The Tao of Sobriety: Helping You to Recover from Alcohol and Drug Addiction

This book had a wine coupon in the front as if someone put it in there. Otherwise it looks to be a good book. It was in good condition.

This workbook is the best cognitive approach (CBT) to recovery that I have read so far. Outstanding and easy to comprehend. ` In the 12-Step Programs, those of us who have not experienced an anthropomorphic God (i.e., one who intervenes in human affairs) have an uphill battle with the religionists who want to promote their Higher Power (usually Jesus). Even my beloved Bill W. wrote the Chapter to the Agnostics, which has been used by more than one sponsor to clobber my agnosticism. ` For 18-years, my Higher Power was my Home Group and the Big Book. But it wasn't until I started using a cognitive-behavioral approach to recovery, and Buddhism for my spirituality that I really began having success in changing my "stinking thinking." So I don't care whether my binge drinking is a disease, heredity or part of my PTSD, all I know is that finally, after 20-years of effort, I am finally "happy, joyous & free." Thank you Bill W. for starting my journey & thank you Buddha & David Gregson for helping me put the icing on the cake. ` For those interested, the following is a non-theistic summary of my 12-Step Program: ` The Principles of the 12-Steps: 1. Honesty 2. Hope 3. Faith 4. Courage 5. Integrity 6. Willingness 7. Humility 8. Empathy 9. Justice 10. Perseverance 11. Spirituality 12. Service ` Three Cardinal Rules of Sobriety: 1. Stay Sober NO MATTER WHAT !! 2. Change the Brain from its Stinking Thinking !! .....(using cognitive therapy if necessary) 3. Help Others Stay Sober !! ` How to Work a 12-Step Program: 1. For the 1st 90-days, Be Quiet (except to ask questions). 2. For the 1st year, LISTEN and LEARN. 3. From Day-1, PRACTICE What You Learn. 4. Teach Others the Program (when you sponsor someone). ` And when the religionists put the heat on you, just say that the Home Group is your Higher Power. If they really know the program, they will let it go at that.

I love to read and re-read this book. It's not just about being sober, it's about being human. I feel like I have a personal private therapy session every time I pick up this book to read various passages. It is like you are being personally addressed and all your issues are diminished and you get "freed up". I only wish these authors were "on the road" giving seminars or something but, alas, don't find anything online about that. A truly, loving, supportive, forgiving friend is found when reading these pages. Thank you.

Alcoholism and drug addiction are the only two pathologies (character traits) that tell you, you don't have them. If you think you might have a problem, you do! If you do then I would suggest two books to read, "Alcoholics Anonymous" or "The Tao of Sobriety"--if you're serious about getting sober. David Gregson's and Jay Efran's new book "The Tao of Sobriety" has captured the pain, lonliness and absurd (comic) insanity of alcoholism and drug addiction with compassion and insight. It is a book that should give hope and courage to anyone struggling with addictions. You owe it to yourself to take the time and read it. Its simple straight forward suggestions just might save your life.

I found "The Tao of Sobriety" to be extremely helpful on several counts. With over 20 years experience in the substance abuse treatment field, I found Gregson and Efran articulating ideas that I'd been working with in a coherent and practical framework. Their section on establishing "innocence in spirit" among patients who are plagued with guilt about their addiction is especially powerful and has been well received by several of my patients. The use of actual exercises makes the book useful as well as stimulating. The message of this book is relevant whether one is working a 12-Step program, (in which case it fits neatly into the "prayer and meditation" of the 11th Step), or is seeking an alternative approach to recovery. In fact, most of the concepts have relevance beyond the substance abuse area, and have already found a way into my practice with both addicted and non-addicted patients. I recommend this book highly.

Although a therapist and a student of Zen practice for over 25 years, this book gave me a deeper level of compassion for people who suffer a life of addiction. I was impressed with how direct and yet nuturing the book spoke to the everyday difficulties of a person suffering from addiction.I found the exercises and the related discussions practical, realistic and powerful. This book can help addicts and their loved ones to experience the great joy of substance free, moment to moment living. As a family member who has experienced the pain of another family member's addiction, it help me to change my interactions, conversations and start a new relationship based on honest expression and loving actions.Read it, apply it and this book with change you!