Being Sober: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting To, Getting Through, and Living in Recovery Paperback – August 27, 2013

For anyone (either the addict or have loved one) going through addiction, recovery, and relapse, this is a must read! It is most insightful because it gives you a perspective of what the addict has to go through in the recovery journey. Additionally, it is written so a non medical reader can understand how the brain is diseased due to the addiction and how powerful the brain is and therefore making recovery a very difficult process. Finally, the section on relapse is the most powerful section. It helped me to realize how to be more understanding of the hows and whys an addict relapses and how to respond better to the addict when they relapse. Again, if you have a loved one on this horrific journey of addiction,recovery, and relapse, this is a must read!

I read this book after seeing the doctor and Steven Tyler on Dr. Oz. I read it while drinking a bottle of wine in my left hand. After I finished reading how alcohol affects every organ in your body in detail and about self-medicating to get more dopamine in the brain, I saw how I was in a vicious circle. I was self-medicating my schizophrenia. I drank two bottles of red wine every night for 13 years. I quit when I was halfway through the book 16 months ago and virtually don't have a craving to drink anymore. Thank you Mr. Tyler and Dr. Haroutunian for such a fine book. Now since I joined AA a day after reading it I have new friends and am having THE TIME OF MY LIFE!!!!! They are my bananas. If I leave them I will get split and then smashed and drunk. Thank you for getting me out of the rut I was in. Now at 52, I am looking forward to a very long and happy life. I used to wonder why Christians always wanted everlasting life. Finally my question was answered. We have so much fun in this life that we want to live forever. I didn't know it was possible to be this happy. We used to have a beautiful home, but left it for a 700 foot old trailer so my husband could get health insurance. I have to say that it doesn't matter where you live, if you have the right mind frame. I have written a book about the emotional problems I was facing having been kidnapped and sexually trafficked at 13. It is called Snatched By The Devil and can be found on Amazon.com. Check out my author page on facebook under the name Jeana Hawkins.

This book explains the disease of addiction in an easy to understand way. It really hits home on not only the fact that addiction is a disease but that it's a treatable disease. The breakdown of the twelve steps is great - also easy to understand and to the point. Anyone who has the disease of addiction or knows someone who does should own a copy of this book!

I purchased this book because Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, wrote the forward in the book and Dr. Harry Haroutunian is the doctor that helps to keep him clean and sober. It is a good read for anyone suffering from addiction, depression and a few other areas. Harry is a great guy.

This book is a must have if you are in recovery! I love how it breaks down the steps and how to live your life in recovery! Amazing! Highly recommend!!

I bought this book to understand the ordeal of why people become addicted and to try and help friends and love ones overcome their additions by using this book as a guide to get sober and recover. Gave me great insight and understanding of an addict and their behavior. Addiction affects all walks of life (to include the author of this book who is the Director of the Betty Ford Clinic). But addicts must understand that their addictive behavior not only ruins their life but has a negative impact on everyone around them and only they can do something about it. Being an addict is a very self centered behavior. They can only blame themselves for their addiction and destructive behavior that causes them to loose everything in their lives. So they are the only ones that can turn their life around by conquering this addiction. First step is to read this book and use it as a tool and become determined to live a sober life. They can't do it by themselves--they need help.

This book gave me the insight I needed to understand someone with this problem. I will use it as a reference book in the future. I really thank the author for putting it together. I would recommend it to anyone seeking to learn more about this disease. It was a great help and comfort -true no nonsense, getting right to the point..perfect for reaching out for answers.

I saw Steven Tyler from Aerosmith on Dr Oz and decided to watch the interview. They talked about his struggle for sobriety. They brought out the Dr that heads to Betty Ford clinic who is struggles with alcoholism. He wrote the book and since my son is suffering (along with his family) with heroin addiction and backed out twice going into rehab, I thought it couldn't hurt. I didn't read the book but I sent it to him in co jail. He called a day after he received it and started reading the forward written by Tyler. "Thanks Mom, I really get it now". He is now in a 90 day rehab program and has about 90 day of sobriety under his belt. I recommend this book for parents that are desprite to get their kids off drugs.