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AA: Not the Only Way; Your One Stop Resource Guide to 12-Step Alternatives
"AA-Not the Only Way" responds to the growing demand from recovery experts, U.S. court rulings, problem drinkers and drug addicts for a global resource directory of alternative treatments. The highly anticipated 2nd Edition is now available, where you can find a multitude of different self-help groups, a variety of alternatives to help with your alcohol or drug use, such as hypnosis or acupuncture, a section for family members and other loved ones, what works and what doesn t, how to choose a treatment program and a comprehensive directory of licensed professionals all over the U.S., and treatment facilities both within the U.S. and abroad. While everyone has heard of Alcoholics Anonymous and other twelve-step programs that suport millions of people each year with addiction, they are not the only effective programs available. Melanie Solomon's book compares and contrasts many different self-help programs so the client can better choose which one best suits his or her needs, as well as contact information for licensed professionals and treatment facilities throughout the U.S. and abroad. "This book is ideal for any addiction professional's waiting room, treatment process, or as an integral part of the client's continuing care plan." (NAADAC-The Association for Addiction Professionals). "AA-Not the Only Way fills an important niche in the recovery literature. It offers a compact but wide-ranging guide to addiction support and treatment options. The author's recovery story will also be an inspiration to those who find themselves battling a one-size-fits-all system that is supposed to be helping them." (Dr. Tom Horvath, President of SMART Recovery).
106 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2005
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 30, 2012
As an atheist who's been sober for quite a while now, I am the first person to tell you that AA is not the only way to get sober, not even the "best" way, so this book is important. I just wish it had been a lot more well done. The editing (or lack thereof) is atrocious. And I felt that including homeopathic "remedies" as alternatives kind of took away from the legitimacy of the scientific critique of the efficacy (or lack thereof) of 12 Step programs.
Suffice it to say, the recovery industry (that there is a recovery industry is problematic, in itself, of course) is virtually monopolized by 12 Step programs. This is unfortunate because we wouldn't advocate a monolithic approach--and certainly not a religious one--for any other public and physical health issue. That we do for addiction demonstrates how deeply engrained in our culture 12 Step programs have become, so much so that very few people--including, unfortunately social scientists who should know better--seriously question their efficacy. This is so dangerous for the millions of people who have substance abuse issues for whom the 12 Step programs provide no relief. (Again, in what other treatment milieu would we blame the patient if the treatment didn't work? "Oh, you still have cancer after that particular combination of chemo drugs, sorry that's the only cure and if you weren't healed, you must've done it wrong." But in AA, "it works if you work it" implies that if it's not working it's because you're not working it. AA's Big Book says that "those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program" usually because they are "naturally incapable of being honest with themselves." I ask again, if chemo didn't work for me and I continued to have cancer, would *I* be blamed for it or would we try to find a new combination of chemo treatment? The "program" is never to be criticized or blamed in recovery, however, it's always the fault of the individual addict if she doesn't stay clean. What a dangerous dogma!)
The gist of this book, and of the research, is that people have better recovery results when they are able to make informed choices about what approach works best for them. This book helps add to the information, but I'd like to see a more comprehensive, more scientific, and much better edited version made available (for free!) at every potential entry point into recovery (including in 12 Step meetings) that an addict might come across.
Suffice it to say, the recovery industry (that there is a recovery industry is problematic, in itself, of course) is virtually monopolized by 12 Step programs. This is unfortunate because we wouldn't advocate a monolithic approach--and certainly not a religious one--for any other public and physical health issue. That we do for addiction demonstrates how deeply engrained in our culture 12 Step programs have become, so much so that very few people--including, unfortunately social scientists who should know better--seriously question their efficacy. This is so dangerous for the millions of people who have substance abuse issues for whom the 12 Step programs provide no relief. (Again, in what other treatment milieu would we blame the patient if the treatment didn't work? "Oh, you still have cancer after that particular combination of chemo drugs, sorry that's the only cure and if you weren't healed, you must've done it wrong." But in AA, "it works if you work it" implies that if it's not working it's because you're not working it. AA's Big Book says that "those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program" usually because they are "naturally incapable of being honest with themselves." I ask again, if chemo didn't work for me and I continued to have cancer, would *I* be blamed for it or would we try to find a new combination of chemo treatment? The "program" is never to be criticized or blamed in recovery, however, it's always the fault of the individual addict if she doesn't stay clean. What a dangerous dogma!)
The gist of this book, and of the research, is that people have better recovery results when they are able to make informed choices about what approach works best for them. This book helps add to the information, but I'd like to see a more comprehensive, more scientific, and much better edited version made available (for free!) at every potential entry point into recovery (including in 12 Step meetings) that an addict might come across.
April 15, 2008
AA Not the Only Way is a resource for those seeking addiction counselling. Everyone has heard of AA but this type of program quite simply does not work for everyone. The author has personal experience in this situation. She tried AA and like many people when she kept relapsing she blamed herself for somehow failing the program. This pattern changed when the author found a program that suited her needs and specific issues.
Since AA does not suit everyone's needs and because most people don't realize that they have other options, the author has compiled information on alternate programs. Some programs require total abstinence and others look to teach moderation. There are also programs specifically tailored for women or specifically for men. The overlying philosophy, background, and contact information is included for each of these programs. Lists of licensed professionals, treatment centers, and other useful resources are also included.
Since AA does not suit everyone's needs and because most people don't realize that they have other options, the author has compiled information on alternate programs. Some programs require total abstinence and others look to teach moderation. There are also programs specifically tailored for women or specifically for men. The overlying philosophy, background, and contact information is included for each of these programs. Lists of licensed professionals, treatment centers, and other useful resources are also included.
August 14, 2008
High marks! Excellent Resource! In my experience working with women, not only do they want supportive family and friends but enough resources to decide what is best for them.
Melanie offers 104 pages of information and resources, which include, rehabs, websites, SMART therapists, reccommended reading and articles, Pennsyvania model, and Harm Reduction.
Melanie offers 104 pages of information and resources, which include, rehabs, websites, SMART therapists, reccommended reading and articles, Pennsyvania model, and Harm Reduction.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews