Alcoholism Books

Just when you thought literary crit. was doomed to its staid exsistence, Ronell arrives on the scene. A critic (whose name escapes me) once said that while we can pick up a book, books can throw us across the room. I'm still recovering from the flight and trip this little book sent me on...

This book is revolutionary. If you've ever wondered what an artist (Avital Ronnell is a former performance artist) might be capable of coming up with if they became an academic (a professor) but were still devoted to the idea of performance, this is the answer. Think Kitaj and how his paintings is a form of interpretation of other artists' work in referencing them in the theme of his own work. In other words, Avital Ronnel's "Crack Wars" and its "analysis" of Madame Bovary is possible because it is from a field of study that is unique in that it is devoted to the study of an artform (literary arts) while itself operating in the same medium as that artform (words). The creativity exhibited in "Crack Wars", which is its most powerful proposition, shows that an interpretive "analysis" can be offered on a work of art ("Madame Bovery") without even wanting to answer the question, "What does is mean?". Much of the creative thrust seems to come from the way in which Ronnell re-metaphorizes certain elements or metaphors related to (current) drug use and applies them in the exploration of other facets of society that alters or simulates (ex. taking a "hit" or "scoring" of literature). What this does is to expand the reading of "Madame Bovery" to a whole crop of metaphors and their current exploration whose consideration in language may not have been in circulation at the time of its writing. And though this work may be on the edge of "literary studies", Ronnell is by no means a marginal figure. As head of NYU's dept of Germanic Languages, Ronnell co-lectured a graduate seminar last fall with Derrida (she is in the "Derrida" documentary with multi-colored bobby-pins relaying an interaction with Derrida's mother). Consider the language of the extensive quote below.

"Madame Bovary I daresay is about bad drugs. Equally, it is about thinking we have properly understood them. But if the novel matches its reputation for rendering its epoch- our modernity - intelligible, then we would do well to recall that epoch also means interruption, arrest, suspension and, above all, suspension of judgement. Madame Bovary travels the razor's edge of understanding/reading protocols. In this context understanding is given as something that happens when you are no longer reading. It is not the open-ended Nietzschean echo, "Have I been understood?" but rather the "I understand" that means you have suspended judgement over a chasm of the real. Out of this collapse of judgement no genuine decision can be allowed to emerge. Madame Bovary understood too much; she understood what things were supposed to be like and suffered a series of ethical injuries for this certitude. Her understanding made her legislate closure at every step of the way. She was her own police force, finally turning herself in to the authorities. She understood when the time had come to an end [...] for Madame Bovary opens herself to an altogether different history of intelligibility, in fact, to another suicide pact, cosigned by a world that longer limits its rotting to a singular locality of the unjust."

Ronell's book is a tour-de-force on many levels: for its lucid and startling close-reading of -Madame Bovary-, for the densely glittering energy (and humor) of her prose, and above all for its insight -- never before so comprehensively and convincingly argued -- into addiction as a symptomatic structure of the modern condition. (The addict, she points out, embodies a peculiar challenge for thinking about the inside/outside, mind/body relation. Emma Bovary takes us farther into questions of expenditure and circulation.) This is a must-read not only for those interested in Flaubert's novel, but in the history of subjectivity more generally. Even in its craziest moments, the book is provocative and perceptive.

Avital Ronell examines drugs addiction & mania in this amazingly well written and concisely beautiful book. A book-as-object, containing installations, special sections and poetic-philosophic passages, Crack Wars is sure to please the patient reader. Draws from Flaubert, Heidegger and Derrida...contends that this "culture inspires and supports destructive play only to punish it." A must read!

I don't remember how I came across this book, but I purchased it and like many on the topic of alcohol, it sat under my bed many nights before I opened it up. At first I opened it up in the middle and just read a little here and there. I became so engrossed in this lady's experience that I had no choice except to start from the beginning. It was a difficult book to put down. After reading this book, I began to investigate Schick Hospital. Could it be a real place? Was their success rate for real? I hadn't openly admitted to having a problem with alcohol before reading Drink it Up!, but by the time I was done I began to visualize myself going through this treatment facility.

Within three months of reading it I had checked myself into Schick Shadel Hospital; the months leading up to my being admitted Kathy's journal was of great comfort because I could pick it up and read it to help set expectations of what I was about to undergo. Kathy S described the facility perfectly and the warmth of the staff wasn't exaggerated at all. I think I am really lucky to have come across this book and this hospital as my very first attempt at sobriety. I am sober and I know I will never drink again. The enjoyment I have in life and in relationships today without alcohol is beyond words, and my fantastic journey began by reading this book.

