Alcoholism Books

I was not sure what to expect when i picked up this book but once I did, I could not put it down.
The writing style was so inviting that I could not wait to get home to continue my reading.
Steven's struggles and eventual triumph are so heart warming I have recommended this to
my friends as a must read. It was an eye opener to me to see what an addict goes through day to day.
Congrats to Steven ! All us readers are proud of you !
Tony S.

I really liked this book. He tells it like it is. I am 3.5 years in recovery and this book helped me gain some further "aha's" in my program. I recommend it to anyone who is in recovery or has a loved one who is. Thanks.

This book is an outstanding story of Steven's fall due to his addiction and then his eventual rise to conquering his disease. This book brings hope to all struggling from the devastation of drug and alcohol addiction.

This is a must read for the addict, their friends and family.

This must read memoir is an engaging account of the author's struggle with addiction and ultimate recovery. The author led an extremely comfortable, enviable life yet lost it all because of his lies and drug addiction. Steven George's ability to verbalize, in a candid and humorous way, the inner workings of his head and heart throughout the painful process is an inspiration to any and all who read this book. I couldn't put it down.

Stream of Unconsciousness is a breathe of fresh air as far as rehab memoirs go. It's a fascinating view of the Southern California elite from the eyes of a man whose perception is darkened by his battle with addiction to drugs and alcohol; and yet, there's a ray of humor and hope that I've found missing from other stories dealing with addiction. Steven George doesn't take himself too seriously and writes with a self-deprecating sense of humor. He shares his darkest and most hopeless moments with gut-wrenching honesty and follows with a description of his arduous, humorous, and beautiful journey to "sober." I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who has a loved one struggling with an addiction. It's an un-glamorized insight into the mind of the addict and the personal hell they live in. For those who are struggling or have struggled with an addiction, this book is, in essence, a true story about a very real hope. If you fall into neither of those categories, Stream of Unconciousness is simply a good read.

One reading after another, I found myself saying, "Yes, that's how I feel," or "That has happened to me too." I felt understood and also challenged and encouraged. Taking care of myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually is important even in the middle of the draining and unpredictable situations involved in loving someone who abuses drugs or alcohol. Finding the end of my abilities in the caregiving relationship is a good thing as I begin to learn God's way to love.

This is one of those books you'll not only want to buy for yourself, but also to give out to counselors, pastors, friends, and family.

Cecil Murphey's "When Someone You Love Abuses Drugs or Alcohol" is marvelous. It is intended to be a short daily dose of encouragement, but I couldn't stop reading it. I felt comfort, conviction, relief, encouragment, motivation... well, the list could go on.

The difference between "caretaking" and "caregiving" is addressed as well as where responsibiity lies - for both the addicted and the loved one. A short prayer is offered as a prompt for personally calling upon the One who truly understands...

I highly recommend this book along with the other two in Cecil Murphey's "When Someone You Love..." series.

When you have a loved one who is addicted, all of your attention is focused on them. We easily forget about ourselves. If we do not nurture our own selves, our ability to help our loved ones is deeply affected. This book and all the books in this series are extremely insightful and will help those who care for someone who is addicted. If your loved one also suffers from Alzheimer's or Depression/Mental Illness we highly recommend Cecil Murphey's other books dealing with these topics.

Cecil Murphey did a wonderful job of capturing the emotions of those who have to deal with addiction of any kind. On our ministry retreat we used this book for dialogue starters because we minister to the homeless population in Fort Worth, and many of those we minister to are drug and alcohol addicted. I do believe Al-Anon should consider this as required reading for encouragement.

When Someone You Love Abuses Drugs or Alcohol by Cecil Murphey is meant to be read as a devotional, but I read it from cover to cover in one afternoon. Why? Because it was telling my story. I know about loving someone who abuses drugs and/or alcohol, and I know what it's like to get caught up in that codependent trap that enables the addict to remain in his destructive lifestyle. Murphey captures the frustration and futility of the codependent's heart while offering hope and encouragement through one-page, boundary-setting devotionals. A must-read for those in similar situations!

