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Rewired: A Bold New Approach To Addiction and Recovery
A counselor at one of the most innovative and renowned drug and alcohol treatment centers in the world introduces an empowering approach to addiction recovery that addresses the whole self—mind, body, and spirit
This “useful and practical perspective on what you can do to recover from [addiction]” can replace or supplement 12-step programs—at any stage in your recovery (Allen Berger, Ph.D., author of 12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery )
Rewired is a new, breakthrough approach to fighting addiction and self-damaging behavior by acknowledging our personal power to bring ourselves back from the brink. Centered on the concept of self-actualization, Rewired will guide you towards not only physical sobriety, but a mental, emotional, and spiritual sobriety by learning to identify key principles within yourself, including authenticity, honesty, gratitude, and understanding a need for solitude.
Rewired addresses the whole self; just as addiction affects every part of one’s life, so too must its treatment. By helping us to build a healthy space to support our own recovery, we can rewrite the negative behaviors that result in addiction. Usable in conjunction with or in place of 12-step programs, Rewired allows for a more holistic approach, helping to create a personalized treatment plan that is right for you.
Each section in Rewired includes:
• Personal anecdotes from the author’s own struggles with alcoholism and addiction
• Inspiring true success stories of patients overcoming their addictions
• Questions to engage you into finding what is missing from your recovery
• Positive affirmations and intentions to guide and motivate
With all the variables, both physical and emotional, that play into overcoming addiction, Rewired enables us to stay strong and positive as we progress on the path to recovery. Rewired teaches patience and compassion, the two cornerstones of a new, humanist approach to curing addiction. Remember, addicts are not broken people that need to be fixed—they just have a few crossed wires.
This “useful and practical perspective on what you can do to recover from [addiction]” can replace or supplement 12-step programs—at any stage in your recovery (Allen Berger, Ph.D., author of 12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery )
Rewired is a new, breakthrough approach to fighting addiction and self-damaging behavior by acknowledging our personal power to bring ourselves back from the brink. Centered on the concept of self-actualization, Rewired will guide you towards not only physical sobriety, but a mental, emotional, and spiritual sobriety by learning to identify key principles within yourself, including authenticity, honesty, gratitude, and understanding a need for solitude.
Rewired addresses the whole self; just as addiction affects every part of one’s life, so too must its treatment. By helping us to build a healthy space to support our own recovery, we can rewrite the negative behaviors that result in addiction. Usable in conjunction with or in place of 12-step programs, Rewired allows for a more holistic approach, helping to create a personalized treatment plan that is right for you.
Each section in Rewired includes:
• Personal anecdotes from the author’s own struggles with alcoholism and addiction
• Inspiring true success stories of patients overcoming their addictions
• Questions to engage you into finding what is missing from your recovery
• Positive affirmations and intentions to guide and motivate
With all the variables, both physical and emotional, that play into overcoming addiction, Rewired enables us to stay strong and positive as we progress on the path to recovery. Rewired teaches patience and compassion, the two cornerstones of a new, humanist approach to curing addiction. Remember, addicts are not broken people that need to be fixed—they just have a few crossed wires.
144 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2015
305 people are currently reading
827 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 7, 2018
Written with some interesting and clever phrases and references. I think it would have benefited from a lot more editing.
My main gripe is that this contains very simplistic, and at times offensively juvenile, views of the trauma and depression that is so often the root of addiction. No, people who are traumatized or suffering from real depression aren't like Eeyore with a cartoon stormcloud over their heads, and no, they can't simply look around and discover all the beauty around them, tell themselves loving affirmations in the mirror, and make it all better. It's ignorant coming from a self-professed professional and former addict (though perhaps the author's own experience was indeed that easy). In my opinion, it's irresponsible to publish a book on such a serious subject that downplays the nature of real suffering so often accompanying addiction as if it's simply a problem with perspective. That description is damaging to depressed or traumatized addicts (and their loved ones) who may be reading this book for guidance.
