Integral Recovery: A Revolutionary Approach to the Treatment of Alcoholism and Addiction

SUNY Series in Integral Theory

by John Dupuy

This book is for everyone who is suffering from the disease of addiction or who cares about someone who for addicts, their families and friends, and their health care providers. It is for those who are currently in recovery and looking for a way to shift their recovery into a higher gear--from just surviving and muddling through to becoming the absolute best version of themselves, from mere recovery to Integral Recovery.
Integral Recovery is the groundbreaking application of Integral Theory to addiction. It brings alcohol and drug treatment into the twenty-first century by combining the best of the treatment modalities of the past with the latest knowledge, techniques, and neurotechnologies in order to ensure a more holistic and lasting recovery. 
In addition to providing an illuminating and inspiring map to the path of recovery, Integral Recovery teaches life-changing practices that initiate the addict on a journey of healing, transformation, and awakening, offering the possibility of a lifetime of health, joy, and sobriety.

Genres: Addiction, Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help

312 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2013

Reviews

[MJ Van Steenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would have had 5 stars if it had ended at chapter 7. The AQAL approach to recovery is invaluable and I've used it quite a bit myself. But chapter 8 begins a series of ableist pseudoscientific rants with cherry-picked "support" from studies.

The first seven chapters outline a wholistic approach to recovery, one that goes further than most 12 step models in terms of considering causes and healing. All the meetings in the world won't help you if you don't do the work inside, preferably with a trained therapist (Dupuy seems to think all talk therapy is psychodynamic therapy based on Freud's work - it's not). Addressing environmental and health factors is also essential. The framework is amazing, but Dupuy lost me completely when he tried to moralize the application. It's understandable, given how much he lauds AA, I suppose.

Dupuy created a great framework porting Ken Wilbur's integral psychology work over to recovery, but he should have stopped there. This work is absolutely a part of my own healing - I've been using the AQAL model to help identify areas that need work via its presentation in Holly Whitaker's "Quit Like A Woman." I don't regret having read it, but I think I could have gotten most of what I needed had I stopped on page 114.

[John Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's an advertisement for Integral Recovery. The book doesn't teach you how to do anything, it just keeps emphasizing that when you finally hire one of their therapists or whatever they call their practitioners, THIS is what they'll do. I'm disappointed that I actually paid for this book.

[Eugene Pustoshkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Integral Recovery is an excellent book that outlines a systemic approach towards treating addiction. I am certain this book can be useful both to professionals in the field of addiction recovery and addictology (not to mention people who suffer from addiction) and to general audiences who are interested in widening their grasp of potential applications of Ken Wilber’s Integral psychology and metatheory to various fields of human inquiry and activities. It is well-written, and it shows the importance of using multiple methodologies in creating a healing space for addicts (as well as their families) to recover from their dysfunctional life patterns.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Integral Recovery: A Revolutionary Approach to the Treatment of Alcoholism and Addiction

Author: John Dupuy

Publication Date: May 1, 2013

ISBN: 9781438446134

Genre(s): Self-help, Psychology, Addiction Recovery

Number of Pages: 346

Rating: [7/10]

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Brief Summary:

Integral Recovery by John Dupuy is a groundbreaking work in the field of addiction recovery literature. The author departs from the conventional AA model, offering a more logical and reason-based approach that appeals to those in search of a well-grounded alternative.


Review Highlights:

* Articulates concerns with the 12-step program
* Explores the intricate interplay between biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects
* Provides practical steps to achieve lasting sobriety
* Close ties to Ken Wilber's body of work
* Profit-driven nature raises questions about credibility and intentions


Writing Style and Tone:

John Dupuy's writing style is engaging and informative, conveying his message with sincerity and compassion.


Target Audience:

Individuals seeking alternative addiction recovery methods, professionals in the field of addiction treatment, and those interested in a holistic approach to recovery. It should be noted that readers must be able to tolerate a certain amount of "woo" or unverifiable claims. This book may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, those who strongly adhere to the dogmatic principles of AA may be resistant to the alternative approaches presented in this book.


Personal Experience or Connection:

Reading Integral Recovery was a deeply validating experience as it articulated many concerns and reservations I had with the 12-step program. Although I did not immediately apply the system laid out in the book in a rigorous manner in my daily life, I found the concept of holistic recovery to be very interesting and inspiring. I particularly enjoyed the models used to represent levels of spiritual progress and had a lot of fun with my friend trying to identify our enneagram types. Despite my enthusiasm for the book, many of the members in my program dismissed my recommendations, insisting that I was just trying to find an excuse to avoid working the 12 steps, given my reputation in the program. Some members even went as far as telling me to throw the book away, claiming that it was an unapproved resource that could harm my sobriety and lead me away from the group.


Memorable Quotes or Passages:

"As you can see from the illustration, the first rung in the ladder
starts at very foundational stuff and works its way up from there, from
survival to self-actualization needs. This is important, because as we have
said before, the goal of Integral Recovery is not just ceasing to ingest
addictive substances, but optimal health in all four quadrants, and sustained
growth in your essential lines through an ongoing lifetime IRP. What this
means is that once the lower rung needs are addressed and sufficiently
satisfied, from the physiological to safety, from love and belonging to
esteem, the question in life shifts radically from “What can I get?” to
“What can I give?”"

