ABSTRACT

This book introduces the Recovery Cycle, the only relatable model for positive change in sobriety and a simple roadmap for sober living. The author, a clinician in recovery herself, demonstrates how to talk to clients or anyone with an interest in sobriety in a pragmatic, like-minded way.

The easy, conversational style encourages cultivation of solid, sober relationships and spiritual connections, all with an achievable, open-minded approach. Concrete methods honor the thinking and feeling parts of the recovering individual, thereby promoting personal empowerment and choice rather than generic prescriptive advice. The book speaks to all addiction disorders and discusses what every addicted person must go through to love their sober life, no matter what program they choose, no matter what addiction. Readers will find the journey toward emotional sobriety and spiritual recovery discussed in a simple, straightforward way, with depth and compassion.

For clinicians who want to guide clients in recovery or for any motivated individual in recovery desiring to transform their life from one of pain and struggle to a beautiful work of heart, this book will be a welcome spark of inspiration and support—without the snore factor of a dry textbook.

chapter |7 pages

Introduction

part One|15 pages

A Merry-Go-Round Prison

chapter 1|13 pages

The Addiction Cycle

part Two|97 pages

Freedom!

chapter 2|8 pages

The Recovery Cycle

chapter 3|15 pages

Define Your Recovery, Design Your Life

chapter 4|12 pages

Rituals That Make Good Sense

chapter 5|9 pages

If Nothing Changes, Nothing Changes

chapter 6|8 pages

Comfort in Recovery

chapter 7|20 pages

Feeling Feelings, Being Human

chapter 8|12 pages

Prices and Prizes

chapter 9|11 pages

The Recovery Cycle Illustrated

part Three|41 pages

Spirituality

chapter 10|14 pages

Not Your Ordinary Heaven

chapter 11|21 pages

Love, Intimacy, and Sexuality

chapter 12|4 pages

The Path From Here