So this book is not the "bold, new approach" I was expecting. It's more of the same 12-step stuff published everywhere. Instead of the brain science the "rewired" title suggested, it's all just positive-thinking self-help content, which is fine, but if that's what you're after there are several better options to occupy your reading time.
This is a big disappointment for me. The stars are for clever writing, which is why I didn't ditch it.
A comparable (but better) book is In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, by Gilbert Mate
My main gripe is that this contains very simplistic, and at times offensively juvenile, views of the trauma and depression that is so often the root of addiction. No, people who are traumatized or suffering from real depression aren't like Eeyore with a cartoon stormcloud over their heads, and no, they can't simply look around and discover all the beauty around them, tell themselves loving affirmations in the mirror, and make it all better. It's ignorant coming from a self-professed professional and former addict (though perhaps the author's own experience was indeed that easy). In my opinion, it's irresponsible to publish a book on such a serious subject that downplays the nature of real suffering so often accompanying addiction as if it's simply a problem with perspective. That description is damaging to depressed or traumatized addicts (and their loved ones) who may be reading this book for guidance.
So this book is not the "bold, new approach" I was expecting. It's more of the same 12-step stuff published everywhere. Instead of the brain science the "rewired" title suggested, it's all just positive-thinking self-help content, which is fine, but if that's what you're after there are several better options to occupy your reading time.
This is a big disappointment for me. The stars are for clever writing, which is why I didn't ditch it.
A comparable (but better) book is In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, by Gilbert Mate
June 22, 2024
Around the Globe in 52 Books
[Prompt: A Book that Models Faithfulness]
Loved this book. Just what I needed in my life right now.
Powerfully written, Rewired is essentially learning to rewire our senses and habits to break from our vicious, hurtful cycles so we can set ourselves on the path to the person we want to be. Like most great self help/nurturing books, the chapters are short and easy to digest, but they contain a lot of weight in them. There's quite a bit about habit formation that reminds me a lot of both Atomic Habits (James Clear) and The Power of Habit (Charles Duhigg), so that was refreshing to read, but I do love how much love and positivity is also placed into this book.
Very few times have I read someone writing about procrastination where I go 'That's exactly it for me!', and this chapter hit it right on the head for me. There was some very insightful stuff in this book, and I am grateful for having read it.
[Prompt: A Book that Models Faithfulness]
Loved this book. Just what I needed in my life right now.
Powerfully written, Rewired is essentially learning to rewire our senses and habits to break from our vicious, hurtful cycles so we can set ourselves on the path to the person we want to be. Like most great self help/nurturing books, the chapters are short and easy to digest, but they contain a lot of weight in them. There's quite a bit about habit formation that reminds me a lot of both Atomic Habits (James Clear) and The Power of Habit (Charles Duhigg), so that was refreshing to read, but I do love how much love and positivity is also placed into this book.
Very few times have I read someone writing about procrastination where I go 'That's exactly it for me!', and this chapter hit it right on the head for me. There was some very insightful stuff in this book, and I am grateful for having read it.
February 6, 2016
This is a breath of fresh air. Starting with a sound case for each of us focusing on "authenticity" first, this book isn't hyping "bold" or "new." It's candid without attacking or defending anything. Love 12 - step approach or looking for something else, here's a good place to start.
It's great for someone brand new or someone bored with recovery.
It's great for someone brand new or someone bored with recovery.
April 2, 2023
A book that everyone can learn something about themselves and to learn to have the desire to change. No matter if it’s an addiction, negative thoughts, or bad habits or behaviors. One that will be on my bookcase but also picked up and used for reminders and encouragement.
August 26, 2017
Please note: I didn't finish this book.
The book is quite repetitive in a way that made me think it was purposefully trying to fill pages with words. I was hoping for a book about addiction; what causes addiction, who becomes addicted, the affects on the brain and body, but it reads more like an AA meeting.
I'm sure someone will find this useful, but for someone who isn't an addict I found this book to be overbearing in it's approach and overall not interesting.
The book is quite repetitive in a way that made me think it was purposefully trying to fill pages with words. I was hoping for a book about addiction; what causes addiction, who becomes addicted, the affects on the brain and body, but it reads more like an AA meeting.
I'm sure someone will find this useful, but for someone who isn't an addict I found this book to be overbearing in it's approach and overall not interesting.
August 14, 2017
Allow me to start this brief review, by providing you a definition for the word addiction. Addiction is the fact or condition of being dependent to a particular substance, thing or activity. Having said that, we have to be able to consciously acknowledge and accept that it is potentially possible that all of us, maybe, have developed an addiction to 'something', in some way. It does not have to be, necessarily, to a substance (such as alcohol, tobacco, opioids, cocaine, cannabis). It could be an addiciton to a certain type of behavioral pattern (related to food, sex, sugar, pornography, wrok, shopping, attention... or any kind of negative self-talk). Addiction is a brain disorder characterizes by compulsive engagement in rewarding 'stimuli' despite adverse consequences. And, most of the times, it could become into something very difficult, or even impossible, to understand... and therefore, to tolerate. But the most important fact about addiction, is that is not a disease. Let's say that addiciton is just the symptom.
'Rewired' is a new, breakthrough approach to fighting addiction and self-damaging behavior by acknowledging our personal power to bring ourselves back from the brink. Centered in the concept of self-actualization, this book will guide you towards not only physical sobriety, but a mental, emotional, and spiritual sobriety by learning to identify key principles within yourself, including authenticity, honesty, gratitude, and understanding a need for solitude.
This book is, definitely, a breath of fresh air! Throughout her personal struggle against alcoholism, Erica Spiegelman tries to encourage us to surround ourselves with authentic people who can help us to understand and learn how to be grateful; because being grateful, as easy as it may seem, it is something we have to learn. Absolutely everything starts with gratitude (the most effective natural anti-depressant), because it both grounds us in the present moment and connects us to those around us. But the most important, it helps us to fight the true enemy of addiction: the instant gratification.
This book is, by the author own words, a dedication "to every soul that has been touched by addiction."
"Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom." T.J.
'Rewired' is a new, breakthrough approach to fighting addiction and self-damaging behavior by acknowledging our personal power to bring ourselves back from the brink. Centered in the concept of self-actualization, this book will guide you towards not only physical sobriety, but a mental, emotional, and spiritual sobriety by learning to identify key principles within yourself, including authenticity, honesty, gratitude, and understanding a need for solitude.
This book is, definitely, a breath of fresh air! Throughout her personal struggle against alcoholism, Erica Spiegelman tries to encourage us to surround ourselves with authentic people who can help us to understand and learn how to be grateful; because being grateful, as easy as it may seem, it is something we have to learn. Absolutely everything starts with gratitude (the most effective natural anti-depressant), because it both grounds us in the present moment and connects us to those around us. But the most important, it helps us to fight the true enemy of addiction: the instant gratification.
This book is, by the author own words, a dedication "to every soul that has been touched by addiction."
"Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom." T.J.
March 29, 2019
Rewired by Erica Spiegelman provides a practical approach to addiction recovery, focusing on the recovery of body, mind and spirit through focal points such as: self-care, gratitude, time management, and my personal favorite-- authenticity. The author clearly communicates pragmatic addiction recovery philosophies, making it suitable for both newly recovering addicts and seasoned veterans. She connects to the reader on a personal level, revealing her personal hardships with addiction, triumphs, and success with helping other addicts through her private practice. She commands an authentic tone that demonstrates her knowledge of addiction recovery, which corresponds to her practical approach that can be applied to a variety of life situations. Furthermore, her "Real Recovery" stories showcase the success of her clients and provides hope to the reader that addiction can be defeated. This book provides the reader with a strong foundation of recovery philosophies, both wisdom and clinical based knowledge of addiction, and practical methodologies that can not only benefit a recovering addict, but any person in life.
