Empowering Your Sober Self: The LifeRing Approach to Addiction Recovery

by Martin Nicolaus

"A sophisticated, insightful, well-documented view of the philosophy and practice that are at the heart of the LifeRing approach. This book offers a perspective on recovery that can motivate change in clinicians and researchers as well as among individuals struggling to find their sober selves."
— Carlo DiClemente , Ph.D., professor and chair, Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, and author, Addiction and Change "With impressive analytical clarity and therapeutic generosity, Nicolaus presents a well-argued brief for understanding the complexities of addiction treatment and accepting the full range of diverse paths to recovery. . . . [Anyone] wanting insight and balance on a vitally important public health issue will appreciate the author's lively and respectful presentation."
— Judith Herman , M.D., author, Trauma and Recovery "In the words of our president, 'it's time for a change,' and nowhere is this more evident than in the field of addiction treatment. Nicolaus has written a wonderful book that presents LifeRing, a new model for self-help groups. A model based on empathy, scientific evidence, and giving people the power to make their own choices about treatment options. Indeed, change has come."
— Joseph R. Volpicelli , M.D., Ph.D., executive director, Institute of Addiction Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and coauthor, Recovery Options: The Complete Guide "Powerful, engaging, and scientific. Marty Nicolaus shows that the sober self emerges by focusing on a person's strength, intelligence, supportive relationships, and the ability to ask, 'what works?'"
— Charlotte Sophia Kasl , author, Many Roads, One Journey: Moving Beyond the 12 Steps "Finally, a respectful approach to persons caught in addiction. Nicolaus has given us another option in the heroic battle people fight to regain the wholeness that addiction compromises."
— The Rev. Linda Mercadante , Ph.D., Straker Professor of Historical Theology, The Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and author, Victims and Sinners

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally managed to get hold of a copy of this book. Unlike A.A.'s recovery program, which revolves around the acceptance of a Higher Power, adherence to the Twelve Steps, and an admission of powerlessness, LifeRing's philosophy puts personal responsibility at the frontline. It promotes recovery by encouraging sobriety in a secular environment, allowing other members the chance to offer feedback during the meeting. It no way attacks A.A.; it does, however, offer a viable alternative to addicts who, for one reason or another, can't recover the A.A. way.

[Blaze-Pascal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one approach to drug "addiction" treatment. I like the introduction to the book because it gives a little story of the author's journey to start the program. I'm not going to explain what the program is, my advice, make educated choices. Look into the 16-step for discovery and empowerment.

good luck on your journey towards wellness.

[Michael Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been involved in Lifering for a while now, but I just recently read this book. There are several key differences with AA which is the reason I was drawn to Lifering. Probably the biggest difference and what I believe really sets Lifering apart from AA is there is no mention of a higher power. In my experience, AA is a very spiritual organization. I have no need for an invisible helper to recover from addiction. I only need the principles of Lifering and my own focus and commitment. If you need an alternative to AA, give this book a read and see if Lifering is something you might like to try.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Challenges one's thinking that AA is the one and only approach to recovery in terms of group/self-help. Enlightening!