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RECOVERY 2.0: Move Beyond Addiction and Upgrade Your Life
“The feeling was electric—energy humming through my body. I felt like blood was pouring into areas of my tissues that it had not been able to reach for some time. It was relieving and healing, subtler than the feeling from getting off on drugs, but it was detectable and lovely, and of course, there was no hangover, just a feeling of more ease than I could remember. I felt a warmth come over me similar to what I felt when I had done heroin, but far from the darkness of that insanity, this was pure light—a way through.” — Tommy Rosen, on his first yoga experience Most of us deal with addiction in some form. While you may not be a fall-down drunk, anorexic, or a gambling addict, you likely struggle with addiction in other ways. Workaholism, overeating, and compulsively engaging with technology like video games, texting, and Facebook are also highly common examples. And if you don’t suffer from addiction, chances are you know someone who does. Through more than 20 years of recovery and in working professionally with others, Tommy Rosen has uncovered core elements of recovery and healing, what he refers to as Recovery 2.0. In the book, he shares his own past struggles with addiction, and powerful, tested tools for breaking free from the obstacles that stand in the way of a holistic and lasting recovery. Building off the key tenets of the 12-Step program, he has developed an innovative approach that includes · Lookingat the roots of addiction; your family history and “Addiction Story”· Daily breathing practices, meditation, yoga, and body awareness· A healthy, alkaline-based diet to aid with detox, boost immunity, increase vitality, support your entire recovery, and help prevent relapse· Discovering your mission, living on purpose, and being of service to others
Recovery 2.0 will help readers not only release their addictions, but thrive in their recovery.
Recovery 2.0 will help readers not only release their addictions, but thrive in their recovery.
300 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2014
140 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 3, 2019
"Co-dependency is the disease of the lost self. It compels us to look outside ourselves to another person for fulfillment. It is the most common addiction and often is there beneath the other additions" — Nikki Myers. Yes!
This is an amazingly honest and delightful and truly uplifting book to read. I have been listening to Tommy's interviews for a few years, but hadn't felt drawn to read his book, despite the good reviews it has received, until he provided access to it for free as an audio book with supplemental commentary. The reviews are not incorrect.
Even more important than these reviews, is that it powerfully describes the roots of addiction in such a clear and forthright way that most people who read it will feel empowered to complete the path of recovery. Or, like me, perhaps they will learn that they are hampered by their own addictive behaviors while being oblivious to being an addict. And with that awareness can begin the process of healing and understanding.
I've known about co-dependency for a long time, but TR and his book took my understanding and gave it, and more importantly me, the power to further wrestle with it and change it, my life, and me. Yes, I still have a ways to go, but this year saw a great step forward and this book at the start of the year was of immeasurable value.
And I admire his courage to state bluntly that sugar, particularly processed sugar, is the gateway drug. I have since then begun reading about sugar in more detail. The history of processed sugar confirms his statement and moves his observation from that of a disgruntled yogi trying to make noise or say something controversial to a straight observation of fact. The behaviors and health consequences associated with its introduction to every culture that have been exposed to it, as well as the fortunes made with slavery and mendacity are little different from any other addictive drug's history. Other than being ubiquitous and perceived as benign, or at worst associated with tooth decay and some unwanted behaviors in children.
And I also admire his courage to express his love and appreciation for the 12 step program and methods while at the same time affirming that he has moved from it while suggesting where the 12 Step program has weaknesses that could be strengthened.
Please read this book. If your life is dis-eased — meaning lacking ease — in some way, even if in ways that may seem trivial or insignificant, this book has everything you need to begin the journey of self discovery and easing your self into a life filled with ease and accomplishment.
And it is well written. :-) Funny, sad, poignant, and always on point.
Sugar. The gateway drug. Who knew?
This is an amazingly honest and delightful and truly uplifting book to read. I have been listening to Tommy's interviews for a few years, but hadn't felt drawn to read his book, despite the good reviews it has received, until he provided access to it for free as an audio book with supplemental commentary. The reviews are not incorrect.
Even more important than these reviews, is that it powerfully describes the roots of addiction in such a clear and forthright way that most people who read it will feel empowered to complete the path of recovery. Or, like me, perhaps they will learn that they are hampered by their own addictive behaviors while being oblivious to being an addict. And with that awareness can begin the process of healing and understanding.