If you or someone you know is questioning their use of alcohol, give them this book to read. Even if Schick isn't for them, this book will definitely give them a great deal of relatable information to further their education on the topic of alcoholism.

This book is incredible! A very brave and determined woman honestly and graphically chronicled her successful journey from alcohol addiction to an induced and lasting aversion to drinking. This story gives hope to the hopeless. This method is not for everyone, but for those who are ready to meet this huge challenge, here is a unique path to recovery. Drink Up! is a must read for everyone struggling with addiction.

Kathy S. and her journal have brought to light many things concerning problems with drinking that have been hidden with shame by many who suffer from this stigma-filled problem. How freeing it has been to know I am not alone! Somehow, the honesty and humor in her walk through recovery has made mine manageable and I have turned this corner with relief and gratitude to her. I have read and highlighted it over and over as it helped me understand why I don't drink like everyone else. With that knowledge comes power, even for those who are unable to go to Shick Shadel. I have retired my drinking for the last time, thanks to this book by Kathy S.

What a great book! I too was lucky enough to be able to visit this "little hospital that could." And yes- I am sober today. This book so accurately describes Schick's unusual treatment- the day to day experience- the incredible relationships with staff and fellow patients. If you are suffering from an addiction and AA or other 12 step programs haven't worked- read this book! Enlightening and informative, funny and enjoyable. Excellent job Kathy - I loved reading about your journey.

Excellent for beginning CD counselors. Has a vast amount of useful information for the beginning and the seasoned counselor.

This is the best text for a course in Chemical Dependency Counseling that is available. It a great deal of information that a beginning counselor needs to work in the field. It even includes a chapter on how to deal with the reluctant to recover and one on how to servive in a chemical dependency agency, most useful!

This is an essential book for anyone in the chemical dependency field or who is treating individuals with chemical dependency. It is the best one I have read yet.

Covers (exhaustively) the 12 core competencies specified by the ATTC and required for certification by any state. It is excellent.

THis book is all that I was looking for. The info is sooooo understanding and has enlightened me as to where my Brother is at with his alcoholism and drug use, as well as, his recovery.

It has also helped me as to identify my feelings and emotions while living with his addiction.

I am ordering two more books for my Mom and other Brother today!

This is too good to be true. Even Al Anon doesn't clarify as well as this book. Good luck

Most books I read on drug and alcohol abuse are either too technical or oversimplified (like the reader doesn't have a working brain and has to have everything explained at the fifth grade level). This book is the exception. It's written for adults who are experiencing real life problems and real life situations. I found it the most helpful of the many books i read when I was having problems with my daughter. I followed a lot of what the book said and it was right on.

As the parent of a wonderful adult son who became addicted to a narcotic, I have read countless books and materials on this topic. This is the single most helpful source I have found. The advice is both hard-hitting and compassionate, and the way in which it is presented is very readable and accessible (I read it in two nights in two sittings). If someone you love is addicted to alcohol or a drug, this is the book for you. Don't give up. Read this and get started. Good luck to you and your loved person.

This book helped me when I organized an intervention with the help of a counselor. I read several books at the time and this one was the best. I recommend the book and I wish you well.

Gary Gwilliam's story is a compelling tale of self-disclosure and personal growth. The simple sincerity of his friendly voice keeps you turning pages. He's a role model for what's good and right about lawyers: how they can serve; and the compassion that drives them. This book is filled with lessons for everyone, but especially lawyers and their clients. If you need a champion you can find a template of what to look for in this book! Stewart L. Levine, Esq. , author, "Getting to Resolution;" "The Book of Agreement;" co-author "Collaborate 2.0."

In sharing his unique story, Gary provides an insightful, inspiring and motivating read. This book perfectly captures the thoughts and feelings that so many trial attorneys have on a daily basis, and it demonstrates just how a dedicated and caring attorney can overcome adversity and personal difficulties to pursue his clients' causes with zeal and passion. The book has left me more inspired and it has strengthened and reaffirmed my commitment to my family, to my clients and to a trial lawyer's work. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a must-read for every trial attorney and for anyone who genuinely wants to understand the heart, mind and soul of a trial attorney.

Most great trial lawyers bare their client's souls in their quest for
Victory, but few bare their own in their personal struggle be real. Gary lays
it all out in the dramatic story of his life - the good, the bad and the
ugly. His pain throbs as he reaches the bottom, and his joy abounds as he
learns to live with success and the love of his life. This journey, one
that few of us have the courage to travel, much less admit, has made him a
greater champion of the powerless and a better person.