January 7, 2021
This was a relaxing read. I liked the author and enjoyed her more holistic approach to addiction recovery. That being said, it wasn't particularly different than a lot of other addiction recovery books. Nevertheless, I felt it instilled a lot of hope and optimism for one recovering from addiction. Nothing particularly stood out to me to be different from other reads within the genre, but it reinforced a need for self-kindness. The book was laden with plenty of the author's personal anecdotes which I felt added to her credibility and were inspiring. Ultimately, I did not think there was any "breakthrough" approach like was advertised but appreciated her honesty and simplicity of the message. At the end she offers plenty of positive affirmations which I thought was nice as well.
May 26, 2025
This book was “ok”. I work in recovery and was hoping for some examples and a bit more but maybe I was expecting something that wasn’t intended. I need to understand that this is a primer. This isn’t where the meat would be found.
That’s not to say that the message is poor or even poorly written. Once we get to Self Compassion, Self Care, and the following chapters it gets pretty good in description and the examples it gives.
I can’t give it 5 stars simply because it wasn’t what I was looking for. I can’t give it less than three because the approach is still correct and there’s nothing g wrong with what is said. Just wanted more.
That’s not to say that the message is poor or even poorly written. Once we get to Self Compassion, Self Care, and the following chapters it gets pretty good in description and the examples it gives.
I can’t give it 5 stars simply because it wasn’t what I was looking for. I can’t give it less than three because the approach is still correct and there’s nothing g wrong with what is said. Just wanted more.
April 26, 2024
What a great book.
A brief, accessible, laymen's terms explanation of gold standard therapeutic concepts used in mental health recovery to address the emotional and lifestyle components of addiction that precipitate it. Spiegelman writes clean, clear, and pleasant without being saccharine. That's doubly impressive since she's pushing so many holistic and positive psychology concepts.
Read it. You don't need to be an addict. You don't even need to know an addict. Everybody should read this.
A brief, accessible, laymen's terms explanation of gold standard therapeutic concepts used in mental health recovery to address the emotional and lifestyle components of addiction that precipitate it. Spiegelman writes clean, clear, and pleasant without being saccharine. That's doubly impressive since she's pushing so many holistic and positive psychology concepts.
Read it. You don't need to be an addict. You don't even need to know an addict. Everybody should read this.
July 8, 2019
One of the best books I’ve read recently on recovery. It focuses more on the underlying thinking and behaving which must be changed in order to sustain recovery beyond just putting down the substance. It’s like a blueprint for living covering all the basics. Honesty, evolution, compassion, Solitude, self-care, Boundaries, living your authentic self and learning to never censor that for anyone or anything.
April 29, 2020
Deceiving title; I thought it would be about the neuroplastic rewriring of the addicted brain. But there is no real in-depth discussion of science, research, or evidence-based methods of recovery. Since it barely skims the surface of the ideas in its content, I could skim the book without missing much. Mostly just platitudes and feel-good advice every addict has already heard before.
October 23, 2025
I read this book for the psychology standpoint but also for someone who has spent their whole life around addicts. This was a quick, interesting read and I gained knowledge on what is potentially going through an addicts brain when certain events/triggers happen. I’d recommended it for a quick read and some fast information.
December 20, 2017
This book is filled with helpful tips for how to live life in a happier, more authentic way. It addresses many of the issues that cause addiction in the first place and talks about how to work to fix problems in your life.
February 26, 2020
How to Change Your Life
This book provides actions you need to take to change your life. How we think defines how we feel about the world and ourselves. Rewire your mind to create a better you.
This book provides actions you need to take to change your life. How we think defines how we feel about the world and ourselves. Rewire your mind to create a better you.
July 14, 2021
A few simple steps to follow to get ourselves out from an addiction. Simply asking those questions, listed on the end of every chapter itself can make us realise in which all aspects of life we are lurking behind. Amazing book, glad I found it and spare some time to complete it
August 9, 2022
This book is incredibly relatable, addict or not. It provides a lot of ideas and suggestions to improve your own quality of life. It includes aspects that we should already have implemented but might not. Either way, what’s talked about in this book is still healthy practices we can adopt.
April 6, 2024
How the hell is this a bold new approach?