Several years ago, when I nearly died from the dangerous stupidity of AA, I was fortunate enough to find a wonderful Alternative Treatment clinic in St. Paul. And in that clinic, I read as much as I could and learned as much as I could. I, to this day, believe that ADDICTION, CHANGE, and CHOICE was the book that made the most impact upon me during the early stages of getting better. Several years later I still refer to it.
Vince Fox writes in a way that is easy to read, yet provokes a great deal of thought. For anyone trying to make a change in their chemical health life and is struggling, for those trying to learn more about chemical health truth in general, and for those who wish to break the bonds and bondage of 12Step terror, I highly recommend this book. It can add much to your life if you wish to change and to know the Alternatives that are available to all of us.

Of course, I am a little biased due to the fact that I am Vince Fox's daughter. It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that my father died on March 29th after an approximate 6 month illness. He is sorely missed by his family as well as the many people that he has helped. Please respond if you have read his book and it has helped you.

Vince Fox, in plain and fair language evaluates the major players on the recovery scene. There are many choices out there, even if there may only be one in your town. Before following "the others" on the "Broad Highway" leading "you know where", it would be wise to educate oneself on the principles of the lesser knonw recovery programs. What do they represent, what ideas to they promote, why did they come to be? I love the part where significant word clusters found in the Big Book are itemized for the reader. Over 200 instances of God and related words??? hmmmmmm... Spiritual, not religous... hmmmm.....

By far, one of the best books I have read regarding alcoholism, and more specifically where we are and where need to go in upscaling our current treatment efforts of this insidious problem. I have read quite a few books on alcoholism and 90% endorse only one mode of treatment-AA. That is not only unfortunate, it is a sad state of affairs when we cling on to only one mode of treatment that is not necessarily the right one for everyone.

Mr. Fox had some of the deepest knowledge in regards to alcoholism and more importantly where we need to move forward to in achieving a better success rate in treating this problem.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who openly and objectively would like to know more about alcoholism and what other options are available to those who truly want to deal with their or a loved one's substance abuse problem and receive the appropriate treatment that they need.

This book was extremely validating and insightful. Although the book directly speaks to ACOA's, it is beneficial for any who grew up in dysfunctional family settings, especially with substance abuse involved. I think you would benefit from reading this book. I have also gained insight in to the next step of my personal healing. The authors have greatly encouraged me~ Thanks!

I read this book more than 5 years ago and have returned to it several times. It began my personal journey to healing and I am so grateful to the women who wrote it. I have also found, over the last 5 years, that what the book has to say about the way we have to reclaim our lives is accurate. I have given the book as a gift and will continue to do so as I feel it offers so much help and guidance in an extremely difficult struggle. As an ACOA, I highly recommend it!

This book was bought due to depression but, helped me understand that my depression was from my childhood. All ACOA should read this book. I wish it were in stock still as it would be a gift to many.

This is absolutely the best book I have read as an adult child of an alcoholic. I shared it with my counselor and he has recommended it to many of his colleagues. Anyone trying to make the journey out of an embattled childhood needs to read this book.

As I've gotten more days of sobriety under my belt I started to get curious about the history of AA. I figured that a program that has been around as long as AA needed some investigation.

I discovered, after reading "Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age", that AA had some tough times getting started.

It's all in the book: How AA spread from state to state; the money problems; the wives; the early meetings. Incredible, interesting stories!

After reading this book I had a better understanding and appreciation for how the program works. It's really miraculous. And it is illuminating to see that Bill and Bob tried just about everything to get the program going -- so when I question their suggestions or get in the mood to "rewrite" a tradition or two I have to remember that many of my ideas are not original -- it's most likely been tried before!

The "spirit" of helping others was made clearer to me. In these modern times when so many people come into the rooms from rehab or the courts, it is easy to forget what a wet drunk is and how to work with him/her. The book makes it clear that the early fellowship SOUGHT OUT drunks!! How many of us actually do that today? This is incredible ... especially when reading about the first fellowships in other cities. These guys did some MAJOR 12-stepping.

So if your program is stale or you are feeling curious, read this book for an injection of gratitude and appreciation. It worked for me!

I am from Eden Prairie, MN. and this is a thoroughly enjoyable piece of homework that a sponser can give a sponsee. In our AA Fri. nite meeting (it's been around for 25 years), we consider it a don't miss title.

If you want to know some of the history A.A., this is the book. Find out about 'Rule 62' and the controversy surrounding the steps, traditions and affliations - even the story of how the booze industry almost co-opted AA! The early days are all here - well, almost all.

I have had a copy of this book since early in my sobriety and it has helped me follow the path that Bill W. and Dr. Bob took when they started the fellowship of AA. It is indispensable when trying to put together spiritual and religious concepts. As it states on pp. 166-167: "Such were the final concessions to those of little or no faith; this was the great contribution of our atheists and agnostics. They had widened our gateway so that all who suffer might pass through, regardless of their belief or lack of belief." "God was now expressed in terms that anybody - anbody at all - could accept and try." So if you or someone you know wants to know the "why" of it, direct them to this book! In case you were wondering my sobriety date is 1/25/1977 and AA literature has been an absolute necessity in my recovery.

To attribute alcoholism to narcissistic regression is both commonplace and controversial. But there a less convoluted clinical "handle": Pathological narcissism is an addiction to narcissistic supply, the narcissist's drug of choice. It is, therefore, not surprising that other addictive and reckless behaviors - workaholism, alcoholism, drug abuse, pathological gambling, compulsory shopping, or reckless driving - piggyback on this primary dependence.

The narcissist - like other types of addicts - derives pleasure from these exploits. But they also sustain and enhance his grandiose fantasies as "unique", "superior", "entitled", and "chosen". They place him above the laws and pressures of the mundane and away from the humiliating and sobering demands of reality. They render him the center of attention - but also place him in "splendid isolation" from the madding and inferior crowd.

Such compulsory and wild pursuits provide a psychological exoskeleton. They are a substitute to quotidian existence. They afford the narcissist with an agenda, with timetables, goals, and faux achievements. The narcissist's addictive behaviors take his mind off his inherent limitations, inevitable failures, painful and much-feared rejections, and the grandiosity gap - the abyss between the image he projects (the False Self) and the injurious truth. They relieve his anxiety and resolve the tension between his unrealistic expectations and inflated self-image - and his incommensurate achievements, position, status, recognition, intelligence, wealth, and physique.

Thus, there is no point in treating the dependence and recklessness of the narcissist without first treating the underlying personality disorder. The narcissist's addictions serve deeply ingrained emotional needs. They intermesh seamlessly with the pathological structure of his disorganized personality, with his character faults, and primitive defense mechanisms.

Hence the importance of this book: it unflinchingly exposes the roots of alcoholism and attributes it to an identity disturbance, paranoia, sadomasochism and obsessive- compulsive disorders. The author's rich experience is evident in each and every page. A documentary treasure trove - if not a theoretical masterpiece. Sam Vaknin, author of "Malignant Self Love - Narcissism Revisited".

