The Truth About Addiction and Recovery

by Stanton Peele, Archie Brodsky, Mary Arnold (Contributor)

A radical new approach to recovery—using methods proven more effective than medical treatment or twelve-step programs.

Drawing on the latest research and detailed case studies, the authors expose the best-kept secrets in the recovery

· Addictions—whether to food, cigarettes, sex, alcohol, or drugs—are not diseases, and they’re not necessarily lifelong problems.
· Many more people give up addictions on their own than are helped by medical treatment or twelve-step programs.
· Developing values, skills, and life resources enables people to quit addictions—and to shed the addict identity altogether.

In their revolutionary “Life Process Program” for overcoming all kinds of addictions, the authors emphasize self-help and treatment through coping with stress and achieving one’s goals. As helpful as it is controversial, The Truth About Addiction and Recovery will forever change the way we view and treat addiction.

“A classic.” —John Norcross, PhD, ABPP, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of Scranton and author of Changing for Good

Genres: Addiction, Nonfiction, Drugs

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Clem Paulsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing and necessary elaboration on experience-based approaches over the traditional 'alcoholism-is-a-disease' approach of AA.

For those looking for alternatives to the AA belief that, among other things, there is something inherently wrong with us, it is a constructive and useful realization here that perhaps, given some behavioral advice and practice toward sobriety, we might learn to rely on ourselves for better choices and and outcomes.

The first few chapters are a well thought out, concise tour through the psychology of recovery, focused on evidence-based, common-sense aspects of our behavior. Very valuable to the beginner.

For those in recovery for some time, its later detail and methodical nature might be of particular value to those in cbt or dbt approaches to recovery. It's VERY detailed -- once over that you'll find it very readable as a second or third text on the subject.

Very valuable. Seek it out. I got a LOT out of it I found useful.

And good luck!

[Melissa Fondakowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find it illuminating to read books that pretty much slam Alcoholics Anonymous. I guess what i can't understand is, why slam something that works? Of course it doesn't work for everyone - it can't and shouldn't! The world is too big! But it does work for some, so why not let it be, and let it! The thing is, if you're looking for some help - get it. Who cares what it is!

[Michael T. McComb · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know, the thing I like about Stanton's writings are they are filled with truth. Here is a man who has gotten negative criticism for the facts that he continues to write about. I appreciate Stanton for this. He could have easily went along with the addiction model we have in place in the U.S, but instead he continues to make the public aware of the dangers and the reason it does not work. I commend him for that.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever wondered why 12 steps just doesn't seem to work for you

[Dani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't really get through the whole thing the parts I read good to clinical for me though.