Passages Through Recovery: An Action Plan for Preventing Relapse

Being the father of a drug addict and having been frustrated for years with repeated relapses after high cost, residential treatment programs, I found this the best discussion of addiction and recovery in the library full that I've read. Like most, I had believed that once through a residential program and generally free of the drugs, life should be back to normal and it was only will power necessary to remain on the straight and narrow. This excellent discussion points to a far different world for the addict. Far from providing recovery, the residential program provides just a platform from which to launch recovery. The recovery itself requires parents and friends to understand the altered nature of the brain, the behavioral challenges the addict faces on a day to day basis, and the limited capacity the addict can face to deal logically with "normal" situations. For those committed to the idea of human free will, this book will be a challenge. They will find that belief to be a major hinderance to dealing with an addicted loved one. Imposing the expectations arising from the belief that the addict has full free will to change can be a catalyst to failure. For those more willing to accept that brain chemistry has at least a domineering, if not commanding role in directing the addicts thoughts, responses, and mental capabilities this is an excellent discussion leading to understanding the addict's post treatment behaviors. The understandings arising from reading the book have made sense of many frustrating behaviors and allowed a more positive and supportive response.It also gives better hope that the deficiencies can be overcome in time.I am certainly no happier to have my daughter plagued with addiction, nor with the pace of her gaining workable mastery of the addiction and its effects. But, it is a different frustration. The discussion in the book gave me a new perspective that allows greater appreciation for progress and less room for disappointment in the individual.Like most books dealing with a subject with a constantly changing knowledge base, this is not the definitive bible--it is not the total answer. It is a much needed broadening of the discussion of addiction and the addicted mind.

This man knows what he is talking about If you follow his instructions you will overcome any and all addictions. I am not an addict. I would like to see my nephew overcome his addictions (drugs and alcohol) after being on them for 27 years. He thinks he can do it by himself and continues to fail. I am sending him this book and others by this author. He also covers the family's role in the person's addiction. This book was used in one of my ministerial classes.

Quick shipper. Good condition and a great read!

This book is providing some insight that we never thought about. It goes into more depth about the 12 steps and how they work and what it's about. Provides information that you don't get from AA alone

One of the best books I've read of many about addiction. Very easy to read, thorough, and helpful for professionals and lay people. Succinct, informative, and clear.

Direct and easy to understand. If you want to know the stages recovering people go through this is the book for you.if you are beginning your recovery journey this book will outline what's going on with you & help you find comfort in the process you are experiencing is normal.

This book was a good book, but not to serve the purpose of running group therapy. Was a bit disappointed. Was not able to use the book as I hoped.

Gorsky's Passages are so much help for recovering people. It is good to know that we are going through what he has seen and documented after many encounters with other recovering addicts. The text was easy to read and I understood what he was talking about. Have recommended it to others in recover.

Really good recovery book. Easy to follow, written in understandable language from an expert in the field of addiction. I find this a helpful companion to the AA Big Book as it explains the nature of addictive illness and also refers to the 12 steps and how they relate to recovery. It outlines the difference between abstinence - putting the drink down, and sobriety - working the program and having a meaningful life. Especially good for newcomers.

Good

on time and in the condition describedI have had many hours of pleasure with this buy.I am very happymany thanks

As a recovered alcoholic/addict I could see myself in this book. He hit the nail on the head.Would recommend it to anyone in recovery.

I would highly recommend this book for anybody who is in the recovery process. Very readable and many fine pearls of recovery wisdom. All of Terence Gorski's books on recovery are worth reading, for that matter.