Good news, bad news, first the bad news. Forrest: 1) subscribes to a now questioned if not discredited Freudian theory of infantile narcissim; 2) has very low standards of proof; apparently supposing that repeated repetition amounts to proof, when sometimes it isn't even adequate description; 3) has an editor who is asleep at the switch when it comes to reducing florid redundancy; and 4) still has an essentially pathological view of homosexuality and bisexuality, preventing him from discerning homophobia as a form of paranoia (the term 'homophobia' doesn't occur in discussions of 'deviant' sexuality). The good news is that he has a substantial wealth of experience, including quite a lot of military experience at which he obviously worked hard and for which he presumably wasn't paid much. He gives a convincing account of a combination of orality, narcissism, and anger/rage that lying at the foundation of alcoholism, and issues of identity, paranoia, sadomasochism and obsessive- compulsiveness as common superstructures. (I would have put the obsessive-compulsive issue closer to the foundation; but I don't have his experience.) It would be a mistake to discount Forrest's wealth of experience simply on the basis of his dogmatically Freudian outlook. Much of the substance of the work will survive translation into other frames of reference--as is the case with most good Freudian writing. I learned a lot from it and found it fascinating reading.-- Jonathan Ketchum, PhD (Philosophy)

At age fifty-two, I am absolutely in awe of this book which hit me like a sledge hammer; it is holographic in its presentation, and speaks to me very deeply, personally, and professionally.

Each chapter is a multi-faceted reflection of the whole, and it pretty much sums up my personal experiences in growing up in a constantly relocating military family within a global environment during the post-World War II and Cold War period. If I had to write a personal byline on this text I would catagorize it in this generational fashion: Paint Your Wagon; The Unforgiven; and, Apocalypse Now; i.e., The American Experience of Conquest!

This text made me realize that my own life-long personal quest as the young captain, the trained assassin sent upriver on a covert mission to terminate the colonel, was really a personal paradox to be reconsidered: the young questing captain, in my personal interpretation of a time paradox, was realistically and symbolically the son of the colonel he was seaching out to terminate. The captain was the son that the remote, alienated, and estranged colonel-father, who had become distraught by the deeper woundings of a continuing warfare and conquest, wanted his son to know and understand him personally at the rivers end! This text allowed me to do this personally.

In conclusion, it is necessary for one to understand that "The Destructive Narcissitic Pattern" (described by Nina W. Brown) of the generational circumstance, the handing down, does not reguire drinking at this level. One can be quite numbed by The Great Depression, World War II, and Vietnam and, by one's sense and mission of self-importance through...Narcissitic Need and Entitlement Deprivation.

I am not a mental health professional but a recovering alcoholic, and have been searching for some understanding into who I am for a long time now. This text describes me almost too accurately. It opened my eyes up to some of the deeper emotional and psychological problems that I have suffered with for my entire life. The things I gleaned here are painful revelations, but nevertheless necessary disclosures for my mental stability. Essentially this book gave me the language to articulate and understand my existence, and by doing this it has given me a sense of freedom and relief.

When your in parts of the world were their are drug lords and Wealthy people Like California it was Like magic before, like I was living in a Drug Lord Movie. No problems worries with people telling because that is no problem unless one gets involved with differnt people who don't share the same chemistry and that does not happen with people of that chemistry because everyone does not always think the same things.

Clawson and Lee managed to compile a vast amount of data from varied sources to produce a balanced on-the-mark analysis of the cocaine industry and its impact on the region. A very impressive book.

As a person who has lived in and conducted business in Colombia, and as someone who is interested in the subjects of Colombian history, economics, and the country's struggle to maintain its own internal sovereignty, I found The Anean Cocaine Industry to be extremely informative. Bravo to Clawson and Lee -- a job well done. If you are interested in cocaine, its production and its socio-political and economic impacts, this book is an educational must read. Bottom line: a wonderfully comprehensive text on this subject.

"The Andean Cocaine Industry" is an expert account of drug trafficking. The authors leave no stone unturned in studying this important subject. They must be commended...this is a remarkable book.

This book is crammed with powerful excerpts frpom all the great AA Literature throughout the years. I know that it has helped me many of days in my own recovery and Im positive youll want to have this at your side. Highly Recommended.

This was originally titled "The AA Way of Life", but was later changed because the book was the veiwpoint of only one man - Bill Wilson. There is a lot of plain basic common sense and wisdom in these snippets gleaned from years of Wilson's writings. It's not bad for use as a reflective reader for daily meditation/contemplation.

The book, "As Bill Sees It", delivers exactly what the title promises. This is a gleaning of the best thinking of the founder of AA. Whether you are well acquainted with AA literature, or simply a curious first time reader, this book is an excellent resource.

The text is a compilation from a variety of Bill W.'s works, including letters and talks given as well as selections from the "Big Book", AA's Bible. Each selection centers around a particular topic or theme, and is succinct and though-provoking. The exhaustive index is very helpful, and guides the reader to other works in which the subjects are covered in greater detail.

I recommend this book to anyone who has a desire to stop drinking, as well as to the family and friends of alcoholics who seek a greater understanding.

Nice solid companion reader. Its brief readings are good for the newcomer to help take the program's teachings in smaller bites.

Well worth adding to your library.

This is a book that captured my attention and interest right away. Its foreword is by Ozzie Lepper, the Christian AA who restored the Wilson House where Bill Wilson was born, restored the Griffith Library where Wilson was raised, and then peopled these places with historical conferences, books, resources, and friendship. Ozzie wrote that his heart soared when he read what was still possible. He immediately started having old-time morning quiet time meetings at the Wilson House. And this book quickly became an inspiring guide for me, for AAs, and for those who wanted to form groups like early A.A., study the Bible, learn about A.A., find out about the Twelve Step sources, and have a workbook to help them all the way. Like all of Dick's books, this is one of a kind. You won't find this material in Christian bookstores--though you ought to be able to do so. You won't find it is treatment or recovery store libraries--though you should be able to. And you won't find very many recovering people using it. YET! But the more Christians and others learn about early A.A., the more they want to utilize its programs and principles today. This is a book I recommend for just those purposes.

The grief implicit in alcoholism and other addictions is treated gently in this look at how God/Christianity influenced the A.A. Groups of the past, and continues to do so today. This is an honest, clear-headed, and carefully researched book well worth reading. I loved this book from page one!

Two reviewers have already praised both the purpose and content of Dick's book on the power of God and how groups can once again tap into that power despite A.A.'s ever-increasing drift toward idolatry, nameless spirituality, and absurd names for a deity. When this book was first written, it was used to encourage and help people get started studying healing by divine means, and studying it within the 12 Step Fellowship ranks--just as the early AAs did. Since that time, more and more books have been coming out with specific references to the importance of reliance on God, Bible study and prayer--within the fellowships themselves. This book turns us back to the close of Dick's initial research on A.A.'s Biblical roots and history and his decision to write materials on how to use the history in one's own program, in groups and meetings, in study fellowships, and in teachings. Its value grows as the interest in help from God is beginning to resurface in recovery. Note how many treatment programs are now incorporating "Christian Track" segments. And if they add A.A.'s own Christian history to these Christian Tracks, they can produce winning results with Dick's book as one of their guides.

Dick B. has performed a great service in writing this guide to early A.A. Groups and conducting similar groups today. He puts in print what many of us have recognised as the biblical and Christian roots in the 12 Steps and the Serenity Prayer. He shows how the early meetings were conducted and gives guidance for conducting similar meetings today; such as Serenity Groups.

Of special note is the MUST emphasis that early AA members placed on maintaining a daily Quiet Time. When I wrote the book _Prayer Steps to Serenity_, I very consciously took the same approach of early AA by writing daily devotions and prayers that encourage readers to keep on praying and take time to Listen To God. As I wrote in _Prayer Steps to Serenity,_ "During your Quiet Time...pray for God's guidance and power to help you that day and in the coming days. Write your own devotional on the Step, and perhaps share it in your next group meeting or with your friends." Dick indicates that Anne Smith, Dr. Bob's wife, did this in her Journal, which she shared with others in AA meetings.

Dick B. emphasizes that those in early AA recovered from alcoholism and other addictions by the power of God. So can we, no matter what our addiction or compulsion. Dick's book, _By the Power of God_, gives us many good reasons to read good devotional books and spend time in prayer! Thanks, Dick, for a great job and for all the other AA books that you have written too! I am highly recommending your book to everyone!

Thanks for Reading!
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
Author: Prayer Steps to Serenity the Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition ISBN: 0977805387
PrayerSteps.org

Ocean Blues

Cheat the Moon is a book about two siblings whose mother died and their dad hasn't been home for 21 days. Gabby is the older of two, who is invited to go on a trip to the ocean with her friend in June. She really wants to go for she has always wanted to see the ocean.
The only problem is her dad hasn't been home for a while , and she can't leave her brother home alone.

I liked this book because it made you think it could be a true story, and when I read it I felt like i was standing next to the characters. It had rich description which made me feel that way. I also like that the book was written in first person. So, I don't only feel I'm standing next to the characters, but there also telling me the story of part of their life.

Cheat the Moon is a book about two siblings who's mother died, and their dad hasn't been home for about twenty-one days. Gabby is the older girl who is invited to go on a trip to the ocean with her friend in June . She really wants to go, for she has always wanted to see the ocean, but her dad hasn't been home, and she can't leave her little brother alone for that long.
I liked this book because it was dealing with real life situations, and when I read it , I felt like I was there standing next to the characters because it had rich description. I also liked that the book was written in first person. So I don't only feel like I'm standing next to the characters, but I also feel like there telling me a story of part of there life.
I do recommend this book if you like a book written in first person. Cheat the moon doesn't have much action but it still is a good book. I gave it five stars because the ending turned out good and not so upsetting.

Gabby is a 12 year old girl that has a 6 year old brother named Will. Their mom passed away and their dad is a drunk. He is hardly ever home. Gabby's friend, Mallie, is going on a vacation to the ocean. Gabby was invited to come along, and Gabby wanted to go. Gabby's dad came back from being gone for 22 days. He promised her he would stay for good, so she could go on the trip. Then one day Clara, a lady that helped them out came over and stayed with them. If you want to find out the ending, read the book.

This is the wonderfully written story of Gabby, a stong and independent 12 year old girl who is essentially raising herself and her six year old brother, Will. Their mother is dead. Their father is an alcoholic who is away on drinking binges for long periods of time. Gabby stubbornly keeps her family's problems private, and does not allow social workers or neighbors to help them.

When her father reappears after 22 days of heavy drinking, he promises to stay for good this time. Gabby's heard this countless times before, and is doubtful. Will, on the other hand, naively trusts his father to stick around. Their father tries very hard to make things up to Gabby and Will. He finds a job, and buys them food and clothes. He even reconciles with the grandmother who raised him, Clara, so that Gabby and Will might have more family than just their father. Gabby doesn't expect her father to stick around, but it comes as a shock when he is killed in an accident at the m! ill where he works.

Gabby, who has always been strong, tries to deal with her loss in a matter of fact, practical way. She insists that she and Will can live on their own, without help. Eventually, Clara helps Gabby realize her sorrow, and persuades Gabby to accept her offer of taking care of them. Only after mourning her father does Gabby learn what her mother meant long ago when she told Gabby to "cheat the moon."

This book is beautifully written, the story is realistic and compelling. The reader grows to understand the characters and their faults, and grows to love them faults and all. Even Gabby's father evokes sympathy rather than scorn. The author expertly weaves together an array of feelings. The story is at once sobering and inspirational, sorrowful and hopeful.

The story is written simply enough for 12 year old readers, and the serious subject matter is dealt with in a manner appropriate for that age. Older readers will be able to appri! ciate this book on many other levels; there many subtle the! mes throughout including coming of age and learning to let go. Although the character of Gabby is 12, she is mature enough to appeal to a wide age range of readers, including high school age. The writing is excellent, and could also be appreciated by adult readers.