To grow in recovery, we must grow up emotionally. This means getting honest with ourselves and facing up to the self-defeating thoughts and actions that put our sobriety at risk. Although there are as many ways to mess up recovery as there are alcoholics and addicts, some general themes exist, which include:

• confusing self-concern with selfishness
• not making amends
• using the program to try to become perfect
• not getting help for relationship troubles
• believing that life should be easy

In simple, down-to-earth language, Allen Berger explores the twelve most commonly confronted beliefs and attitudes that can sabotage recovery. He then provides tools for working through these problems in daily life. This useful guide offers fresh perspectives on how the process of change begins with basic self-awareness and a commitment to working a daily program.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.0 based on 5 reviews)

Let's put a positive emphasis on spiritual recovery and thinking

The author emphasizes "stupid" things people do in recovery. It's important to recognize that many are sick, uninstructed, uninformed about the spiritual aspects of recovery, and in the hands of sponsors who suffer from the same shortcomings. It's not the stupid things people do that defeats them. It's the stupid things they hear over and over--a point the author makes. AND the positive things that are missing for lack of knowledge of early A.A.'s simple program, major emphasis, and astonishing successes.A New Way Out: New Path - Familiar Road Signs - Our Creator's Guidance, and Real Twelve Step Fellowship History. He who puts his mind and actions on the early A.A. points can avoid the trap of following a goat back to the old pasture. Why Early A.A. Succeeded: The Good Book in Alcoholics Anonymous Yesterday and Today (A Bible Study Primer for AAs and Other 12-Steppers) (History of Early Aas Speritual Roots Successes)The simple points--food for a mind that needs to turn and grow--were: (1) abstinence and avoidance of temptation; (2) reliance on the Creator for guidance and deliverance; (3) obeying God's will by walking in love and eliminating sinful conduct; (4) growing in understanding through Bible study, prayer, and Quiet Time; and (5) carrying the powerful message to the newcomer that God can do for him what he could not do for himself--as attested by the winner's own experience.When Early AAs Were Cured and Why, Third Edition
July 31, 2008

Excellent Book

I recently read 12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery by Dr. Allen Berger and it is one of the best books on recovery that I have read. As I am in recovery, this has been very insightful into the complexities of the disease of addiction. I plan on using it as a one of my daily life tools and am already sharing it with other people in recovery. Thank you so much Dr. Berger, I plan on reading more of your books and look forward to helping others with the knowledge you are giving us.

Grateful to be sober.

May 19, 2008

User Friendly Tool for Those in Recovery

A well-written, user friendly book that allows both individuals who are new in recovery or who have been in recovery for years to focus on the issues that are truly important in recovery. Dr. Berger interlaces his own personal recovery experiences with the wisdom that he has gained as a clinician over many years and created a book that is sure to provide hope to many in recovery. Overall, an excellent book for individuals in recovery and for clinicians who seek to understand their clients more fully.
May 04, 2008

12 Stupid things that mess up recovery

This is a very helpful book for anyone at any stage in their recovery. It is easy to understand. It gives another way to look at an old problem "How to maintain recovery". As someone who has worked in the field of addiction medicine for over 30 years I would recommend this book.
March 25, 2008

12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery..Avoiding Relapse Through Self -Awareness...

If you are looking for something new, enlightened, alternative, contemporary or refreshing on the topic of recovery, this book is not it. Just more of the same tired, outdated, dull 12-step dogma that has been around for decades. Nothing new, insightful, novel, or innovative here. Skip this one.
March 23, 2008

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