Recovery Dharma: How to Use Buddhist Practices and Principles to Heal the Suffering of Addiction

by Recovery Dharma

In the Buddhist tradition, "Dharma" means "truth," or "the way things are." This book describes a way to free ourselves from the suffering of addiction using Buddhist practices and principles. Our program is based on the idea that every one of us is our own guide in recovery from addiction, with the help and understanding of our wise friends and sangha (community). We believe that’s what the Dharma teaches us. The Buddha knew that all human beings, to one degree or another, struggle with craving—the powerful, sometimes blinding desire to change our thoughts, feelings, and circumstances. Those of us who experience addiction have been more driven to use substances or behaviors to do this, but the underlying craving is the same. And even though the Buddha didn’t talk specifically about addiction, he understood the obsessive nature of the human mind. He understood our attachment to pleasure and aversion to pain. He understood the extreme lengths we can sometimes go to, chasing what we want to feel and running away from the feelings we fear. And he found a solution. This program leads to recovery from addiction to substances like alcohol and drugs, and also from what we refer to as process addictions. We can also become addicted to sex, gambling, technology, work, codependence, shopping, food, media, self-harm, lying, stealing, obsessive worrying. This is a path to freedom from any repetitive and habitual behavior that causes suffering. Recovery Dharma is a peer-led movement and a community that is unified by the potential in each of us to recover and find freedom from the suffering of addiction. We approach recovery from a place of individual and collective empowerment and we support each other as we walk this path of recovery together.

Genres: Buddhism, Addiction, Self Help, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Counselling

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2019

About the author

We are a peer-led movement and community that is unified by our trust in the potential of each of us to recover and find freedom from the suffering of addiction. We believe that recovery means empowerment, and we support each other as partners walking the path of recovery together.

Download our book for free: https://recoverydharma.org/book/

Our program uses the Buddhist practices of meditation, self-inquiry, wisdom, compassion, and community as tools for recovery and healing. We believe that recovery is about finding our own inner wisdom and our own path.

Recovery Dharma welcomes anyone who is looking to heal from addiction and addictive behavior, whether it’s caused by substance use or process addictions like codependency, gambling, eating disorders, relationships, technology, or any obsessive or habitual pattern that creates suffering. We’ve found that this Buddhist-inspired path can lead to liberation from the suffering of addiction, and we support you in finding your own path to recovery.

Reviews

[Mo B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this after reading the Refuge Recovery book by Noah Levine for a second time. All controversies aside, I find this book to be much more pithy and coherent than RR. If you are in recovery and looking for a program to either replace the (let’s just say it: kinda overtly Christian) twelve steps or as a supplement to a twelve step program, I would highly recommend this book. I think even die hard AA or NA folks would get a lot out of the guided meditations in the back of the book as a way to practice the 11th step. I really wish this had been available when I was newly sober! There are multiple other great Buddhist recovery books that paved the way for this one—aside from the RR book and program—so I feel like I should mention them here: One Breath at a Time by Kevin Griffin, The Twelve Step Buddhist by Darren Littlejohn, 12 Steps on Buddha’s Path by Laura S and The Zen of Recovery by Mel Ash.

[Jer Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book and a powerful program to overcome addiction! That this book is available for free only makes it and the program more impressive!

The book was written by volunteers who know for themselves the value of Buddhist teachings and practice to overcome the challenges of addiction. It is build around the central teachings of the four noble truths, the eightfold path, and other Buddhist principles, all explained through the lens of healing from any type of addiction (whether it's to drugs and alcohol, food, sex, or other compulsive behaviors).

The four noble truths, briefly, reflect the inevitability of suffering in life, and how our denial of this, and our attempts to control things that can't be controlled, is the main thing that makes the challenges of life even worse. The lesson of the four noble truths is that to overcome addiction, like all suffering, we have to let go of our compulsive need to control everything and avoid discomfort. Like the authors, I've found this an incredibly powerful frame for interpreting and dealing with the cravings of addiction.

