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Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud: Relapse and the Symptoms of Sobriety
2013 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist
2013 USA Best Books Awards Finalist
Nine out of ten people who quit drinking relapse at least once. Why would any sober Alcoholic return to the misery? Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud: Relapse and the Symptoms of Sobriety, shows why it's not just once... without pithy slogans or trademarked solutions... from a journalist who has been there. Here's a book explaining how and why relapse happens, how to hold it at bay and why every non-alcoholic should care, without reading like a clinical journal.
This ★★★★★ read is for drinkers, ex-drinkers and anyone who knows an alcoholic celebrates and encourages sobriety while giving an ominous warning of the not-so-secret thief in the healthcare system.
What are the Symptoms of Sobriety and how do Alcoholics and non-Alcoholics guard against them?
What four overlooked stressors trip up recovery?
Can you hit bottom sober?
Informative and very personal, the narrative dashes along peaks of anger, joy, desperation, relief and hope interspersed with solid data on the disease and guidance for avoiding relapse traps.
Alcoholics and non-alcoholics sometimes believe sobriety is the silver lining to the cloud of alcoholism... but it's not enough to just stop drinking.
(I)"I've been sober 23 years... this is the best recovery book I've read." -- One of more than a dozen five-star reviews on Amazon.
2013 USA Best Books Awards Finalist
Nine out of ten people who quit drinking relapse at least once. Why would any sober Alcoholic return to the misery? Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud: Relapse and the Symptoms of Sobriety, shows why it's not just once... without pithy slogans or trademarked solutions... from a journalist who has been there. Here's a book explaining how and why relapse happens, how to hold it at bay and why every non-alcoholic should care, without reading like a clinical journal.
This ★★★★★ read is for drinkers, ex-drinkers and anyone who knows an alcoholic celebrates and encourages sobriety while giving an ominous warning of the not-so-secret thief in the healthcare system.
What are the Symptoms of Sobriety and how do Alcoholics and non-Alcoholics guard against them?
What four overlooked stressors trip up recovery?
Can you hit bottom sober?
Informative and very personal, the narrative dashes along peaks of anger, joy, desperation, relief and hope interspersed with solid data on the disease and guidance for avoiding relapse traps.
Alcoholics and non-alcoholics sometimes believe sobriety is the silver lining to the cloud of alcoholism... but it's not enough to just stop drinking.
(I)"I've been sober 23 years... this is the best recovery book I've read." -- One of more than a dozen five-star reviews on Amazon.
140 pages, Hardcover
First published December 17, 2012
24 people are currently reading
3749 people want to read
About the author
Scott Stevens
4 books78 followersStevens is a journalist, posting regularly on health and alcohol issues for online news services. Many popular alcohologists on air and on bookshelves have stellar credentials, but few have had to eat their own cooking. Stevens blends his stunning personal 86-proof-two-liters-a-day story with thorough research into alcoholism, sobriety, relapse and recovery.
A Founding Influencer of medical site HealthTap, the former mutual fund industry executive, Stevens blends wit, journalistic objectivity, blunt personal dialogue and no-nonsense business perspective in his three books, 2010's What the Early Worm Gets, 2013's Indie Book Awards Finalist and 2013 USA Best Books Awards Finalist, Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud, and 2015 USA Best Books Awards Finalist, Adding Fire to the Fuel. He regularly addresses conferences around the country on the latest trends in the field of alcohol use disorders.
Among his life experiences, Stevens has met seven Presidents of the United States, flown with the Navy's Blue Angels, piloted a Los Angeles Class nuclear submarine and driven a NASCAR at 140mph on a one-mile oval. The football fan and avid golfer holds a Master's in Public Affairs Journalism from the University of Illinois - Springfield and lives in the Midwest with his children.
If you want to learn more about Stevens and his books, All That's Written did an interview 10/10.
A Founding Influencer of medical site HealthTap, the former mutual fund industry executive, Stevens blends wit, journalistic objectivity, blunt personal dialogue and no-nonsense business perspective in his three books, 2010's What the Early Worm Gets, 2013's Indie Book Awards Finalist and 2013 USA Best Books Awards Finalist, Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud, and 2015 USA Best Books Awards Finalist, Adding Fire to the Fuel. He regularly addresses conferences around the country on the latest trends in the field of alcohol use disorders.
Among his life experiences, Stevens has met seven Presidents of the United States, flown with the Navy's Blue Angels, piloted a Los Angeles Class nuclear submarine and driven a NASCAR at 140mph on a one-mile oval. The football fan and avid golfer holds a Master's in Public Affairs Journalism from the University of Illinois - Springfield and lives in the Midwest with his children.
If you want to learn more about Stevens and his books, All That's Written did an interview 10/10.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 10, 2014
As the parent of a child that overdosed at Christmas, as a result of alcohol combined with an acute mental illness crisis, my heart relived the pain that Scott wrote regarding his suicide plan. Fortunate for us, we celebrated Christmas in a locked hospital ward, rather then the unspeakable. Fortunate for the Kids Stevens, that Scott came to his senses and made a selfless decision to protect them from that same fate. I must confess, I knew Scott from another life and at the time, it seemed that all he touched turned to gold. So it was quite the surprise to discover the turn of events that lead to his own crisis.
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, provides a FREE 12 week course in understanding a family members Mental Illness. Of the 12 families represented in our class, most had family members with chronic drug and/or alcohol use. Given the age old question, what comes first the chicken or the egg? In my daughters case, MI came first followed by self medication. In others the harmful effect of psychotic drugs and alcohol caused the MI. There is help and hope. http://www.nami.org/
Scott mentions the symptoms of sobriety, which mirror the symptoms of my daughter when she is in crisis. Sleep with REM, venues to avoid idleness and avenues to avoid loneliness are all ingredients in a recipe for recovering and maintaining good mental health.
So this leads into the age old debate of imprisoning the mentally ill. I too watch programs like "Lock Up" on MSNBC and get alarmed by the prisoner who spreads feces around who clearly has MI. He is housed in a noisy environment where sleep is difficult and idleness and loneliness are rampant. THIS PERSON WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF CRISIS. In Hennepin County, it takes months to get a prisoner with MI in to an appropriate facility mostly because of lack of space. The cost to evaluate and treat responsibly is enormous. Makes one wonder if Scotts calls for help went unanswered to prove a point. The social worker was too busy in Madison protesting, presumably on the tax payers dime.
http://www.startribune.com/opinion/co...
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, provides a FREE 12 week course in understanding a family members Mental Illness. Of the 12 families represented in our class, most had family members with chronic drug and/or alcohol use. Given the age old question, what comes first the chicken or the egg? In my daughters case, MI came first followed by self medication. In others the harmful effect of psychotic drugs and alcohol caused the MI. There is help and hope. http://www.nami.org/
Scott mentions the symptoms of sobriety, which mirror the symptoms of my daughter when she is in crisis. Sleep with REM, venues to avoid idleness and avenues to avoid loneliness are all ingredients in a recipe for recovering and maintaining good mental health.
So this leads into the age old debate of imprisoning the mentally ill. I too watch programs like "Lock Up" on MSNBC and get alarmed by the prisoner who spreads feces around who clearly has MI. He is housed in a noisy environment where sleep is difficult and idleness and loneliness are rampant. THIS PERSON WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF CRISIS. In Hennepin County, it takes months to get a prisoner with MI in to an appropriate facility mostly because of lack of space. The cost to evaluate and treat responsibly is enormous. Makes one wonder if Scotts calls for help went unanswered to prove a point. The social worker was too busy in Madison protesting, presumably on the tax payers dime.
http://www.startribune.com/opinion/co...
September 4, 2013
"Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud : Relapse and the Symptoms of Sobriety" by Scott Stevens is a remarkable book about alcoholism that has busted a few myths for me, taught me a few truths and filled in other gaps in what I thought was comprehensive knowledge on the subject of addiction and alcoholism.
With journalistic precision and competence Stevens informs his readers in excellent fashion about the correlation between alcoholism and cortisol, a chemical in the body related to stress and stressors. Stevens also brings in psychological aspects and data, statistics and the impact of spirituality and communication on recovery.
I found Stevens' approach refreshing because unlike other self-help books there is no agenda or one simplifying message about the subject. This is an informed and personalised account of facts that can clarify patterns, help understanding them and shed new light on the subject without trying to force them into a one-trick-pony of a book.
The book includes many great quotes on the matter and should be helpful for alcoholics and those around them just for the inspirational impact of those alone but I also personally related particularly well to the rational journalistic approach interspersed with the personal.
I commend Stevens for his honesty when it comes to his own private experiences and for his talent to chose wisely where to bring the personal into the book in the first place. Here is not a sinner asking for forgiveness, or someone revealing to shock or to accuse. The 'sobriety' of his account is most rewarding and probably helps to increase the impact of what is being shared.
I have already passed the book details on to my friends in recovery.
With journalistic precision and competence Stevens informs his readers in excellent fashion about the correlation between alcoholism and cortisol, a chemical in the body related to stress and stressors. Stevens also brings in psychological aspects and data, statistics and the impact of spirituality and communication on recovery.
