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Drug Addiction Recovery: The Mindful Way
Healing from addiction can be an intensely painful process as decades of frozen grief are unpacked. This book is written to help recovering addicts to work through old wounds including bereavement, abandonment, betrayal, and abuse. It uses effective mindfulness practices to complement long-term recovery and to help process sometimes overwhelming feelings. Mindfulness is also recognised as a powerful tool in relapse prevention. Interspersed with personal reflections from the author’s own experience, Drug Addiction Recovery suggests ways to come to terms with the past and to live peacefully in the present.
Topics include:
the nature of addiction
associated addictive or dysfunctional behaviours
why we need to grieve
mindfulness and the brain coping with depression, shame and alienation
guided meditations written and verbal exercises
recovery stories
For those building emotional and spiritual wellbeing in recovery, CHRISTOPHER DINES offers ways to enhance self-respect, and points the path to serenity.
Topics include:
the nature of addiction
associated addictive or dysfunctional behaviours
why we need to grieve
mindfulness and the brain coping with depression, shame and alienation
guided meditations written and verbal exercises
recovery stories
For those building emotional and spiritual wellbeing in recovery, CHRISTOPHER DINES offers ways to enhance self-respect, and points the path to serenity.
130 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2019
About the author
Christopher Dines
11 books22 followersChristopher Dines is a private coach, a seasoned mindfulness practitioner, published author, and a former DJ/music producer. He has published eight books on mindfulness and addiction, including The Kindness Habit, which he co-authored with Dr. Barbara Mariposa, a distinguished medical doctor. Christopher’s books have featured forewords by renowned figures such as Rudolph E. Tanzi, PhD, of Harvard Medical School, and the late John Bradshaw—#1 New York Times bestselling author—at The Meadows, Arizona.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 30, 2019
I have to admit to being a fan of Christopher Dines’ books but I approached this one with a degree of trepidation as I am neither an addict myself nor did I know much about drug addiction.
I need not have worried. Christopher’s gently but compelling style immediately draws in the reader and keeps them hooked until the final page—at which point I decided there were various bits I wanted to read again! For a start, it is a very well researched and informative book about the whys and wherefores of all types of addictive behaviour, their symptoms and effects. It is all the more powerful for being based on first-hand experience: Christopher is quite remarkably frank and open about his own alcohol and drug addictions. He has been free of both for a great number of years, but says there is never a time when an addict can say with safety that “they have recovered”. The key, as Professor Tanzi of the Harvard Medical School in his forward is “to shift from survival mode to one of thriving, it is imperative that you do not try to edit, filter or regulate your thoughts and emotions, no matter how distressing or painful they may be”. How many of us have developed stratagems to bury our own painful memories, not necessarily through drugs or alcohol; it could just as easily be through chain smoking, obsessive exercising or over eating. There is much in this book for the lay person if they look for it.
The second half of the book covers how mindfulness and different mindfulness practices can assist recovery, and what can be done to reinforce the recovery process, not least through the different “12 Step Fellowships” and the tools they recommend (again applicable to us all even if we don’t belong to such a Fellowship). There are plenty of guided mediations for different situations and emotions, all pertinent, direct but easy to practice
I have no doubt that this is a book that will benefit a very wide range of people, most especially addicts, but also anyone who is prone to depression or other forms of mental health problems. For example, I personally realised, after reading the chapter on “frozen grief” just how deep I had buried the loss of both my parents in my teens, as I was brought up to show a “Stiff Upper Lip” in times of adversity, no matter how traumatic. There is a powerful “grief inventory” that brings useful clarity to the grieving process (or lack of it!)
At the end of the book, Christopher quotes from the 12 Step Fellowship “serenity prayer”
“God” (however you care to define a higher power) grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can and the wisdom to know that one is me.
It is a maxim we would all do well to follow. This is a book we would all do well to read.