The eightfold path flows out of the four noble truths, and gives a framework for living a life that is wise, harmless, and thoughtful, all of which can support and preserve our sobriety by giving us a life of integrity and self-satisfaction. Basically, it's 8 ways to be a good, mindful person who can make a difference in the world without harming ourselves or others. The 8 chapters about each aspect of the path offer practical advice as well as interpretations of the Buddhist teachings specifically relevant to addicts.

The Recovery Dharma program, as expressed in this book, isn't just about ideas though. It also encourages us to develop a daily meditation practice that will support our sobriety. At first I was skeptical of this and whether I could be "a meditator" given the chaotic way my mind normal works. What I've learned in this process is how wrong I was, and how much incredible potential a mindfulness meditation practice has for helping with all parts of my life, not just addiction. I encourage everyone to give this aspect a chance, and this book offers advice and inspiration for getting your meditation practice off the ground.

I have been sober for almost two years by following these teachings and this path. I cannot thank the authors of this book enough for their service in creating a manual for self-awakening and self-care that can help just about anyone.

Find out more and search for local meetings: https://recoverydharma.org
Join one of the daily online meetings! https://recoverydharma.online

May all beings live at ease 🙏🏻

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

The five star review isn’t because the book is classic literature, it’s because I found it to be very helpful. Recommended to anyone struggling with any sort of addiction from substance abuse to social media or whatever else.

[Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting sober is probably the best decision in my life.

[Kiwi Lanier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this a lot, great tool for those of us healing from addiction who wish to use tools and group support without the higher power requirement.

[C.E. Case · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was dismayed because I'd heard it all before, but I realized I needed to hear it all again.

I particularly struggle with sangha--community. It has simply never been my thing. But I am working on it. This book is encouraging.

[James Worth · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mindfulness era has arrived

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this book and journaled on all the inquiries. I highly recommend this book to help anyone who is sober curious or on their path of recovery at any stage. I wish I would’ve read it sooner as it would have helped me in my earlier stages of recovery but still found it very helpful and will begin reading the newer version to help me stay on track with recovery.

[Cris Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely and very insightful book on recovery based on the truths of Buddhism but doesn't require one to be Buddhist to practice. I found this book to be honest and personable and I will certainly reread it soon. Great for anyone who has addiction issues or mental barriers that they'd like to overcome.

[Rome Doherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice summary of the formerly Refuge Recovery program.

[Conor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I highlighted like 40% of the book. I read it from the perspective of a mental health clinician and think it certainly has legitimacy.

[Thomas Schulte · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a Path to recovery

This book speaks to me because if fits my needs for recovery and pets and with my philosophy of life

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have worked in mental health and addiction treatment for more than 25 years. I have become increasingly interested in the philosophy of Buddhism as my career has progressed. I have also found that much of what is available to be somewhat challenging to relate to, mostly because of writing styles and difficulty translating concepts into English. I found Recovery Dharma to be easier to connect with than anything else I have found to date. In terms of a recovery resource, I found it a refreshing change from numerous books that are either based on the 12 steps or carry a clear anti-twelve step message. The 12 steps are difficult for many in recovery because of the "God" concept. And books written in reaction to AA, are often clearly hostile to the organization despite it having worked for many suffering from addiction for close to a century. Recovery Dharma, on the other hand, is inclusive. It welcomes all who seek healing and encourages readers to continue affiliation with recovery groups they find helpful. The group of people I believe this book has the greatest potential to benefit is the group struggling to find a spiritual philosophy independent of religion because of deep wounds from religious trauma. The concepts in this book would be beneficial to anyone, I believe, and have tremendous potential to further the healing process for anyone in recovery both independently or in conjunction with other recovery programs. I truly wish I had it at the start of my career. I admire the inviting, accepting and uplifting message and presentation. And, as of the time of this review, e-copies are available free of charge on the organization's website. Just Google the title, and look in the column on the right hand side of the main page. There should be a like to the book for free immediate download.

[Travis English · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was familiar with the earlier incarnation of Recovery Dharma. It was under the name Refuge Recovery, and written by he-who-shall-not-be-named-after-2017 Noah Levine. I'd read the last book. So, reading this one doesn't contain a lot of new value.
On the plus side - (1) It's shorter. The text is pretty concise. It can be digested in a very short period of time. (2) They've revised the test to be much more generic about different addictive behaviors. The last one was pretty inclusive of drugs, alcohol, food, and the main heavy hitters. This one expands that, including even technology addiction.
On the down side - (1) they've removed the stories, which made up a good portion of the first book (hmmm, I wonder where they got that idea). I'd read a few of those stories, and, they were good. It would be good to get them back. (2) if you don't have a basic Buddhism vocabulary, these concepts come fast and snappy, maybe too much so.

[Russell D · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love about this book is the multitude of small daily practices you can use to build a new relationship with yourself and others. Buddhist principles are very spiritual in nature without being religious. They give us ways to relate to the world and ourselves without being preachy or rigid. This book presents them in a manner that is accessible to people who have never been exposed to Buddhism or twelve step recovery. Add this to your reading list today!

[Stanley E Walker Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Guide To Assist In Recovery

I believe recovery comes from within. While I understand that many have found recovery through surrendering to a power outside of themselves, I myself cannot.

I have to do what I have to do to remain sober.

If I try to rely on a "higher power" to remain sober, I will not remain sober.

Recovery Dharma assists ME as I remain sober.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this was a solid read. I struggle with food and money, so I wanted to understand how these addictions could be dealt with using Buddhist practices. There is a lot for me to put into action moving forward. The writing felt a little too impersonal at times and that’s the only real criticism I had.

[Evan Teal · Rating 5 out of 5]

My dear friend Sydney recommended this book to me, and I think it will be a book i recommend to others as well. I have had a lot of struggles this year especially but all of my life, and I feel as if this introduction to Buddhism while succinct has been a good introduction. I think I will reread it again after I finish other books on the path.

[Pamela Abler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been looking for something like this for years

Been looking for something like this for years! I been a member of two 12step fellowship for over 34 years,and Buddhist 31 years. This is it!!

[Boomer Hesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible book for only $6. Seen more as a tool for meetings with exercises and questions found in the appendix. However, wildly useful to someone with a meeting aversion, as well. Based on the cost of the book new ($6), it’s entirely worth it.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for my job as a peer recovery coach and for my own recovery journey. It's a small book, but it is filled with some fantastic insight that I'm using as a jumping off point to continue my studies in Buddhism. I'm surely going to use the information here in my coaching work.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Explains Buddhist philosophy and how it applies to recovery from any addiction or troubling behavior

[Chandra Slavonic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This along with Kevin Griffin's Buddhism Through the Twelve Steps really inform my recovery and increase my spiritual practice.

[Roger Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional way of using meditation and Buddhism for recovery of all sorts.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, especially after the controversy surrounding the author of refuge recovery. This was a breath of fresh air, so simple to read, so profound.

[Linda Leitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on Buddhist principles, this approach to addressing addiction is wonderful. The acceptance that recovery is possible and shame is not a solution to addiction.

[Michelle Person · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 / 75 Hard

[Ashley Connolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful Buddhist alternative to traditional recovery models

[Matthew Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of complex ideas simplified into a manual of basic Buddhism.

[Markis Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Buddhist Recovery Approah

I found this book to be extremely insightful and useful for my own Recovery. I'm an overthinker by nature, and going thru this book gave me a new perspective on how to approach my thoughts. Cultivating a meditation practice gave me the space and ability to properly address intrusive thoughts. It also gave me a larger world perspective that lightened me up and put me in a position to enjoy life more. This is an especially great read for those who have a tendency to intellectualize their feelings and for anyone who latches onto them as well.