Same shit we’ve been saying about recovery for the last 50 years!! I’m glad Erica polished it up and sold it to us like it was something new. I want my money back!
Same shit we’ve been saying about recovery for the last 50 years!! I’m glad Erica polished it up and sold it to us like it was something new. I want my money back!
June 10, 2025
I reference this book all the time running group therapy. It’s been a godsend for the past year. Just now bought the physical copy. Erica Spiegelman, I appreciate this book so much that will no longer be ripping off a pirated PDF. I hope my couple bucks got you a nice cup of coffee
March 24, 2020
A helpful start to the lengthy journey that is recovery...
April 22, 2020
Brought up many valid reflection questions and thinking points. I like it a lot
December 3, 2020
Brilliant
This is a very helpful book on handling addiction and getting over it with the tools you need. Better than ones personal story, she gives you the tools to follow through😁
This is a very helpful book on handling addiction and getting over it with the tools you need. Better than ones personal story, she gives you the tools to follow through😁
January 17, 2021
Complete crap. That's the old Twelve Steps and some fluffy words and personal stories. Full of ambiguous and unhelpful terms.
July 15, 2021
It's more about motivation than it's about recovery from addiction. :/
I thought the book would be practical.
I thought the book would be practical.
December 18, 2021
Don't waste your time or your money on this one. Useless.
April 20, 2022
A good book - more focused on positive reinforcement therapy, less on addiction itself in my opinion. Gabor Mate's book was more in line for those seeking more substantive information.
June 8, 2024
Short but solid.
October 21, 2024
A basic guide for addiction recovery I don't feel there was much new in it but for people working through addiction it is a good place to start.
March 4, 2017
I think I expected more after reading such excellent reviews about this book. It's interesting and well written but a little confusing since the author promotes self-healing without any ouside help, while at the same time she talks about cases from her work as a therapist and the people she counsels. Another thing I found a little odd is that she doesn't talk about going to treatment herself until chapter 9, almost as if she didn't want to emphasize the fact that she herself needed treatment and counseling professionals to help her.
I think this book can be very helpful for people who are already motivated to work hard on their recovery.
I think this book can be very helpful for people who are already motivated to work hard on their recovery.
July 20, 2016
"Rewired" Is A New Way To Recover!
I have read many addiction/recovery books through the years. "Rewired" is an in-depth look at not only our addiction one may be in recovery for, but I like the way the author tackles the issues of the "damaging negative thinking, self-destructive habits, and addiction behaviors" that are self-damaging to our well-being and feeling whole again. I also liked that it can be used with or without another treatment and support option, like a 12-Step program, or NOT. I am a FRIM believer that 12-Step programs are NOT the only way to recovery....
I have lived in recovery from gambling addiction with alcohol abuse nearly 10 years now, and I can tell you this book is vert different than your usual find. The writing flowed well for the important information shared in the book. I also was happy to see "mental and emotional" stability was a part and written about as "Sitting In The Rooms" dual diagnosis is becoming more and more the norm with many of us recovering from many types of addictions. Great book and highly recommend this one!
Author & Columnist for In Recovery Magazine,
Catherine Townsend-Lyon
I have read many addiction/recovery books through the years. "Rewired" is an in-depth look at not only our addiction one may be in recovery for, but I like the way the author tackles the issues of the "damaging negative thinking, self-destructive habits, and addiction behaviors" that are self-damaging to our well-being and feeling whole again. I also liked that it can be used with or without another treatment and support option, like a 12-Step program, or NOT. I am a FRIM believer that 12-Step programs are NOT the only way to recovery....
I have lived in recovery from gambling addiction with alcohol abuse nearly 10 years now, and I can tell you this book is vert different than your usual find. The writing flowed well for the important information shared in the book. I also was happy to see "mental and emotional" stability was a part and written about as "Sitting In The Rooms" dual diagnosis is becoming more and more the norm with many of us recovering from many types of addictions. Great book and highly recommend this one!
Author & Columnist for In Recovery Magazine,
Catherine Townsend-Lyon
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews