The Last Addiction: Own Your Desire, Live Beyond Recovery, Find Lasting Freedom

by Sharon A. Hersh

In an age of tell-all addiction memoirs and reality television programs, we gulp down the stories of others in the hope that we, too, can be overcomers–even as we continue to love a person, substance, activity, or ideology too much.

As Sharon Hersh writes, “We all suffer from the same condition.” In The Last Addiction, she explores why we are prone to addiction–to make one thing in our lives more central than it should be–and how we can break free of our compulsions.

This is not a book of “self-help” answers or “how-to” steps. It is a book about falling down and getting up again, about realizing that we need more than ourselves to be saved. The truth is, we’re not as bad as we think we are–and we are worse than we ever dreamed. When we live between those two realities, we are ready to let go of the last the belief that we can save ourselves.

The Last Addiction invites you to see your own story more clearly as you better understand your longing for intimacy. It invites you to love boldly and receive love in return. It invites you to the freedom of redemption.

Genres: Counselling, Christian, Psychology, Christian Living, Self Help, Addiction, Health

240 pages, Paperback

First published February 19, 2008

About the author

Sharon lives in Lone Tree, Colorado and is a speaker for conferences, retreats, seminars, classes, trainings and workshops.

She is also a counselor for adolescents and adults.

Reviews

[Mardee]

Quotes from book: The deepest relief that addiction provides is that it destroys our deepest passions. As addiction continues, it dulls the deeper passions of our hearts for other people and other things. Addiction opposes love. it nails the energy of our longings to someone or something - a person, place, substance, behavior, or belief. And the addictive object or central activity works; it provides relief from living in the midst of messy relationships, so we want more and more of it.(But then it imprisons us to self hate.)

When we are addicted we can not love.

Addiction is energized by the belief that if God were as He should be, we would not struggle with desire and having to say no to desire. And so we substitute a God of our own making. Really, the heart of addiction is rooted in the last addiction: "I will be in charge, because i know best."

So far what i have read, this book explains quite well the root of addictions, How addictions kills our desire and how I want to be in Control of my life.

This book rings true to my life, how I have tried to numb out my pain through my addiction to food and co-dependency. I see how i have killed the desire of my heart, I want what the cover of this book says.

Own My Desire
Live Beyond Recovery
Find Lasting Freedom

This book is not just for those who are addicted, I think it is a book for those who deal with wounds that has kept anyone from living a full life that God has intended for us to live.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

In spite of overly relying on The Message for quotations from Scripture and some questionable theology (especially in chapter 10), this is a beautiful book about addiction written by a therapist with her own addiction story and a strong hope in Jesus.

[Elizabeth Turnage]

I've skim-read this book in the bookstore and referred a lot of people to it -- but finally ordered it for myself! I don't think it's too soon to say that this is the book every addict or recovering addict should read. Or anyone who tends to fill the hunger for relationship and intimacy with -- dare i say it -- books...food...football...work...ministry...children...[or any other kind of idolatry]. If you get what I'm poorly saying -- it's for all of us!:)

[Peyton Gunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book for my counseling class. The author does a great job of encouraging you to not suffer through addiction alone.
Gospel-centered encouragement at times, heretical advice at others. I would encourage a lot of discernment when reading this book, but there’s good things to be learned from it.

[Elisabeth Brookshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

You cannot get sober alone

Self will is not enough to beat the demon of alcohol or any drug for that matter. I am sure there are those out there that do not believe in God or His precious son and managed to get sober but I guarantee they are still longing for something, they just don't realize it. This book is Christian based and is by an addiction professional who also happened to suffer from alcoholism. As you read her story and those of other addicts you will be encouraged that you too can get sober by turning your cares over to God, the higher power you can lean on in times of temptation. My mom and I actually read this together and studied it. I recommend this book to all suffering addicts and those who love them and are baffled at how they can help.

[Jim Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope for Recovery

4 stars for "The Last Addiction." Me Hersh defines addiction and then goes on to ask the million dollar question. .....is there true healing? A vivid account of baptism in the Jordan, therapy and prescription drugs, gave me a true account of our lives as a journey of healing! The long winding road needed to find the source of our desire and passion! The blessing of suffering is real for all and the courage to face our brokenness is essential!

[Christina Dent · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I’ve read this year. Profoundly healing for me personally, helping me understand myself and people I love. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone who longs for More in their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

[Ronald Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful read into the causes of addiction and the hope that we have

A great read that helps one discover the hidden motivations that fuel our addictions. This book helped me self reflect on so much about why I do the things I do.

[Appu Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such beautiful truth. At some point, I would love to read this book again!

[Jessica Space · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t struggle with addiction but have always had family who has. I expected this to be informative for them but it ended up being the best for me. I think I highlighted half the book. It’s one of those that punches you in the face and makes you feel loved all at the same time. Super challenging in regard to our addiction to ourselves!

[Melisa Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hersh uses a combination of case studies, her own story, psychology, and Christian thought to look at the subject of addiction: what it is, what it causes in us, and how to walk the path toward freedom and hope. Her writing is accessible, honest, gracious and vulnerable. The last addiction refers to the desire to save face by saving ourselves.

[Zach Van Dyke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took an class on addictions taught by the author of this book, Sharon Hersh. The class changed my life. The book reminded me how much the class changed my life. A MUST READ!!! I read the entire book in one sitting.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thought-provoking,especially for control-freaks like me.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sharon Hersh is on True Sisters. This book was OK.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible read!! Such a great book! This will be one of my most highly recommended books in my counseling office.

[Lita · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read on addiction. A must read for anyone who is ready to face their own addictions.

[Suzanne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books in addiction I've ever read. Must read! Great book

[Finney Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was very insightful and full of good info. The lady who wrote it is a Christian counselor.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good solid read. Some good basic Twelve Step-ish principles.

[Mike Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it!

This is one of my favorite books of all time. It almost feels devotional in context. I have read it twice now and both times I have been left longing for more!