What Addicts Know: 10 Lessons from Recovery to Benefit Everyone

by Christopher Kennedy Lawford, Drew Pinksy (Foreword)

New York Times bestselling author Christopher Kennedy Lawford revisits addiction in his latest book, What Addicts Know, this time framing the discussion in an entirely new way—the lessons addiction and recovery offer to those of us who haven’t battled addiction.

For too long, society has considered addicts as an unfortunate group that faces incredible and unique challenges. The reality is that the challenges of the addict are faced—to a greater or lesser extent—by all of us.

In a "�more is better” society, it’s indisputable that we’ve all experienced cravings and denied the truth about our destructive behaviors—traits shared by addicts who’ve successfully overcome them. What Addicts Know offers the coping and wellness skills necessary to overcome life’s obstacles and self-improvement tips for everything from conquering an unhealthy consumption of junk food, to overcoming toxic relationships. These techniques are not just for addicts; they are for all of us.

No one until now has related the lessons and life skills that can be drawn from the collective experience of people in recovery from addiction, particularly the ways those lessons or principles can be used by those in the broader non-recovery community. In What Addicts Know, Lawford recounts the inspiring stories and wisdom of recovering addicts, combining them with cutting-edge scientific findings to give hands-on, practical techniques for recognizing unhealthy impulses and managing them.

If you’re ready to change for the better your habits, your frame of mind, your relationships, your community, and your life, What Addicts Know is the resource that will educate and inspire you along the way.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Addiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Kellye · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very excited to read this book. As a recovering alcoholic I know so much more about myself and (at the expense of sounding cheesy) the meaning of life than I did before I began recovery, and I was eager to read about someone else's journey and what they learned, and how the kinds of things we learn in the rooms apply to so much more than just the disease of addiction.
Don't bother unless you dig star-fucking, coat-tailing, self-aggrandizement and outright lies. I honestly didn't finish this book (rare for me) because I was so goddamn tired of the author, his story, his narrative voice and just his dumb face on the front of the book.
Just in case you missed it in his name, this guy is a Kennedy. Don't worry, if you forget, he mentions it, usually with a pointless anecdote about one of his better-known Kennedy relatives, every few pages. But what will you do in the intervening pages, with no Kennedy references to remind you why you should listen to this guy? Calm down, those pages have pointless anecdotes about famous non-Kennedys he has known, and partied with.
Look, if you're sick and tired of being sick and tired, and you don't know what to do about it, and the fame aspects of the book make you more likely to listen to this guys message, dead-ass read the fuck out of this book and see if you feel like making some changes. This guy clearly genuinely was moved by his addiction and recovery journey and felt like he learned some things that he's like to share for the benefit of others. Maybe I was in a bad mood when I read it. Maybe it's just not my kind of message.
To me this read like the literary equivalent of the guy at your AA meeting who has never done a single step but still has a 15 minute share every other day about how wise he's getting now that he's 28 days sober. Your mileage may vary.

[C.G. Twiles · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had some decent information until it got to the part where he blames getting cancer on "resentments." Gee, my 7-year-old niece died of brain cancer. I wonder what "resentments" she had. I see Mr. Lawford died of a heart attack while at yoga class. HMMMM. Was it the yoga? The resentments?

Blaming people who get cancer on their emotional state is quackery that continues to be popular and guys like this help it along. I wonder what he did to cause his heart attack?

[Jenay Zapparelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books i ever came across regarding addiction, & im a recovered addict myself. Great book for recovering addicts & their families to understand & gain a clarity that is necessary to advance beyond the "disease," survive & then ultimately thrive.

[JustEvan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good stuff. Though quoting Bill Clinton on anything to do with fidelity and honesty strikes me as a bit tone deaf.

[Janelle Gustafson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book digestible and extremely helpful.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book with a great deal of common sense and practical advice. I was sad to learn the author died relatively young. He had such a positive outlook for the future.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author speaks from experience. That is good and credible. However, I found much of his book to be superficial. On making amends, Lawford, does not explain how. If someone you offended, is dead,then what? Do you stand at their grave site, and weep "tears of repentance"? And what do you do, if a person that you offended, refuses to accept to even hear your voice? What if you take full responsibility, and the offended person(s), refuses; stating that is best for the offender to go away, and never be seen again? Forgiveness? What if that is never granted? Time does not heal wounds! Forgiveness tends to be one of those phrases we throw out, but rarely comprehend, or practice; at least from a biblical perspective. There are some offenses; transgressions ( forget the label of addict), that will never be fully repaired, on this side of heaven. Sex crimes. "Oh, I am just a sex addict. I could not control my urges". Many would argue that sexual offenses, are among the most horrific in nature. How does the offender make amends, if they are legally prohibited from having any contact with their victim(s)?

The book is all "touchy, feely". I feel a kum ba ah, moment coming on.....I am sure that their are some good and valid points. This book is just a bandaid, trying to cover open wounds.

[Mahree Moyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all know someone with an addiction, many that are close and dear to us. They are wonderful, intelligent, compassionate, talented.........yet, tear our hearts to shreds watching them struggle. This book helps one to see the positive side instead of only seeing the negative. We can learn a great deal from addicts as this book will truly prove. A definite read for everyone, including those with addiction.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not entirely sure why this book grabbed my attention at the library, but glad it did. I actually ended up taking notes...so many good quotes and life lessons for everyone. We truly would all be better people if we followed these concepts. I didn't give it a 5 because many parts just didn't flow...but I did love the variety of quotes and references the author used. Interested to read some of the other books he mentioned along the way.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loaned to me by a fellow "normie," I only skimmed this read as I'm fortunate to be farther along my journey than the level this book seems written. That said, I appreciated new twists on ways to incorporate a few of these "lessons" and the perspective that those in recovery have traversed spirtually in ways most of us have no clue. While straightforward, I wish this read less like a self-help book and more like the author's entertaining writing in "Symptoms of Withdrawal."

[Leanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provided a basic understanding of addictive personalities as well as the steps taken in recovery from addiction. There are 10 lessons in the book that anyone can apply to their lives. Those 10 lessons identified a conscious way of living that marries nicely with my faith and is a refresher of The Purpose Driven Life. I am getting The Message.

[Janie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This tapped my compassion for addicts. I am a maple tree. I do believe that what's essential to recovery is beneficial to anyone. The ways in which we are all alike make for beautiful contemplation.

I agree with the author about the importance of breath, though not about the existence of God.… We're on the same page, then, for the important stuff. I'm glad I pulled this off the library shelf.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book with lots of good info

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brillantly presented for those in step-programs, those wishing to enhance their lives or seek to support another.