12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery: Avoiding Relapse through Self-Awareness and Right Action

by Allen Berger

Concise advice on hunting down the personal culprits that sabotage sobriety and personal happiness.

In simple, down-to-earth language, Dr. Allen Berger introduces us to twelve of the most common assumptions and attitudes that can sabotage recovery—and gives us the tools to overcome these challenges. This useful guide helps us keep our recovery going strong with fresh perspectives on how the process of change begins with basic self-awareness and a commitment to working a daily program.

Although there are many ways to mess up recovery, Dr. Berger identifies critically important and widespread patterns of thought and behavior. These

- confusing self-concern with selfishness

- not making amends

- using the program to try to become perfect

- not getting help for relationship troubles

- believing that life should be easy

This highly accessible book helps us become more honest with ourselves and face the self-defeating thoughts and actions that put our sobriety at risk.

Genres: Addiction, Self Help, Nonfiction, Mental Health

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Charla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in hopes to get a deeper understanding of recovery/relapse for my therapy clients who struggle with addiction. I thought it had some great points, some of which I thought could even generalize to people working on self-improvement unrelated to addiction (e.g., having unrealistic expectations, expecting things/life to be easy). I've recommended it to someone else and will likely continue recommending to others. Very informative read!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since alcoholism is in our family, and it is a genetically transmitted progressive illness, I have a lot of curiosity and concerns ever since my mother's death. Because of this, I have been doing a lot of research and reading into addiction, treatment, and relapse. I suppose I'm looking for the answer to why she couldn't beat the disease; why detox, rehab & AA didn't work for her.

[Bob Mimiaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Allen Berger was able to capture a large amount of recovery content in these twelve greatest mistakes we can make in recovery. He personal experience with addiction added a realistic expectation of an addicts challenges and struggles, and the many approaches that just don't work in curing this illness. In fact recovery is a life-long journey whose work is never completed.

Berger talks about the multiple complex layers of repair required to successful win this battle. This includes the physiological cure for the physical addiction, as well as psychological healing from the trauma, or childhood experiences that may have caused the addictive tendencies.

Overall this is a good introduction into the life of an addict, his/her challenges and the psychological obstacles they face with this debilitating illness.

[a.t.m. · Rating 5 out of 5]

insightful reading on staying the course in recovery.

The author has written a thought provoking book based on his experiences in the area of sobriety and recovery. You take what you need and leave the rest! Psycho babble yes, thought provoking yes, always the Steps.
I highly recommend.

[Kaitlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Low rating because I am just not ready
Also I didn't really like the author's attitude, but maybe that's just the addict in me talking.
Turns out I am not special or unique.

[Jay Rothermel · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reader. I need to reread. Seems useful and constructive.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advice for keeping on the healthier path

[Cici · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic and enlightening book. It really helped me understand what it's like to be recovering from alcoholism and how Alcoholics Anonymous works. The whole book is based on the premise that addiction is a disease with a spiriual cure, something I'd never expect a PhD to admit, and in the first paragraph no less. There is a lot of wisdom in this small book. Although written to alcoholics, I highly recommend this book to friends, family, and caretakers of those struggling with addiction.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for anyone in a 12 step program. Really shows you the tricks you try to play with yourself through the recovery process.

[Allen Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book and it has become very popular in the recovery community. Please check it out.

[Ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After The Big Book and the 12x12 this is a must read for those in recovery.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly typical addition to the Hazelden-published library of recovery literature.