John Dupuy, Integral Recovery, p. 72

"What is beginning to emerge here, in Integral theory in general and
in Integral Recovery specifically, is a vastly expanded field of understand-
ing and depth that brings together the perennial wisdom of the past,
the wellsprings of the great spiritual traditions; and the scientific, modern,
and postmodern understandings of cultural and individual evolution and
development. As we noted earlier, our mental illnesses are characterized
by rigidity and chaos, so we might also describe our cultural and histori-
cal illnesses as spiritual, philosophical, and economic rigidity and chaos.
Again, the way to health, both as individuals and collectively, is through
a process of integration. The emergent Integral health appearing in my
students is shining a light and offering hope for our larger collective woes."

John Dupuy, Integral Recovery, p. 182

"There are two main aspects of this book. One offers very specific
techniques and technologies and hard-won knowledge and wisdom about
the treatment of addiction. The other, and perhaps equally important,
aspect presents a model or a framework that allows us to include what
we deem are the best of the myriad practices and approaches with which
we can effectively address the problem in a truly holistic manner Why is
this so essential? Historically, in this country, the problem of addiction has
been left largely to 12-step-based support groups and law enforcement.
While this approach has achieved some things, obviously it has not been
enough since the problem of addiction continues to grow worldwide, and
the war on drugs that began in the Nixon administration has proved a
dismal failure in protecting our people, especially our young people, from
the devastating effects of this disease."

John Dupuy, Integral Recovery, p. 182

"It is my hope that the Integral approach will allow us to see how
these diverse puzzle pieces fit together in an overall coordinated, ever-
evolving, and more effective approach to treatment. I see the Integral
approach not as a cure, but as a way to combine the best of what we
know so far and begin the work of healing the individual’s body, mind,
and spirit, as well as our affected culture and political, medical, religious,
educational, and law enforcement spheres. All of these are aspects of the
whole and have their parts to play"

John Dupuy, Integral Recovery, p. 240

Comparison to Similar Works:

Integral Recovery stands out for its emphasis on the mind-body connection and its close ties to Ken Wilber's Integral Theory, offering a multidimensional approach to recovery that may appeal to those interested in a more comprehensive path to lasting sobriety.


Additional Resources:

For readers who want to delve deeper into the concepts presented in Integral Recovery, John Dupuy's website offers a variety of resources, including guided meditations and information on Holosync. Additionally, the book references the work of Ken Wilber, who has written extensively on Integral Theory, a multidimensional framework that Dupuy draws upon in his approach to addiction recovery.


Recommendations:

Integral Recovery is a worthwhile read for anyone seeking a rational and holistic path to overcoming addiction, as well as professionals in the field of addiction treatment.


Final Verdict:

After reading Integral Recovery, I found it to be a valuable alternative to traditional recovery models like AA. The book offers a fresh and evidence-based perspective on addiction recovery, challenging conventional wisdom and providing a comprehensive path to lasting sobriety. While some readers may have concerns about the lack of verifiable claims of Integral Theory and the use of some New Age jargon, those who are open-minded and willing to explore alternative approaches to recovery may find the book particularly valuable. It's important though to maintain a discerning perspective and make informed decisions about what recovery approach is best for you. Overall, in my opinion, Integral Recovery offers a much more comprehensive and multidimensional path to lasting sobriety than what is found in AA, and it's worth checking out even if your content with more traditional recovery approaches.


Related Reads:

* Alcoholics Anonymous - Alcoholics Anonymous
* Sex, Ecology, Spirituality: The Spirit of Evolution - Ken Wilber
* Integral Spirituality - Ken Wilber
* A Theory of Everything: An Integral Vision for Business, Politics, Science & Spirituality - Ken Wilber
* The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment - Eckhart Tolle
* A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose - Eckhart Tolle
* Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior - David R. Hawkins
* Letting Go: The Pathway To Surrender - David R. Hawkins
* This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life - Annie Grace
* Supernormal: The Untold Story of Adversity and Resilience - Meg Jay
* The Wisdom of the Enneagram: The Complete Guide to Psychological and Spiritual Growth for the Nine Personality Types - Don Richard Riso


Relevant Tags:

Addiction Recovery, Self-help, Psychology, Spirituality, Holistic Approach, Alcoholism, Mind-Body Connection, Meditation, Holosync, Enneagram Types, Spiral Dynamics, Integral Theory, Ken Wilber

[Nel Indziniak · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was NOT revolutionary. and there was alllllll kinds of fatphobia and covert racism all throughout the book. could find most of the information that was useful, elsewhere so i suggest that people dont waste their money on this.

[Pandora Pilant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the examples in this book is helpful while some examples will take years to feel confident about. However, was an interesting book.

[Julie ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the brain science is really cool, but a lot of this felt like someone trying to sell me something. Get what you can from it and leave the rest, I suppose.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

It all makes perfect sense and provides a 21st century alternative to 20th century 12-step programs. (Not that there's anything wrong with 12-step programs.) Also makes me very interested in exploring integral theory a lot more.