The Truth about Addiction and Recovery by Stanton Peele

by Stanton Peele

Refutes conventional attitudes toward addiction and recovery and presents a program of behavioral changes for personal recovery

Genres: Addiction, Nonfiction, Drugs

Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Clem Paulsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing and necessary elaboration on experience-based approaches over the traditional 'alcoholism-is-a-disease' approach of AA.

For those looking for alternatives to the AA belief that, among other things, there is something inherently wrong with us, it is a constructive and useful realization here that perhaps, given some behavioral advice and practice toward sobriety, we might learn to rely on ourselves for better choices and and outcomes.

The first few chapters are a well thought out, concise tour through the psychology of recovery, focused on evidence-based, common-sense aspects of our behavior. Very valuable to the beginner.

For those in recovery for some time, its later detail and methodical nature might be of particular value to those in cbt or dbt approaches to recovery. It's VERY detailed -- once over that you'll find it very readable as a second or third text on the subject.

Very valuable. Seek it out. I got a LOT out of it I found useful.

And good luck!

[Melissa Fondakowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find it illuminating to read books that pretty much slam Alcoholics Anonymous. I guess what i can't understand is, why slam something that works? Of course it doesn't work for everyone - it can't and shouldn't! The world is too big! But it does work for some, so why not let it be, and let it! The thing is, if you're looking for some help - get it. Who cares what it is!

[Michael T. McComb · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know, the thing I like about Stanton's writings are they are filled with truth. Here is a man who has gotten negative criticism for the facts that he continues to write about. I appreciate Stanton for this. He could have easily went along with the addiction model we have in place in the U.S, but instead he continues to make the public aware of the dangers and the reason it does not work. I commend him for that.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever wondered why 12 steps just doesn't seem to work for you

[Dani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't really get through the whole thing the parts I read good to clinical for me though.