Trauma and the Twelve Steps A Complete Guide For Enhancing Recovery

by Jamie Marich

Criticism of 12-step recovery is nothing new; however, 12-step programs are increasingly getting a bad rap for being too “one size fits all,” or not applicable to individuals struggling with issues beyond the scope of simple alcoholism or addiction, especially issues surrounding traumatic stress. "Trauma and the Twelve Steps: A Complete Guide to Enhancing Recovery" takes the posture that there is nothing wrong with using 12-step recovery principles in treatment or in continuing care with individuals who are affected by trauma-related issues. However, this book also explains how rigid application of 12-step principles can do more harm than good for a traumatized person, and that learning some simple accommodations based on the latest knowledge of traumatic stress can enhance the 12-step recovery experiences for trauma survivors. Written for professionals, sponsors, and those in a position to reach out and help recovering addicts, the user-friendly language in this book will teach you how to unify the traditional knowledge of 12-step recovery with the latest findings on healing trauma. In doing so, you will be able to help others, and maybe even yourself, "work a recovery" program like never before!

Genres: Addiction, Psychology, Counselling, Nonfiction

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 13, 2012

Reviews

[Morgan Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This title felt misleading.

I was under the impression that this would be a guide for those in recovery to utilize in combination with 12 step curriculum, but this is more accurately a guide for 12-step leaders to utilize while leading recovery groups; essentially, psychoeducation for a greater understanding of trauma. While I think being trauma-informed is highly important, I also think it's essential that those who have experienced trauma are responsible for their own healing and the ways in which it impacts their lives (i.e., not expecting everyone to conform to their own needs). While it's important to be inclusive and mindful of a person or group's needs, I don't think it's best (and only others' responsibility) to treat those who have experienced trauma with kid gloves. People will be insensitive. Recovery is messy. Given that, plus our skills and what we know about our own experiences, how can we take care of ourselves so we can manage these difficulties when they arise? THAT'S what I was hoping this would address.

There's a balance -- and while this book gets closer to that sweet spot, I don't think it quite lands for me.

[Don Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

One of the most significant books on recovery I’ve read in the last ten years. I’m grateful for having read it and recommend it to anyone in the recovery community.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book undertakes the very important task of defining how one might work with both addiction recovery and healing from trauma at the same time. The author is open to multiple modalities for working with processing trauma. She is especially thorough in pointing out how some messaging in recovery communities may be perplexing and potentially re-injuring to trauma survivors, particularly early on in recovery.

[Artemis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really seriously tried to get through this book for over a year. I made it to about 50% before stopping altogether, but held onto it for months before realizing I thought so poorly of it that I didn't want to pass it along through donating it to another poor soul looking for answers in 12 steps. Marich tries too hard to make 12-step programs redeemable. They are not. This book proved to me that even the strongest arguments in favor of them (with trauma awareness!) are terrible.

[Tatiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF - This book was spectacular the first few chapters, and is a super helpful take on navigating the 12 steps through the ways they don't always support PTSD. But as the book goes on, it became less enlightening and turned into a long ad for the authors website and products, to the point that I stopped reading.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some useful handouts and insights

[Evil Secret Ninja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has some great ways to include the 12 steps when working with trauma. This has been helpful for me in my work with people with addiction and trauma.

[Ashley Connolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative yet repetitive

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really solid book on addiction. I really enjoy Dr. Marich’s trainings and books.