I found Stevens' approach refreshing because unlike other self-help books there is no agenda or one simplifying message about the subject. This is an informed and personalised account of facts that can clarify patterns, help understanding them and shed new light on the subject without trying to force them into a one-trick-pony of a book.
The book includes many great quotes on the matter and should be helpful for alcoholics and those around them just for the inspirational impact of those alone but I also personally related particularly well to the rational journalistic approach interspersed with the personal.
I commend Stevens for his honesty when it comes to his own private experiences and for his talent to chose wisely where to bring the personal into the book in the first place. Here is not a sinner asking for forgiveness, or someone revealing to shock or to accuse. The 'sobriety' of his account is most rewarding and probably helps to increase the impact of what is being shared.
I have already passed the book details on to my friends in recovery.
September 27, 2013
Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud: Relapse and the Symptoms of Sobriety by Scott Stevens is a must read for every alcoholic and those living with those suffering with the disease. The author never plunges the reader into why me whining but brings sound knowledge and insights from many sources. Scott also explains the discovery of cortisol which inhibits the sufferer and makes it so more difficult to stay off the booze. Every page brings a fresh slap in the face to wake us up to the real effects of alcohol. This is a book that should be available reading in every library and needs to be made aware to all governments, medical practitioners and psychiatrists worldwide. I must admit, my blinkers have been removed and I will for ever see alcoholism in a different light, not tainted by prejudice and ignorance.
I give this book FIVE STARS for its bold approach and brutal truthfulness. Well done Scott Stevens.
May 5, 2014
This is a very informative look at alcoholism, and the symptoms of relapse. I learned a lot of valuable new information that I was not aware of. Researchers have now discovered that high levels of cortisol determine a true alcoholic. Cortisol is related to adrenalin, and explains why alcoholics are more sensitive to everything. Imagine your most stressful day, this is the baseline for alcoholics. Relapse often occurs due to added stress which produces more cortisol. This book takes a look at how to keep stressors down, and also delves into court appointed rehabs, how to choose the best professional help and more. A great short read for anyone interested in alcoholism.
August 9, 2020
I just cannot read another word of this book! It seems the author is intent on blaming cortisol and Society for alcoholism.
It's everyone else's fault. Society is mean and projects shame and this projecting of shame is what makes alcoholic relapse. Well, that and cortisol of course.
The author is supposedly giving an explanation of the course of the disease of alcoholism. But he comes across as a whiny complainer trying to force society to take the blame for his behavior.
It's everyone else's fault. Society is mean and projects shame and this projecting of shame is what makes alcoholic relapse. Well, that and cortisol of course.
The author is supposedly giving an explanation of the course of the disease of alcoholism. But he comes across as a whiny complainer trying to force society to take the blame for his behavior.
February 14, 2021
A must read for everyone. Alcoholism sufferer or not, this is a sorely misunderstood subject that needs a bright light shone on it.
May 27, 2013
This is an empowering and life changing book!
Mr. Scott Stevens is an authority on the subject of alcoholism, and this book is an indispensable tool for anyone struggling with alcoholism or fear of not being able to retain sobriety. Co-dependents will also find it useful as it can contribute to a better understanding of their own psychology and enabling tendencies. The book offers shrewd observations on human behavior, insights difficult to find in most psychology books! Anyone who seeks a better understanding and compassion for human nature will profit from this read, as a lot of the behaviors described are universal. The book gains much of its power from the author’s personal experiences and wisdom derived while going through his struggle with alcoholism. It is an honest expression of feelings, witty analogies, personal struggles, and shining victories.
The author's research explains in simple language the nature of this disease, and dissolves some of its myths. Although the author says that "Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud" isn’t a crusade to cure people, this book can be life changing. Just being aware of people, places or things that trigger relapse is not enough. One has to be aware also of the inner stressors that contribute to the secretion of excess cortisol, the major factor in relapse. Several ideas and solutions are mentioned as a way to ease or prevent the symptoms brought out by stressors like guilt, shame, forgiveness, and grief. These thoughts and ideas - the author's way of dealing with problems common to himself and others - are extremely psychologically sound and empowering! (Chapters 4-7).
The author goes through the secrets to succeeding in sobriety. Chapter 8 provides valuable suggestions for anyone who struggles with communication skills or assertiveness. A lot can go wrong in group self-help, group therapy, counseling, therapy programs, or AA and Chapters 9-10 provide information on what works and what doesn't. Chapter 10, in particular, focuses on the success characteristics of group therapy and group self-help. Some of the stories included there would be hilarious if they were fiction, but are disturbing when they demonstrate the obscurity and stupidity of social programs that ignore these characteristics for success. That is why it is cleverer for one to shop around for help before one is forced into something that is not working. The book shows what to look for.
Relapse is not a deliberate, willful decision. Inner stressors, alcoholism and cortisol are all knitted together. The understanding gained from reading this book has the ability to restore bruised self-esteem, dignity, and confidence, which the system and uninformed people can strip from a fellow human being born into some biochemical imbalance. How can a system be so harsh over an alcoholic's "choice", when like "Sophie’s Choice", it may not be a choice at all? Such clouds can lead a relapsed alcoholic into an (unnecessarily) miserable life, much as they led Sophie. The naïve judgments and stigma attached are unfair and counterproductive.
Alcoholism, the author explains, is not a moral shortcoming due to lack of self control. More than anything, it is due to chemical imbalance. The chemical imbalance contributing to alcoholism is different from the one contributing to relapse. However, life does not have to return to chaos. When one recognizes the sobriety symptoms and does not react by drinking, life becomes better! It would be interesting to also read "What the Early Worm Gets", because an imbalance of neurochemicals like serotonin and dopamine can be responsible not only for alcoholism but also for the unhappy lives that a lot of us live in silent desperation, but we do not even know it!
The author has superb writing skills I envy. He has lived up to his journalistic background. Anyone in search of valuable statistics pertinent to alcoholism will find the final chapter a valuable resource. As a reporter, the author also clarified terms that many are inclined by mistake to use interchangeably; for example, shame vs. guilt, sobriety vs. recovery vs. abstinence, alcoholism vs. alcohol abuse. The book "Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud" is the product of obvious intelligence and understanding. Highly recommended.
Mr. Scott Stevens is an authority on the subject of alcoholism, and this book is an indispensable tool for anyone struggling with alcoholism or fear of not being able to retain sobriety. Co-dependents will also find it useful as it can contribute to a better understanding of their own psychology and enabling tendencies. The book offers shrewd observations on human behavior, insights difficult to find in most psychology books! Anyone who seeks a better understanding and compassion for human nature will profit from this read, as a lot of the behaviors described are universal. The book gains much of its power from the author’s personal experiences and wisdom derived while going through his struggle with alcoholism. It is an honest expression of feelings, witty analogies, personal struggles, and shining victories.
The author's research explains in simple language the nature of this disease, and dissolves some of its myths. Although the author says that "Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud" isn’t a crusade to cure people, this book can be life changing. Just being aware of people, places or things that trigger relapse is not enough. One has to be aware also of the inner stressors that contribute to the secretion of excess cortisol, the major factor in relapse. Several ideas and solutions are mentioned as a way to ease or prevent the symptoms brought out by stressors like guilt, shame, forgiveness, and grief. These thoughts and ideas - the author's way of dealing with problems common to himself and others - are extremely psychologically sound and empowering! (Chapters 4-7).
The author goes through the secrets to succeeding in sobriety. Chapter 8 provides valuable suggestions for anyone who struggles with communication skills or assertiveness. A lot can go wrong in group self-help, group therapy, counseling, therapy programs, or AA and Chapters 9-10 provide information on what works and what doesn't. Chapter 10, in particular, focuses on the success characteristics of group therapy and group self-help. Some of the stories included there would be hilarious if they were fiction, but are disturbing when they demonstrate the obscurity and stupidity of social programs that ignore these characteristics for success. That is why it is cleverer for one to shop around for help before one is forced into something that is not working. The book shows what to look for.
Relapse is not a deliberate, willful decision. Inner stressors, alcoholism and cortisol are all knitted together. The understanding gained from reading this book has the ability to restore bruised self-esteem, dignity, and confidence, which the system and uninformed people can strip from a fellow human being born into some biochemical imbalance. How can a system be so harsh over an alcoholic's "choice", when like "Sophie’s Choice", it may not be a choice at all? Such clouds can lead a relapsed alcoholic into an (unnecessarily) miserable life, much as they led Sophie. The naïve judgments and stigma attached are unfair and counterproductive.
Alcoholism, the author explains, is not a moral shortcoming due to lack of self control. More than anything, it is due to chemical imbalance. The chemical imbalance contributing to alcoholism is different from the one contributing to relapse. However, life does not have to return to chaos. When one recognizes the sobriety symptoms and does not react by drinking, life becomes better! It would be interesting to also read "What the Early Worm Gets", because an imbalance of neurochemicals like serotonin and dopamine can be responsible not only for alcoholism but also for the unhappy lives that a lot of us live in silent desperation, but we do not even know it!
The author has superb writing skills I envy. He has lived up to his journalistic background. Anyone in search of valuable statistics pertinent to alcoholism will find the final chapter a valuable resource. As a reporter, the author also clarified terms that many are inclined by mistake to use interchangeably; for example, shame vs. guilt, sobriety vs. recovery vs. abstinence, alcoholism vs. alcohol abuse. The book "Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud" is the product of obvious intelligence and understanding. Highly recommended.
December 23, 2014
A Great Book for Everyone!!
Scott Steven’s extremely readable “Every Silver Lining Has A Cloud” is SUCH an important work! Powerful, clearly written, enormously informative, this book taught me not only about the emotional rollercoaster an alcoholic takes, but also about the chemical science of alcoholism, which basically stacks the genetic biochemical deck against him or her.
Scott also goes into Al-Anon, the legal system, and the futility of incarceration programs as well as how dysfunctional families play such a large role in alcoholism. Peppered throughout the book are well-versed truisms and great chapter opening quotes, which I personally thought added an extra punch to it all. And lest you think this book is like so many other self-help books, filled with one unprovable case study after another, here, every eye-opening statement or life example is backed up by worthy sources. A true find for everyone! HIGHLY recommended!
Scott Steven’s extremely readable “Every Silver Lining Has A Cloud” is SUCH an important work! Powerful, clearly written, enormously informative, this book taught me not only about the emotional rollercoaster an alcoholic takes, but also about the chemical science of alcoholism, which basically stacks the genetic biochemical deck against him or her.
Scott also goes into Al-Anon, the legal system, and the futility of incarceration programs as well as how dysfunctional families play such a large role in alcoholism. Peppered throughout the book are well-versed truisms and great chapter opening quotes, which I personally thought added an extra punch to it all. And lest you think this book is like so many other self-help books, filled with one unprovable case study after another, here, every eye-opening statement or life example is backed up by worthy sources. A true find for everyone! HIGHLY recommended!
July 5, 2013
Every Silver Lining has a Cloud- Scott Stevens
An enlightening book by Stevens
I was given an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Scott Stevens has written a clear, insightful and informative book. Differentiation and perception are explored in the writing- which, I am sure, will help many people comprehend the unique difficulties involved with alcoholism in a true manner. I am not an expert in these issues, although, the book has detailed physiological and psychological details. Every Silver Lining has a Cloud will guide, aid and reach out to help those that need it most- an enlightening book by Stevens.
An enlightening book by Stevens
I was given an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Scott Stevens has written a clear, insightful and informative book. Differentiation and perception are explored in the writing- which, I am sure, will help many people comprehend the unique difficulties involved with alcoholism in a true manner. I am not an expert in these issues, although, the book has detailed physiological and psychological details. Every Silver Lining has a Cloud will guide, aid and reach out to help those that need it most- an enlightening book by Stevens.
April 7, 2013
This was a great, easy to read and understand book. This book is for anyone dealing with sobriety or knows and loves someone who is. This book is helpful, insightful, but most of all very encouraging.
May 7, 2013
Great read about the disease. The author took accounts external aspects of alcoholism and internal struggles. I am glad and applaud for the author's recovery, as well as the making of the book.
August 17, 2014
This book definitely has changed many of my views on alcohol.
December 18, 2020
One star for the quality of the writing.
One extra star for the personal nature of the book (SS is a former alcoholic). Sublimation never ceases to fascinate me.
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Edit: I was cleaning up my laptop and I just found this old review draft:
Scott Stevens writes science like your lively great-aunt dances at weddings: it's embarrassing to look at, there's no skill involved, but they're having fun and harming no one.
One extra star for the personal nature of the book (SS is a former alcoholic). Sublimation never ceases to fascinate me.
---
Edit: I was cleaning up my laptop and I just found this old review draft:
Scott Stevens writes science like your lively great-aunt dances at weddings: it's embarrassing to look at, there's no skill involved, but they're having fun and harming no one.
April 15, 2013
*I received this book via Goodreads giveaways - thank you!*
While this book did come at an incredibly relevant time for me, I did not find it earth-shattering. Mostly it put labels and names to things I already knew or thought about. However, I can see this book being very informative to somebody who has not had life-long exposure to people with addictions.
While this book did come at an incredibly relevant time for me, I did not find it earth-shattering. Mostly it put labels and names to things I already knew or thought about. However, I can see this book being very informative to somebody who has not had life-long exposure to people with addictions.
September 10, 2015
Very good book written by a recovering alcoholic, who reveals causes, and treatments of the disease of alcoholism.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews