Breaking the Cycle of Compulsive Behavior

This book has changed thousands of lives for the better. Although a few people may disagree with it premise or be in denial of much of the truth it presents, as a therapist and counselor I have found it to be powerful in helping people put their lives in harmony with their values - ESPECIALLY IN REGARDS TO HOMOSEXUALITY! I have had far more people change predisposition to the same sex and engage in a heathy normal relationship than i have the contrary. Excellent for the true seeker that wants to change an uncontrollable addiction.

This book describes well the shame cycle that many addicts experience. Those suffering from addiction and those around them should read this book to understand how to get out of this cycle. It's one huge flaw is its early 90s, Mormon-inspired view of homosexuality as a simple character flaw to be overcome. Martha Beck has since recanted and recognizes that sexual orientation is an inate human trait and not something that can be changed or one should be ashamed of. Apart from this one chapter, the book is a sensitive, insightful look into addiction.

Insightful and encouraging, this book's only flaw was a marketing one. I fear that this book, which explains so well the cycle of sin and how to replace it with joy, will only be looked at by people suffering specific problems. The authors should be commended here, not only for their research and compelling real-life examples, but also for their insight into the gospel, the atonement, and the capacity for human change.

This is the best book I have seen addressing the challenges of those who try repeatedly to break out of compulsive behaviors, but without success. Through real-life case studies of three individuals who successfully overcame compulsive behaviors (an eating disorder, a drug problem, and a pattern of homosexual behavior, respectively), the authors discuss the reasons for people's failures to break addictions, as well as the steps necessary to successfully break out of a compulsive cycle. Although geared specifically toward members of the LDS Church, the book is an invaluable tool for anyone interested in overcoming an addiction or helping someone else do so.