We Are All Addicts: The Soul's Guide to Kicking Your Compulsions

by Carder Stout

Spirituality is a powerful thing, but can connecting with one's soul help kick addictive behaviors? Find out in Dr. Carder Stout's self-help must read. . .In We Are All The Soul’s Guide to Kicking Your Compulsions, Dr. Stout offers spiritual solutions to the complex problems created by addiction. He focuses primarily on the idea of the soul and how this authentic voice has the ability to heal addictive cycles. The soul is pure consciousness untethered from human experience and Dr. Stout will demonstrate how to connect deeply to it through exercises, meditations, visualizations and writing. These solutions to the obsessive thinking and compulsive actions caused by addiction are unconventional and most of them have only been shared with his patients in therapy. Dr. Stout believes that the soul has the capacity to completely remove addiction from the psyche. He uses these exercises himself and has been sober for fifteen years.   As an expert therapist treating clients for addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationships, Dr. Stout is adept at helping clients become more truthful with themselves. It is with this expertise, he breaks down his theory of "We Are All Addicts" in a compellingly readable guide so you can understand the addiction getting in the way of your life and how to overcome it by connecting to the ultimate truth of your core being and learning to love yourself to the fullest.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2023

Reviews

[Noah de Campos Neto · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who struggles with addictive tendencies because of my ADHD, this was such a helpful, hopeful and Insightful book. The author is very open and vulnerable about his experiences with addiction which made this book such a pleasant read. The exercises are very good! I did a few and I loved them. I highly recommend reading this book if you, like me, struggle with addictive tendencies and want to help yourself.

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing me a digital copy of the book :)

[Michelle Bochniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a psychiatrists point of view on addiction and tries to explain to the reader how our souls relate to our addiction as opposed to our egos like most therapy suggests. A little run on and dry in some points but a mostly interesting read and I appreciated the different approach. Addiction is such an epidemic and reading about it seems more common place that I’d suggest this to those who struggle as well as to family members who were trying to understand it as well as it doesn’t just cover the basic addictions most are familiar with (drugs and alcohol). The book also covers eating disorders, addictions to pornography and sex, cellphones, success.. etc.

Thank you NetGalley, Viva Editions, and the author for the chance to read this ARC.

[Spiri Skye · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I think of addiction, I think of drugs and alcohol. This Book definitely changed that. It called me out on my smartphone addiction. This looks at things in a more spiritual light but also brings attention to things most of us don’t think about, how we can be addicted to phones, love, food, just about anything, most of us have an addiction to something. This is also correlated with anxiety and breaking that down. I liked the suggestions the author gave to help recognize those cycles and begin to break them.

[Mikey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man this book gave me some new insights into addiction, and it totally called me out on my phone addiction.

I really like how open the author is about his own stuggles with addiction as well as other struggles.

I wouldn't call myself a spiritual person but I'm pretty open-minded about that kinda thing so even tho at some points I thought "man you're making a lot of claims about this soul stuff with very little sources" I do think that the exercises in this book can work if you genuinely try them.

[Lindsie Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touches on many different topics, such as resentment, ego, vanity, sex, etc. it really opens your mind about how you’ve maybe lost yourself in some ways or another and how to see outside the box to see the solution. After all it is hard to know what to do when your mind is really in active addiction or feeling codependent on something or a habit ruling your life. This book makes you feel understood and not so alone.

[Karen Axnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting and provocative view of addiction through the perspective of a psychologist, a “wounded healer,” who has addressed a myriad of addictions both personally and professionally.

The premise of soul-based recovery from a variety of human conditions is not new. What is new is the idea that addictions are archetypal energies that we all encounter at some point in our lives. The author’s compassionate take on this topic helps to strip away the shame and stigma associated with addiction. This does not make us less responsible (response-able) for our thoughts and behaviors – in fact, it frees us to address addictions with that same compassion for ourselves and others.

For many, the coping strategies to avoid and/or relieve pain and fear are rooted in childhood experiences when choices and options were limited. It is ironic that these same strategies intensify over time and become the obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions of addiction, which only sustains and increases the suffering.

The author provides much anecdotal information from case studies and his personal experience in healing his addictions to support his premise that reconnecting with the soul – the authentic, loving self, is the answer to releasing the bonds of addiction. I appreciated his transparency in sharing his history of addiction and recovery.

The book is written in a very approachable style and is quite comprehensive in scope, including suggested exercises to put theory into practice. Chapters illustrate addictions to: Vanity and Fame; Annoyance, Frustration and Resentment; Alcohol and Drugs; Smartphones; Sex, Love and Pornography; Eating Disorders; Work and Success; Exaggeration and Lies; and the Future and the Past. This is not a “quick fix” guide to addictions. As the author point out, his reconnection with soul took place over 15 years and continues on. Recovery is more an upward spiral than a linear process and deepening the soul connection as the guiding force is a life-long endeavor. My only (mild) criticism is the emphasis on his famous clientele, which for me is irrelevant.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

[Booken · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭?
Addiction can cause complex problems in our lives. This book describes how you can use spirituality and your soul to beat addiction as well as you possibly can. It’s not wishy-washy, it provides clear instructions and amazing examples/anecdotes.

𝐌𝐲 𝟑 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬:
1️⃣ We have the power inside to beat addiction if you’re willing to put the work in, and you really delve deep to face your problems. (Sidenote: this doesn’t apply to everyone of course some people do need professional help to beat addiction.)
2️⃣ The importance of identity. Knowing your core values is key to combat addiction. Someone who sees himself as healthy will not be a serial snacker. Someone who’s an athlete will not lay on the couch all day. Identity will dictate your behaviour. And your behaviour will enhance your identity.
3️⃣ Addiction isn’t beaten overnight. The thing is that you won’t beat addiction in a day or 2. It’s a continual process by reviewing your behaviour and working on yourself.

𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭
If you’re someone that truly struggles with addiction and compulsive behaviour in general; than this book is the perfect and practical guide to help you understand your mind and beat your addictive tendencies.

[Arun Verma · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 𝐀 𝐧𝐨-𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
 
It is an amazing guide to getting rid of addiction. Everyone is used to something or other, but when it crosses the bar, it is called addiction.
 
The book is divided into 12 chapters, where each chapter discusses different types of addiction, the reasons behind addiction, and ways to deal with them. The book starts with a wonderful message about connecting to our soul and ends with the message of being in the present. 
 
The chapters are easy to connect with. Every chapter is backed up with exercises for development. Substituting negative words for yourself into positive ones is one of the exercises that I found easy and impactful.
 
📖 In this book, you'll learn:

🔆 Addiction and its types and easy exercises to identify.
🔆 Causative agent.
🔆 Corrective measures to treat them.
🔆 Be a better version of yourself.
 
Each chapter is informative and captivating. It makes readers believe in themselves and connect with the universe in a better way. Healing is possible, and the ways to connect the soul are really explained in a good way. The questions are thought-provoking and revealing. 
 
Overall, this book is for everyone who wants to rise above all the odds. 

[Jake_reads_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictions come in all shapes and sizes. It doesn't have to be alcohol and it doesn't have to be drugs. We use all sorts of things to fill the void within us. For example I know that you're addicted to books. Don't deny it, if you weren't, you wouldn't be here. Don't worry, I am too. We'll get through it with Carder's help.

Carder tells the story of his addiction. It's an honest account from someone who knows what they're about. And that's the point he's trying to make: addiction is everywhere, we just need to know how to confront it instead of trying to run away.

Not only is this book a really interesting dissertation on the concept of addiction, but it offers some useful exercises to overcome the addictions we all have. We Are All Addicts is full of some uncomfortable truths that I'm sure everyone can relate to. It's always strange to try something new and change the way we live, but I'm confident that if you really want to change yourself, this book will help you. Maybe if I use this book as a guide I might be able to stop buying so many books!

[Radu Dumitrescu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some people gamble. Some drink. Others are addicted to food, or social media. Then there are the classic addictions, nicotine, and other drugs. Carder Stout addresses each in his self-help guide We Are All Addicts. The author, an addiction specialist, and licensed therapist, draws on his own life to offer practical strategies. According to him, addiction is not inside us, it's an external force that moves through us at times. It is an obsessive surge of energy, has a mind of its own, and should always be thought of as something separate from us.

The book reminded me, to some extent, of Allen Carr's Easyway, the famous book, and technique that helped so many quit smoking. You may find something useful in We Are All Addicts, even if, unlike Carr, Stout tackles so many topics.
Write to Danna Aq

[Karen Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a revelation. As a person with an addictive personality, (sweets, books, dogs) I related so much to the stories in this book. Dr. Stout talks about his own struggles with addiction as well as his patients and how spirituality and connection to their soul helped them recover.

He breaks down the definition of addiction and helps the reader recognize their own addictive behavior. He also outlines exercises that the reader can do to start them on their own personal journey to healing.

This book is very inspiring and I would recommend it to anyone who struggles with toxic thoughts and guilt about their own addictions. We Are All Addicts helps the reader feel they are not alone.

[Beary Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t read self help books often but sometimes I will read the blurb and give one a try. As soon as I started reading this one I knew it was different. The author has such a way with words and will send you on a unique journey. The way he explained the process was easy to follow and to the point. I was honestly fascinated by how he talked about your ‘soul’. I’m not a spiritual person but that didn’t stop me from understanding and enjoying his teachings. To be honest, I can totally see how he has helped so many people. I definitely recommend this one even if you never read self help, it truly is unique.

[Ονι · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you tap into your spirituality to kick your addictions out the door?

The short answer, if you think you can, you can.
Dr. Stout presents an alternative to surviving addiction and pulling yourself out of rock bottom. As someone well connected to their inner self I found myself resonating with this book with every turn of the page.

Dr. Stout provides unique and priceless information on using self love to overcome your inner demons. This short book grabbed me from the first page and held me like a dear friend until the end and kept me thinking about it even longer.
This powerful book of guided self discovery is something that needs to be on every bookshelf.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the author’s approach to addiction quite fascinating and like his idea of connecting more to our souls instead of our egos in order to quiet the addictive thoughts that lead to compulsive behavior. The journaling exercises and meditations are well thought out and helpful, however I think that many people suffering from any kind of addiction would also benefit from individual work with a therapist, EFT tapping practitioner, or a community support system.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Jeffrey Zie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so damn good. I honestly had lower expectations because the book cover didn't scream out at me (I know, never judge a book by its cover, but I did!), but man this book is a gem.

Carder gives us a true understanding of the cause of addiction and how to overcome it. Definitely recommend it to anyone struggling with addiction in any area of their life!

[BookTrib.com]

WE ARE ALL ADDICTS by Dr. Carder Stout is a helpful, informative, and inspiring #guidebook that everybody can learn something from!

Read the full review on Booktrib.com

[Nick Luebke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been an interesting read. It definitely shifts your view of addiction and gives you such simple and effective tools to be able to implement. As someone who has struggled with addictions, these thoughts and tools will stick with me.

[Sera Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talking to your soul. I have never, but I do now & DAYUMMM. Good stuff.