Sober for Good: New Solutions for Drinking Problems -- Advice from Those Who Have Succeeded

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Overview of Workable Options for Sobriety
Review: The evolution away from the inaccurate and counterproductive view of a "one size fits all" mentality for substance/alcohol abuse/dependency treatment has been underway for decades: long enough for individuals sober in alternative "non 12 step" programs to recount how they accomplished their stunning and uplifting successes in achieving genuine and lasting sobriety. Anne Fletcher interviews successfully sober individuals from a variety of programs, including those based on the religiously-oriented program of 12 steps (including AA), and in the process helps elucidate the various important components of a successful life in sobriety. Contrary to the "mainstream" notion that spirituality or belief in a "higher power" are necessary to achieve sobriety, Ms. Fletcher recounts numerous examples of successfully sober individuals who required neither. Powerful (and well established) "alternative" techniques for achieving sobriety and satisfaction, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, are presented. Anne Fletcher has provided an invaluable resource and reference for anyone looking for a way out of alcohol/substance abuse/dependency for themselves or someone they care about. Also, this book would provide tremendous insight and breadth in any training curriculum for substance abuse therapists.

Rating:
Summary: The best, most reasonable book available on sobriety
Review: The evolution away from the inaccurate and counterproductive view of a "one size fits all" mentality for substance/alcohol abuse/dependency treatment has been underway for decades: long enough for individuals sober in alternative "non 12 step" programs to recount how they accomplished their stunning and uplifting successes in achieving genuine and lasting sobriety. Anne Fletcher interviews successfully sober individuals from a variety of programs, including those based on the religiously-oriented program of 12 steps (including AA), and in the process helps elucidate the various important components of a successful life in sobriety. Contrary to the "mainstream" notion that spirituality or belief in a "higher power" are necessary to achieve sobriety, Ms. Fletcher recounts numerous examples of successfully sober individuals who required neither. Powerful (and well established) "alternative" techniques for achieving sobriety and satisfaction, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, are presented. Anne Fletcher has provided an invaluable resource and reference for anyone looking for a way out of alcohol/substance abuse/dependency for themselves or someone they care about. Also, this book would provide tremendous insight and breadth in any training curriculum for substance abuse therapists.

Rating:
Summary: If it works, don't fix it
Review: This is a book for people who want to get sober without doing any real spiritual work. In other words, a book for drunks who want to have an excuse to relapse. If you want to get sober and stay sober, try reading "Alcoholics Anonymous" and going to some meetings. At least that approach has a track record. If it works, why fix it?