I need not have worried. Christopher’s gently but compelling style immediately draws in the reader and keeps them hooked until the final page—at which point I decided there were various bits I wanted to read again! For a start, it is a very well researched and informative book about the whys and wherefores of all types of addictive behaviour, their symptoms and effects. It is all the more powerful for being based on first-hand experience: Christopher is quite remarkably frank and open about his own alcohol and drug addictions. He has been free of both for a great number of years, but says there is never a time when an addict can say with safety that “they have recovered”. The key, as Professor Tanzi of the Harvard Medical School in his forward is “to shift from survival mode to one of thriving, it is imperative that you do not try to edit, filter or regulate your thoughts and emotions, no matter how distressing or painful they may be”. How many of us have developed stratagems to bury our own painful memories, not necessarily through drugs or alcohol; it could just as easily be through chain smoking, obsessive exercising or over eating. There is much in this book for the lay person if they look for it.
The second half of the book covers how mindfulness and different mindfulness practices can assist recovery, and what can be done to reinforce the recovery process, not least through the different “12 Step Fellowships” and the tools they recommend (again applicable to us all even if we don’t belong to such a Fellowship). There are plenty of guided mediations for different situations and emotions, all pertinent, direct but easy to practice
I have no doubt that this is a book that will benefit a very wide range of people, most especially addicts, but also anyone who is prone to depression or other forms of mental health problems. For example, I personally realised, after reading the chapter on “frozen grief” just how deep I had buried the loss of both my parents in my teens, as I was brought up to show a “Stiff Upper Lip” in times of adversity, no matter how traumatic. There is a powerful “grief inventory” that brings useful clarity to the grieving process (or lack of it!)
At the end of the book, Christopher quotes from the 12 Step Fellowship “serenity prayer”
“God” (however you care to define a higher power) grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can and the wisdom to know that one is me.
It is a maxim we would all do well to follow. This is a book we would all do well to read.
April 8, 2019
This book is not just a must for anyone who is suffering with drugs and alcohol, but any other addiction such as gambling, sex, an eating disorder or anything else that you find addictive and is causing devastating problems for you and the ones you care for. All the ingredients that make up addictive behaviours such as unattended emotional wounds or trauma seem to be the same, as Christopher explains this in great detail from his own personal story and through extensive research.
Christopher not only talks about these sensitive subjects with such respect and compassion for the reader, but also talks about the vital ingredients which can help to deal with these immense painful issues in a more mindful way such as mindfulness, self-compassion and self-forgiveness, self-acceptance, and lots more mindful, healthy and self-soothing ways.
As a professional in the substance misuse field, I was very interested to see what Christopher Dines had to say about how addictive behaviours can develop, but more importantly what can be done to change them in the healthiest way, physically, emotionally and mentally, and I think he does this exceptionally well. I have learned many more ways from this book to help myself personally, and to assist my clients, and would recommend this book to anyone who is suffering with any addiction
Christopher not only talks about these sensitive subjects with such respect and compassion for the reader, but also talks about the vital ingredients which can help to deal with these immense painful issues in a more mindful way such as mindfulness, self-compassion and self-forgiveness, self-acceptance, and lots more mindful, healthy and self-soothing ways.
As a professional in the substance misuse field, I was very interested to see what Christopher Dines had to say about how addictive behaviours can develop, but more importantly what can be done to change them in the healthiest way, physically, emotionally and mentally, and I think he does this exceptionally well. I have learned many more ways from this book to help myself personally, and to assist my clients, and would recommend this book to anyone who is suffering with any addiction
March 13, 2019
“Drug Addiction Recovery is a wonderful book , based on real experiences Christopher Dines explains his painful process with addiction and shares his extensive learning, how mindfulness is so important to overcome trauma, stress, emotional wounds , suffering, it brings a enormous healing, growth and wisdom. “
March 29, 2019
This is a truly wonderful book which I feel will be very helpful to anyone seeking to unlock a hidden part of the self regardless of whether drug addiction has been part of the reader’s life experience. Personally, I found the chapters covering frozen grief and the sacred inner child to be particularly enlightening. As someone who suffered from abuse as a young child, I am fascinated by what I learned from the book about generational dysfunction which is passed from one generation to the next. The author describes “the sacredness of someone who has reclaimed his or her forgotten and abandoned inner child” in a way which I found profoundly moving. As someone who also has a history of addiction to both alcohol and prescription drugs I am finding this in depth guide for emotional and spiritual (as well as physical) recovery and growth to be invaluable.
August 13, 2020
Iv had the pleasure of meeting Christopher Dines many years ago in London. I flew in from LA. Such a beautiful soul... Christopher gave me a signed copy of his first book. Mystery of Belief. It was such an inspiration, it inspired me to write my own book. Author Maria Ann Laver. MS You Don’t Own me!! Fortunately Iv not had an addition. But lived with family members with addictions. Drug addiction Recovery.. like Christopher’s first book. It’s second to non. Very knowledgeable! So much I never knew or understood. About addictions, them being an illness.. Christopher was so open. Extremely honest.. He talks about his own issues and demons I never knew, I personally take my hat off to him.. with utter respect.. His own issues being so deep rooted. I have learn to have more compassion. Apologizing to the father of my own children. Now separated. Not knowing his addictions were an illness. Which were deep rooted back to his Caribbean childhood. The racist abuse he got from growing up in uk to schooling. His Rastafarian religion... Over 50 years! Thank you Christopher Dines. You’ve made my world a brighter place. .Being closer to my family Iv always loved.. This book is a must read. Totally recommend. It has open my mind to a better understanding. The torment of depression, within my own family and friends. We learn something everyday! Drug Addiction recovery has taught me a lot! Gods Blessings Christopher Dines! Your an inspiration to many, with your dedication, and commitment. In the right direction to Many years of success ahead. Thank you.. Your book has made me a better person..
June 23, 2019
When I picked up this book, I could not put it down, it's about addiction, that thrives in secrecy and denial. The author talks about his experiences and tough times, whether it's the loss of a loved one or falling prey to an addiction, that makes us feel hopeless and worthless.
In this book also, he goes on to acknowledge Sheldon press for publishing the book. Someone he talks about in the book also expresses his experiences from the age of 10 until 21.
The author also talks about using the book, in the hope of helping us and goes on more about running away and seeking oblivion and that drug addiction is an illness and an emotional crutch .I can identify with all this in the winter years of my life.
He talks about the child, spiritual beings who come to us and try and heal us at any age of our lives.. I would recommend this book to anyone, seeking answers to their recovery and trying to understand the factors as to how we all have addictive personalities and how we can learn to deal with them and hopefully make peace with them to have the lives we all so desire and wish. Michael Comley
In this book also, he goes on to acknowledge Sheldon press for publishing the book. Someone he talks about in the book also expresses his experiences from the age of 10 until 21.
The author also talks about using the book, in the hope of helping us and goes on more about running away and seeking oblivion and that drug addiction is an illness and an emotional crutch .I can identify with all this in the winter years of my life.
He talks about the child, spiritual beings who come to us and try and heal us at any age of our lives.. I would recommend this book to anyone, seeking answers to their recovery and trying to understand the factors as to how we all have addictive personalities and how we can learn to deal with them and hopefully make peace with them to have the lives we all so desire and wish. Michael Comley
September 25, 2023
DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY
By Christopher Dines with Foreword by Rudolph E. Tanzi, PhD, Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School
Professor Tanzi’s forward sets the tone of Drug Addiction Recovery. He explains that the brain’s three functions, instinct, emotion and intellect have to be harmoniously linked in order to recover from addiction and to harmonise these functions, one has to witness them by stepping back. He goes on to explain which part of our brain these functions are derived. Instinctive urges are from the brainstem, our fight or flight responses, food and sexual drive, our survival modes such as breathing and digesting our food. It is the oldest part of the brain, going back two hundred million years. Next is the limbic system, which brought us our memories; pleasurable ones, which lead to our desires and painful ones which develop into our fears and are ‘tightly tied to our emotions’ Finally, he refers to the newest part of the brain – a mere four million years old – the prefrontal cortex, which is behind one’s forehead. It is the centre of reason, meaning, purpose, creativity, empathy and self-awareness. It is where we can observe our base instincts, emotions and thoughts and so we use it to prevent our desires becoming addictions, our fears from turning into phobias and our thoughts from becoming obsessive. In other words, it is how we can be mindful.
Thus, Dines uses mindfulness techniques to help us overcome our addictions. Drug Addiction Recovery (D.A.R.) is packed with techniques and exercises to help us get there. Many of the principles that he advocates, the reader is familiar with. The 12-step programme, having a ‘sponsor’ who one can call at any time, being part of a group where one can be completely open and expose one’s vulnerabilities are known about and are said to work. Other ideas and methodology he writes about are more unusual. He is particularly good on identifying and unlocking buried emotions and frozen grief, although he warns understanding one’s emotional pain is not a cure in itself. One interesting area covers mindful brainwork, using self-directed neuroplasticity to consciously rewire our brains, one moment at a time. Dr Jeffrey M. Schwartz teaches that the brain is a phenomenal plastic organ that we can shape. New neural connections mean that we can consciously change our lives. Dines scripts personal meditation tapes for the reader to record in their own voice, making the experience more powerful – one is subliminally instructing one’s brain.
Dines also has interesting ways for one to reach and converse with our inner child. Write, he instructs to your inner child, then wait to see if they reply. If so, use one’s non-dominant hand to write down the response. He also encourages us to express our inner emotions by painting, again using our non-dominant hand.
What I particularly like about Dines approach is that he is calm and compassionate yet firm. The brain doesn’t heal from the impact of addiction for three years he explains and recovering addicts are not cured.
What is so compelling about Dines manual for recovery is that his exercises and meditations do not come from a place of theory but of experience. He is, at 40, still a young man but he writes, that he was an addict by the time he was 13 years old and hit rock bottom at the tender age of 20. He has walked the talk and practices what he preaches every day. You can feel his kindness in every word, to us and to himself.
By Christopher Dines with Foreword by Rudolph E. Tanzi, PhD, Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School
Professor Tanzi’s forward sets the tone of Drug Addiction Recovery. He explains that the brain’s three functions, instinct, emotion and intellect have to be harmoniously linked in order to recover from addiction and to harmonise these functions, one has to witness them by stepping back. He goes on to explain which part of our brain these functions are derived. Instinctive urges are from the brainstem, our fight or flight responses, food and sexual drive, our survival modes such as breathing and digesting our food. It is the oldest part of the brain, going back two hundred million years. Next is the limbic system, which brought us our memories; pleasurable ones, which lead to our desires and painful ones which develop into our fears and are ‘tightly tied to our emotions’ Finally, he refers to the newest part of the brain – a mere four million years old – the prefrontal cortex, which is behind one’s forehead. It is the centre of reason, meaning, purpose, creativity, empathy and self-awareness. It is where we can observe our base instincts, emotions and thoughts and so we use it to prevent our desires becoming addictions, our fears from turning into phobias and our thoughts from becoming obsessive. In other words, it is how we can be mindful.
Thus, Dines uses mindfulness techniques to help us overcome our addictions. Drug Addiction Recovery (D.A.R.) is packed with techniques and exercises to help us get there. Many of the principles that he advocates, the reader is familiar with. The 12-step programme, having a ‘sponsor’ who one can call at any time, being part of a group where one can be completely open and expose one’s vulnerabilities are known about and are said to work. Other ideas and methodology he writes about are more unusual. He is particularly good on identifying and unlocking buried emotions and frozen grief, although he warns understanding one’s emotional pain is not a cure in itself. One interesting area covers mindful brainwork, using self-directed neuroplasticity to consciously rewire our brains, one moment at a time. Dr Jeffrey M. Schwartz teaches that the brain is a phenomenal plastic organ that we can shape. New neural connections mean that we can consciously change our lives. Dines scripts personal meditation tapes for the reader to record in their own voice, making the experience more powerful – one is subliminally instructing one’s brain.
Dines also has interesting ways for one to reach and converse with our inner child. Write, he instructs to your inner child, then wait to see if they reply. If so, use one’s non-dominant hand to write down the response. He also encourages us to express our inner emotions by painting, again using our non-dominant hand.
What I particularly like about Dines approach is that he is calm and compassionate yet firm. The brain doesn’t heal from the impact of addiction for three years he explains and recovering addicts are not cured.
What is so compelling about Dines manual for recovery is that his exercises and meditations do not come from a place of theory but of experience. He is, at 40, still a young man but he writes, that he was an addict by the time he was 13 years old and hit rock bottom at the tender age of 20. He has walked the talk and practices what he preaches every day. You can feel his kindness in every word, to us and to himself.
September 9, 2023
If your in recovery, this is a must read 10/10
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews