The Abstinence Myth: A New Approach for Overcoming Addiction Without Shame, Judgment, Or Rules

by Adi Jaffe

Breaking free of outdated explanations and rigid "rules" for recovery, The Abstinence Myth offers a hopeful, research-based framework for transformation by an addiction expert and renowned TEDx speaker who overcame his own addiction and has guided hundreds of clients into lives of joy and purpose.

In this simple yet radical new book, Adi Jaffe, PhD, draws on his own life experience, cutting-edge research, and work with hundreds of clients and families to offer a new perspective on addiction and a new pathway out of its grasp.

The Abstinence Myth introduces the IGNTD RECOVERY METHOD, including:
- Details of Adi's dramatic and inspiring personal story.
- The Mythology of Addiction and how it gets in our way with spiritual, biological, psychological, and environmental assumptions that are, in fact, only true some of the time for some people.
- Why the concept of "abstinence" is often a barrier to change and is not necessary for everyone for all time.
- Important research that will shift your thinking, sense of hope, and success.
- Why shame can keep holding you back--and finding the way out.
- An explanation of the 3 IGNTD principles and the 9 steps to personalize your unique recovery path.

It's time to throw out the "rulebook". You can overcome the hopelessness, the doubt, and move forward. You can create a life you're proud of. Whether you're seeking help for yourself, a loved one, or anyone you might be guiding through a personal transformation, The Addiction Myth will change lives.

Genres: Self Help, Addiction, Psychology, Mental Health

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2018

Reviews

[Monica W. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lent from a friend, who is working through some of their own issues. Nice message on the surface, unfortunately I don't wholly trust the author's intentions in leading people to the website to then have to find that it is the typical - ENROLL BEFORE $500 DISCOUNT ENDS:
GAIN INSTANT ACCESS TO THE IGNTD RECOVERY COURSE DESIGNED FOR COMPLETE ADDICTION TRANSFORMATION.

...

I'm not sure what free content this author offers, or how effective his method is beyond this book (which apparently can be obtained free via his website ('just pay shipping and handling'!). But golly, this book stinks of subversive marketing, and something seems really fishy about having to spend hundreds of dollars to gain access to a vague online platform in the pursuit of recovery...

[Travis W · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was extremely short, and the reason I knocked off a star was that it felt like an intro to his website at times, rather than a fleshed out "here's how to do it." That being said, the information is well researched and interesting, and I appreciate his honesty. Much of what he is saying isn't new if you actually read academic research around addiction, but it's refreshing to see someone writing about addiction in a honest way that removes much of the "sobriety is the ONLY sign of success" way to change your relationship to substances/behaviors. Bravo. I hope you write more, as the book was a touch on the short side.

[Nadya De Angelis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author does a good job of reviewing and summarising modern approaches to the substance use, abuse and dependency problem, but he does not have any solutions (although he claims that he does). Just old goodies: CBT, medication, find somebody who supports you etc. – nothing you haven't heard before.

[Araminta Matthews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading up on this for a writing assignment. This book doesn't provide enough counterpoint to determine if these suggestions relate or detract from the other methods used throughout history (re: frame of reference). Additionally, I did the audio version of this book and went to the website hoping to find at least a pdf or other reading resources that would allow me to check the referenced materials or capture the exercise questions to compare them to other methodologies; but the website is functionally a commercial for a very expensive subscription service and the book, in retrospect, is just a commercial for that service. NOT helpful for a researcher.

[Valerie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A revolutionary approach that will undoubtedly help many struggling with addiction. Whatever your problem is, even if it isn’t necessarily an addiction of sorts, this ideology can be applied to anything in life. In short, be patient with yourself, be aware of how many factors are at play in any situation, and utilize those people in your life who will support you unconditionally.

[Patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Distinctly unhelpful.

[Peter Manhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone struggling with addiction. It provides an alternative to the traditional methods we're familiar with such as AA. Personally, I know that I have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, but the Alcoholics Anonymous book didn't totally resonate with me, it didn't feel like my own life experience really fit with all the examples in that book. But I connected a lot more with Dr. Jaffe's book, it felt a lot more like he was speaking to my experience. I love the idea of treating the actual cause of our problems - figuring out what is the underlying trauma or history that might be causing us to turn to drugs and alcohol - rather than just saying "I'm broken" and doing everything in my power to not drink alcohol (and not worrying as much about past trauma). I'm not saying AA isn't a great institution, but Dr. Jaffe is providing a great alternative here that also feels very powerful.

[J.B. Siewers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly logic and rehashing the same stuff but from a different angle and vocabulary. The main point is you can get started changing your life for the better before quitting cold turkey. Which is true , but many people are too deep to even make a move in that direction without breaking off 100% from using. A good read for those that might consider taking steps towards the future.

[Johnnie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, a great help. I Would recommend to anyone who is or knows anyone struggling with addiction.

Very Well thought out. Well written and would certainly help many people. I must have read it in about 1-2 days and can see it has all ready had a positive impact on my life

[Michael Sause · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book and must read for anyone struggling with addiction, helping or treating others with addiction issues. Adi Jaffe is one of a handful of cutting edge people bringing addiction treatment into the present with best practices.

[Theo Bird · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insightful for those who are unfamiliar with cognitive and value based therapies.

[Jimmy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Typical baloney book. Only how important his method is, but few pages for the actual steps. Moreover, there is nothing new.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book backed by science.

This is a great book for anyone feeling uncomfortable in the traditional AA 12 step model. If the 12 step process feels archaic to you, read this book. Adi shared information that helped me understand myself much better. Thank you Dr. Jaffe!

[Mister · Rating 3 out of 5]

not very instructional, as if this a brochure for something else to come

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

TASK 34: A book you meant to read in 2019

A radically new approach to recovery treatment, Jaffe addresses the root causes of addiction behavior, instead of assuming the addiction is the problem.