Unhooked: Free Yourself from Addiction Forever

by Adi Jaffe

Learn to identify the "hooks" that trigger your addictive behavior and replace compulsive habits with constructive ones using this helpful guide from a mental health expert.

As a young man, Dr. Adi Jaffe’s own battle with addiction nearly landed him a decades-long prison sentence. Now, his revelatory addiction treatment protocol has helped thousands to free themselves from the addictive habits that cause negative consequences. Dr. Jaffe’s shame-free, step-by-step program helps you address what's driving your addiction

·Identifying the “hooks” that drive your behavior
·Building awareness of when these hooks are activated
·Unpacking your go-to habitual responses
·Creating new, healthier patterns and ways of reacting

The Unhooked Method destigmatizes addiction and uses habit change knowledge and tools to help you to unhook for an addiction-free life.

Genres: Addiction, Psychology, Self Help, Mental Health

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2025

Reviews

[BookBelow]

Reading Unhooked by Dr. Adi Jaffe was like stepping into someone’s raw and unfiltered life story, only to come out on the other side with a deeper understanding of addiction and how it impacts not just the person suffering but everyone around them.

The book begins with a gripping scene—Dr. Jaffe sees a SWAT team break into his room. It's chaotic, frightening, and a harsh reminder of how addiction can take a person to unimaginable lows. From that moment on, the narrative draws you into his life, starting with his teenage years, where he first faced the challenges of adjusting to a new country after moving there. The feelings of isolation and anxiety he describes are relatable, especially to anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.

The author’s journey from being consumed by addiction to facing a life-changing moment of clarity is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. When he describes being kicked out of rehab for relapsing and then finding the determination to try again, it’s a powerful reminder that recovery is rarely a straight line. His honesty about his mistakes, including selling drugs and nearly facing a long prison sentence, makes his eventual transformation all the more meaningful.

One of the key takeaways from Unhooked is the idea that addiction is not a moral failing or a sign of weakness. Dr. Jaffe challenges the traditional ways we view and treat addiction, advocating for a more compassionate and individualized approach. He presents practical steps for recovery, rooted in understanding one’s behaviors and finding healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges.

The inclusion of real-life stories from people he’s worked with adds depth and relatability to the book. Each story highlights the diversity of addiction and recovery experiences, making it clear that no one-size-fits-all solution exists.

What I appreciated most about the book is its hopeful tone. Despite the heavy subject matter, Dr. Jaffe’s message is one of empowerment. He firmly believes that anyone can recover from addiction, and his own life is proof of that.

For anyone who has struggled with addiction or knows someone who has, Unhooked is a must-read. It’s not just a book about overcoming addiction; it’s a guide to understanding the human condition, the importance of connection, and the power of resilience.

Dr. Jaffe’s storytelling is engaging and heartfelt, and his insights are backed by personal experience and professional expertise. By the time I finished the book, I felt not only more informed about addiction but also inspired to approach the challenges in my own life with greater compassion and determination.

In conclusion, Unhooked isn’t just a story of recovery—it’s a powerful reminder of the strength within us all to overcome even the darkest moments. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page, urging you to see addiction—and recovery—in a whole new light.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Hachette books and Netgalley for this eARC.

In "Unhooked: Free Yourself from Addiction Forever", Adi Jaffe delivers an eye-opening and transformative approach to overcoming addiction. Departing from the traditional one-size-fits-all recovery model, Jaffe advocates for a personalized, shame-free method that empowers individuals to regain control of their lives. His empathetic and unconventional philosophy resonates deeply, offering hope to those who may feel excluded or defeated by mainstream recovery programs.

Jaffe, drawing from his own experience with addiction and recovery, brings a relatable, human perspective to the discussion. He challenges the stigma surrounding addiction with evidence-based insights and heartfelt honesty, dismantling myths and misconceptions that have perpetuated feelings of guilt and failure in those struggling. His approach prioritizes understanding and acceptance, emphasizing that addiction is a complex issue tied to underlying factors such as trauma, environment, and mental health—not a moral failing.

The book's structure is both practical and inspiring. Jaffe guides readers through actionable strategies tailored to their unique circumstances, encouraging self-reflection and self-compassion at every step. He combines scientific research, personal anecdotes, and relatable case studies to build a compelling narrative that underscores the importance of embracing individuality in the recovery journey.

What makes "Unhooked" unique is its call for systemic change. Jaffe critiques traditional recovery systems and their rigid methodologies, proposing an alternative framework that champions empowerment over shame. This forward-thinking perspective opens doors to individuals who have felt alienated or unsuccessful in traditional programs, providing them with renewed hope and practical tools to achieve lasting change.

While the book is rooted in the realities of addiction, its lessons extend far beyond. Jaffe's emphasis on self-empowerment and personal growth makes *Unhooked* a valuable read for anyone seeking to overcome challenges and create a more fulfilling life.

"Unhooked" is a compassionate, groundbreaking guide that revolutionizes the way we think about addiction and recovery. Adi Jaffe’s bold and human-centered approach is a beacon of hope for those seeking freedom and a fresh start.

[Book Nerdection · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Unhooked” is one of the most practical self-help books you may want to check out. All of us are addicted to something because of our past experiences, bad relationships, or sometimes just to escape from reality. However, all that addiction leads to is more pain.

“Most of us end up struggling with addiction because we tried to escape pain, and it didn’t work. We don’t typically become ready to do something about it until the outcomes become so painful they bring us to our knees.”

The book is all about how to cope with the addictive behavior one has adopted. Society believes that addiction makes a man hateful, but Unhooked argues that any addiction can be coped with if you put in enough effort and get the right support.

One of the things I liked the most in Unhooked is the book’s structure. You get a comprehensive explanation of each chapter, full of practical knowledge and insights, that anyone can follow.

Dr. Adi Jeff highlights some useful methods and techniques along with some exercises that help you identify your hook, addiction, and triggers.

Along With some stress management techniques and box breathing exercises.

I suggest you keep a pen and a notepad nearby when reading this so you can write your own notes. This will help you revisit the highlights in the future if you ever need help breaking your addiction.

I also loved the way the author shares his struggles as a drug addict and how he managed to survive through all of it as an even stronger person. He is the epitome of change for the people who live with the label of an addict.

I also found that the illustrations contained within the book vastly improved my reading experience and helped me commit the practical points to memory.

I recommend this book to everyone living through a continuous cycle of addiction and finding it difficult to live a normal life.

Reviewed By Faiza

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unhooked by Dr. Adi Jaffe is a revolutionary take on addiction that redefines its root causes and offers a new path to recovery. Challenging conventional beliefs, Jaffe shifts the narrative from helplessness to empowerment, equipping readers with tools to identify the “hooks” that fuel their compulsive behaviors and replace destructive habits with constructive ones.

Drawing from his own journey as a former addict, Jaffe intertwines personal stories with the experiences of others to uncover the deeper truths about addiction. His candid reflections, coupled with extensive research, lay the foundation for the “Unhooked Method”—an innovative approach that moves beyond the traditional “disease model.” This method emphasizes uncovering emotional and psychological triggers, focusing on addressing the underlying causes rather than merely treating symptoms. The result is a practical, transformative guide for achieving lasting freedom from addiction. Jaffe broadens the scope beyond drugs and alcohol to include caffeine, food, video games, social media, and more. This inclusive perspective underscores how addiction touches nearly every facet of modern life, affecting far more people than commonly acknowledged.

Through vivid storytelling and real-life examples, Jaffe brings readers into the minds of those struggling, fostering understanding and empathy for their battles. This book is a catalyst for change. By reframing addiction as a widespread and surmountable challenge, Jaffe takes critical steps toward destigmatizing it. His message resonates not just with those battling addiction but also with their loved ones, offering hope and actionable strategies.

Unhooked is a must-read for anyone seeking insight into the nature of addiction or searching for a path to recovery. It’s a profound and accessible resource that redefines how we view and approach this pervasive issue.