I've known about co-dependency for a long time, but TR and his book took my understanding and gave it, and more importantly me, the power to further wrestle with it and change it, my life, and me. Yes, I still have a ways to go, but this year saw a great step forward and this book at the start of the year was of immeasurable value.
And I admire his courage to state bluntly that sugar, particularly processed sugar, is the gateway drug. I have since then begun reading about sugar in more detail. The history of processed sugar confirms his statement and moves his observation from that of a disgruntled yogi trying to make noise or say something controversial to a straight observation of fact. The behaviors and health consequences associated with its introduction to every culture that have been exposed to it, as well as the fortunes made with slavery and mendacity are little different from any other addictive drug's history. Other than being ubiquitous and perceived as benign, or at worst associated with tooth decay and some unwanted behaviors in children.
And I also admire his courage to express his love and appreciation for the 12 step program and methods while at the same time affirming that he has moved from it while suggesting where the 12 Step program has weaknesses that could be strengthened.
Please read this book. If your life is dis-eased — meaning lacking ease — in some way, even if in ways that may seem trivial or insignificant, this book has everything you need to begin the journey of self discovery and easing your self into a life filled with ease and accomplishment.
And it is well written. :-) Funny, sad, poignant, and always on point.
Sugar. The gateway drug. Who knew?
September 17, 2024
I have spent quite some time reading this book and it is something that I will be coming back to regularly as a reference tool. My real reason for getting this was the use of Yoga to help with addictive behaviours generally, rather than a specific all encompassing addiction and my review will be on this basis.
Firstly, the the book is well structured and I like the detail for the most part. The only reason why I haven't awarded the book 5 stars is because I was looking for more of the yoga aspect overall. However, the insight into what the author calls the Frequency of Addiction is very helpful for all and we follow the author's path of recovery through the whole book. Slightly too much for me at times, but I think this is because I was really hoping the book would be slightly different in content.
I also particularly liked the appendices, which are crammed full of useful resources and suggestions and have spurred me to further action.
Overall, this is an important read for anyone who is open to examining their addictive behaviours and wants peace.
17.9.24 Almost 10 years after my original reading of this, I felt compelled to come back to its message as I have some very debilitating and addictive thought processes again. As each new thing comes into my life I go at it with full speed and then move on to the next thing. Thankfully, reading will always be my solace but I needed some help. This time I get why the content is less about Yoga and more about a cleansing of the mind and body. I have also looked at the website and YouTube account which are full of additional help and info. Highly recommended if you struggle with anything. I accept I have an addictive personality and the key is to know yourself and not try to hide from the knowledge.
Firstly, the the book is well structured and I like the detail for the most part. The only reason why I haven't awarded the book 5 stars is because I was looking for more of the yoga aspect overall. However, the insight into what the author calls the Frequency of Addiction is very helpful for all and we follow the author's path of recovery through the whole book. Slightly too much for me at times, but I think this is because I was really hoping the book would be slightly different in content.
I also particularly liked the appendices, which are crammed full of useful resources and suggestions and have spurred me to further action.
Overall, this is an important read for anyone who is open to examining their addictive behaviours and wants peace.
17.9.24 Almost 10 years after my original reading of this, I felt compelled to come back to its message as I have some very debilitating and addictive thought processes again. As each new thing comes into my life I go at it with full speed and then move on to the next thing. Thankfully, reading will always be my solace but I needed some help. This time I get why the content is less about Yoga and more about a cleansing of the mind and body. I have also looked at the website and YouTube account which are full of additional help and info. Highly recommended if you struggle with anything. I accept I have an addictive personality and the key is to know yourself and not try to hide from the knowledge.
June 5, 2024
Focus on the message not the messenger. That’s what i kept telling myself. I could not jive with this guy’s life of growing up with a nanny and his parents sending him $200/ week in college to help support his habit.
This is basically his memoir to himself on the obstacles he overcame to get sober. I could relate to some of the things he was writing about because I too focused on the 12 steps, yoga and meditation.
If i were to look at this book through the eyes of a new comer or someone who is sober curious, the author does a good job of giving his own view point of the 12 steps. I don’t think anyone could stay sober by reading this book alone. Maybe yoga would help?He makes it sound like yoga is key to recovery but so is going rehab and seeing a therapist. If you can’t afford those services, ask a wealthy relative for money (he actually suggests this).
This is basically his memoir to himself on the obstacles he overcame to get sober. I could relate to some of the things he was writing about because I too focused on the 12 steps, yoga and meditation.
If i were to look at this book through the eyes of a new comer or someone who is sober curious, the author does a good job of giving his own view point of the 12 steps. I don’t think anyone could stay sober by reading this book alone. Maybe yoga would help?He makes it sound like yoga is key to recovery but so is going rehab and seeing a therapist. If you can’t afford those services, ask a wealthy relative for money (he actually suggests this).
October 2, 2015
I recommend this book to those battling with addiction, family members and for those people who do not have addiction challenges. This is an excellent must read. I will be keeping this book around to re-read, resource through and to recommend over and over again.
January 26, 2015
Interesting book about how people in recovery need to move beyond their addictions and live a better life through yoga, meditation and diet.
Want to read
May 21, 2017Required reading for YogaFit class, "Addiction and Recovery" on my 500-hr track.
March 25, 2025
It's a good book, and I'm glad I read it. Plenty of useful takeaways (e.g. the Addiction Story and the importance of focusing on a higher purpose and using improvement as a vehicle toward that) that will stick with me. The focus on the role of the body/body-mind in healing and the person as a holistic system is I think correct, helpful, and much-needed in conjunction with other foundational "recovery" texts. It gets too New-Agey at points for my tastes, but I am sympathetic to the vague sense that (and I use this strictly as metaphor, but I think it points to something factually true) one can "vibrate/resonate" at a healthy frequency, or at the "Frequency of Addiction" (although I don't think "bad vibes" are specific to addiction). Also, that this matters, and that we have an internal sense of our own vibes that we can attune ourselves to and change.
As with many of these books, I wonder how much of the author's recovery is due specifically to the practices in his book vs. due to the success of his book and related entrepreneurial endeavors, which gave him the recognition and bright, flashing lights that his self-importance demands, and did so more effectively than alcohol, marijuana, or the crippling gambling addiction he developed while sober. But I suppose we all worship, we just choose what to worship, and whatnot. It's well-adjusted to believe that all your suffering was for a reason, and it was worth it in the end, and what better way to reinforce that than to sell that journey; to literally generate worth from it? The American Dream.
As with many of these books, I wonder how much of the author's recovery is due specifically to the practices in his book vs. due to the success of his book and related entrepreneurial endeavors, which gave him the recognition and bright, flashing lights that his self-importance demands, and did so more effectively than alcohol, marijuana, or the crippling gambling addiction he developed while sober. But I suppose we all worship, we just choose what to worship, and whatnot. It's well-adjusted to believe that all your suffering was for a reason, and it was worth it in the end, and what better way to reinforce that than to sell that journey; to literally generate worth from it? The American Dream.
July 15, 2018
Tommy became addicted to marijuana as a young person growing up in New York, and over the years this addiction progressed to the point that his life was impossible. He found recovery through 12 Step programs which he finds valuable, but he learned later the real benefits from recovery are gained by taking a holistic approach.
Incorporating yoga, meditation and diet into his recovery helped Tommy achieve a new awareness and a happier, healthier and more productive life. He's used what he has learned from his own personal experience and from those who helped guide him to build a global community of thousands in recovery from addictions of all kinds.
I recommend this book and Tommy's website which is full of valuable information of interest to the person in recovery.
Incorporating yoga, meditation and diet into his recovery helped Tommy achieve a new awareness and a happier, healthier and more productive life. He's used what he has learned from his own personal experience and from those who helped guide him to build a global community of thousands in recovery from addictions of all kinds.
I recommend this book and Tommy's website which is full of valuable information of interest to the person in recovery.
July 10, 2025
I absolutely admire Tommy. Hestarts the book by sharing his story and his path to recovery. He has so much wisdom and insights that he shares in this book. Tommy does emphasize a lot on the 12 steps and how important it is in recovery. Before reading this book, I had no knowledge on the 12 steps. At least now I have a little better understanding. Not much though because I skimmed through the chapters on the 12 steps. That is just something better understood when you actually work through them. The thing I liked most about this book was reading about Tommy’s story of transformation. It is very inspiring. One of the key quotes I got from this book is, “The Universe is not so much interested in your personal comfort, but is very interested in your personal growth.”
June 25, 2021
This is a good book for someone early in their recovery who needs more support. The author uses his own story to show how the 12 step AA program melds well with yoga, meditation and mindfulness and why one might want to enter Recovery 2.0. The author, a recovered addict, does a very good job explaining the 12 steps of the AA program, maybe one of the best explanations I've read. He also does a good job weaving in the yogic principles of yamas and nyamas as the next step for those in recovery, taking the initial 12 steps further. My favorite quote from the book is: life continues to show me that my case is being considered.
March 21, 2024
If I could shout from the mountain tops how amazing this book is, I would! Tommy Rosen‘s testimony is one of profound truth, vulnerability, and a story deserves to be told and shared. This book has helped me on so many levels. His story and perspective shed new light on things I had not previously been aware of, as well as gave me practical advice and insight to enhance my life and raise my energy and vibrations. Tommy teaches us to love ourselves unconditionally, to never stop working on ourselves, and to nurture our bodies, our minds, and our spirits, and he gives real lasting advice on how to do so. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing this book!!!
June 8, 2019
Highly recommended for everyone but especially those in recovery. I feel that Tommi Rosen has added a missing link to recovery. A former addict he goes beyond the 12 steps and emphasizes the importance of meditation, yoga, nutrition and community as an effective part to total recovery. This has become my give away book of the year so far. There is a website connected to the book for those who want to delve deeper into the material.
July 12, 2020
Tommy takes on some difficult subject matter, addiction, recovery and meaning. Never preachy but full of wisdom from someone who has been there and back again. I love how he reframes the 12-Steps into the 12 Efforts, making that path easier for me to swallow. I have read and re-read this book and continue to find helpful ways of approaching not only my addictions but a beautiful structure for building a fulfilling life, moment by moment, day by day.
April 20, 2025
Just the book I needed to read now in my upward spiral journey. I appreciated his stress on establishing the baseline (a 12-step recovery program) and expanding it with meditation, yoga, balanced eating habits, and service work. His personal accounts underscore his authenticity, and his range of expert advice also supports his message.
Read at your own risk of improvement. I know many people do not like change.
Read at your own risk of improvement. I know many people do not like change.
December 5, 2023
I’m not in recovery, yet this book has many jewels of advice that can improve one’s quality of life. From developing daily practices and rituals to connecting more deeply with others, it gathers many evidence based principles—and some more spiritual than scientific—of human development and psychology that can enrich one’s daily life. I recommend it.
January 3, 2019
A powerful personal story coupled with strong advice for filling the emptiness which drives so much pain and addiction. Highly recommend for anyone dealing with dissatisfaction, not just addicts. Knocking off one star because it paints a little too broad a picture of yoga/meditation as a cure-all.
June 20, 2023
Excellent! Newly working in the addiction field, I found this book to be very readable. Tommy Rosen did not show vanity or claim to have a cure but instead he offered digestible insight and explanation about what it takes to be sober.
Read
June 22, 2024This was a required book for a YogaFit training.
Didn't read because it wasn't relevant to my life.
It's a Hay House publication, and I give the side-eye to most of the books Hay House publishes.
I own it on Kindle, so I'm selling the paperback version.
Didn't read because it wasn't relevant to my life.
It's a Hay House publication, and I give the side-eye to most of the books Hay House publishes.
I own it on Kindle, so I'm selling the paperback version.
October 10, 2017
The most important thing I've ever read.
April 30, 2018
One of the best modern books on addiction out there.
July 15, 2019
I enjoyed the vast majority of this book and found that the emphasis on holistic approaches to recovery was especially useful and needed in the recovery space.
Read
January 19, 2021Phenomenal, inspiring, comprehensive, integrated aspects of addiction and its healing Fabulous website where membership offers book with it Recovery 2.0 :)
December 22, 2021
This is a great book on addiction and compulsions. I’m not an addict but found it very enjoyable to read as everyone has uncomfortable feelings that we try to mask with something.
June 23, 2022
I appreciate a more versatile approach to the 12 steps and sobriety, but so much of this book made me squirm.
October 25, 2022
Memoir… with great insights into addiction & recovery
January 22, 2024
Easily the best book I’ve read on this topic
February 3, 2017
This book is essential to anyone in recovery who isn't opposed to the 12 Steps, but isn't enamored with them either. A holistic approach that includes yoga, meditation and a healthy diet, all while telling his story of addiction and recovery. Really approachable and really inspiring. I am totally on board with all of this - so excited to find it early on in my journey!
August 29, 2015
A must read for everyone!!! This is one of those books I wish everyone would read and understand the importance of it.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews