chapter in DF (aka Mexico City) and reports on the men in attendance and their dynamics.In a time when anti-addiction programs are under increasing scientific, quantifiable scrutiny (think:DARE), this book is a timely addition.Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholics Anonymous    3. Anthropology - Cultural    4. Case studies    5. Mexico    6. Mexico City    7. Recovering alcoholics    8. Rehabilitation    9. Self-Help    10. Social Science    11. Sociological aspects    12. Sociology    13. Twelve-Step Programs    14. Alcoholism    15. Social Science / Anthropology / Cultural