I just got this book, and I've enjoyed reading it so far. I like being a voyeur into the life of an attorney, and reading about Gwilliam's experiences is really encouraging and optimistic. I'll post an updated review when I'm done reading the book.

Heard the taped version of GETTING BETTER by
Nan Robertson, an inside look at Alcoholics
Anonymous . . . I've often wondered about this
group, but had seen little ever written about it--in
part because of the anonymity factor.

Somehow, Robertson (a Pulitzer Prize-winning
reporter for THE NEW YORK TIMES) got permission
to write the book . . . in it, she tells the story of how a failed
stockbroker and a surgeon together found a way to stay
sober--one day at a time.

She also describes what happens at the actual meetings . . . and
that is what I perhaps liked best about the book: its
behind-the scenes view of these gatherings . . . the
fact that Robertson actually attended many of these as
a recovering alcoholic made her reporting all the more believable.

I also liked how she summarized the message of message
of AAA into these three key points: Be honest, change
yourself and help others.

GETTING BETTER was made even more enjoyable by Michael
Learned's excellent narration.

This book is well researched (including interviews with the widow of Bill W, co-founder of AA) and well written. It gives an honest history of the origins of AA without the trappings of saintliness often given to Bill Wilson from the works published by the AA general services office and some other sources. For examples, Bill's infidelities, neglecting family responsibilities to help fellow drunks, and "post-sobriety" experiments with LSD and other chemicals are mentioned. The history sections on AA are excellent as a result of this objectivity. The author also gives an excellent account of typical experience in in-patient rehab.

The author's personal story is equally compelling, and touches on issues chemically dependant individuals face, including how alcohol addiction relates to other facets of life, including depression and physical illness.

All in all, one of the better works on AA and the disease of alcoholism. As a well qualified member of AA, I have one message for other AA members concerned with the author "violating" the 11th tradition on anonimity: "get over it!". Bill Wilson was (and is) hardly "anonymous". If his widow didn't have a problem with this work neither should we.

Ms. Robertson's book is a comprehensive review of Alcoholics Anonymous and it's co-founder Bill Wilson. She gives a surprisingly objective history of Bill W.'s life, his joining with Bob Smith, the other co-founder of AA, and AA's evolution into, perhaps, the most sigificant spiritual program of the 20th century. The only negative aspect of the book is Ms. Robertson's compromising of the 12th Tradition of AA which is maintaining personal anonimity in press, radio and films. I strongly urge anyone in recovery from substance dependence as well as mental health professionals to read this book for greater knowledge of the famous founder of AA.

Nan Robertson's book is the most accurate I have ever read concerning Alcoholics Anonymous. She is devoted to AA, but more so to her research and her honest in writing. If I had to read one book concerning AA, this would be the one. Robert F. Hale

Anyone interested in how people in a stigmatized or marginalized position can empower themselves and change institutions should find this book fascinating. Audrey Borden has collected a rich set of moving narratives from people who were at the forefront as Gays and Lesbians made AA work for them, and in the process helped AA live up to its traditions. The selflessness, generosity and modesty of many of her sources make these stories all the more touching, given the struggles they faced and the lives they have saved. Well written by an insightful author. A wonderful contribution!

Wonderful. A real must for anyone interested in AA.

The focus on 'Gay AA' history does not narrow the book; rather, the Gay focus provides a window through which AA tradition, practice, and history can be traced concisely.

Anyone interested in AA, or alcoholism, let alone Gay history, should have this volume.

As a history of recovery programs, Borden has provided unique insight into the development and application of governing principles for AA. This kept recovery from alcoholism first and foremost when it came to highly politicized and culturally-polarizing topics.

As a GLBT history text, I consider this a must-read, alcoholic or not. My experience has been that one can't go far in AA without encountering openly GLBT people with a long history of strong sobriety, and this is their story. GLBT's active in recovery seem to make up *far* more than the 5% one would expect within the general recovering population.

I consider myself somewhat well-read in GLBT history texts, but few captivated me as this has. The personal details of the lives of these people provided one of the most personalized exploration of the practical lives of GLBTs in the mid-20th century I have found. In many ways, this is a soberly (ha!) narrowed application of Ian Young's "Stonewall Experiment" with the existential input needed to really do that kind of work.

One can't go far in AA without encountering openly GLBT people with a long history of strong sobriety. With the incredibly personal nature of individual recovery openly described, I was able to feel proud of these people, I praised their successes and empathized with their struggles as my own.

I can't stress how important I believe this work to be. Because many GLBT people do not bear children, our cultural heritage often is often forgotten between generations. The unique personal experience of surviving homophobia, discrimination, and queer experience is unfortunately gone with the elders. I loved being able to relate to these people, and consinder it of grave importance for younger generations to seek past lessons.

I did want for more. There was little descriptions of early gay AA in Chicago, and I've had the personal experience to know several GLBT people with very long term sobriety in or from Chicago. Maybe there will be a part two ;)

There is a lot more of this history to do...

Ms. Borden has brought together a fascinating and important collection of "insider's history" regarding GLBT people in Alcoholics Anonymous. Organized in a straightforward (no pun intended) and very readable manner, the book conveys through first-hand accounts the place and significance gay and lesbian people have had in the development of this remarkable recovery program.

The only criticism this reader has is that there are so many more stories that should have been gathered, particularly from areas of the country (especially the Midwest) where equally important developments took place. The book is a bit "bicoastal" in this regard; there are amazing stories yet to be gathered and told from the middle of the country as well as the two coasts. (I know--I am here, and have been out and part of it since this 1970s in Iowa and Minnesota!)

Nonetheless: this history is a must-read for anyone interested in A.A. history--GLBT and straight alike. Thank you Ms. Borden, and Haworth Press.

At first I wanted to throw this book away. I didn't need it! My spouse was drinking. Why did I need help?

Well I did. I was codependent. I was enabling. I was a mess. I started to go to Al-Anon meetings. I could not find the book for 5 months. I reread it the other night. Reread is too strong - because the first time I skimmed it - the first 2 chapters. Then I came back to it and saw on pages 32 and 33 - how I was UNABLE to control alcoholism. How I was UNABLE to fix the disease in my wife. It said, I wasn't to blame. It said, stop fighting and arguing, you (I) was only making the the DISEASE stronger (more arrogant, more coniving, more deceitful).

I used several quotes in my blog. We have Weekend Online Al-Anon meetings every weekend on my Al-Anon Diary (title) and you can see my life unflod in my ups and downs and my struggle to live with an alcoholic. It is hard

So join us on-line at the Al-Alon Diary and get this book if you are going to Al-Anon.

If you have any questions about the fellowship of Al-anon, I feel you can find most of the answers here. this book goes into detail about the history of the program, the steps, Members experience, strength and hope. It also has Meeting guidlines, the opening, the closing, the slogans ect. It works if you work it! AND YOU ARE WORTH IT!

This book is a wonderful basic text on the principles of the Alanon program, a program of recovery for anyone who has an addict in their lives. It explains how addiction warps those close to the addict, the behaviors that ensue and finally healthier behavior. It's provides a way out of the prison that's constructed when a family or friend faces the frustration of living with and loving an alcoholic/addict. Buy this book for YOU if you're in this situation..and stop the madness.

for those of us who have a drinking or sober alcoholic in our past or present (and god, don't most of us!), this book can help. it's beautifully yet simply written and gently lays out a new philosophy for life, one in which we can learn to keep the focus on ourselves and our behavior, be honest but in an appropriate way, and be kind but firm - with boundaries. this book offered me a whole new idea of what love and life are and can be, and encouraged me to walk forward in a healthy direction like few books have.

another strong plus is that it offers many personal stories - of how and why a wide range of people got into al-anon and how their recovery has been progressing, and each told by the individuals themselves, starting with Lois W., al-anon's co-founder, the wife of Bill W., the founder of AA.

this is a wonderful book and i recommend it highly!

I have already finished your book and I found it to be very well written, very detailed (which I love), and as I read, my heart ached for the little girl and the life events that made for such a childhood, I even cried with you. We never know why one is chosen over another to have a certain life, and bare those kinds of burdens. But I rejoiced with you when you made that commitment to the Lord and you came forward at church, at such a young age, and how He always kept coming to your mind in times of trouble. I was touched how the Holy Spirit would come to you, protect you, and talk to your heart. And I rejoiced and praised the Lord when I read that you had been healed and He now walks with you every minute. Oh, I sing praises to His name for bringing you to a place of forgiveness and peace. I'm choaked up even now, just knowing you are in His care. I also feel like I know you in some way. Thank you for letting me into your life. Thank you for your honesty and sincerity. I feel like I know too much and yet I can't wait to meet you and hug you! Please know how blessed we will be to have you on the show and how we look forward to meeting you personally. <>< Leslie MN Reality Radio

I kow the author personally and am in the book also. She has managed to come through this ordeal and have a "normal" life. This is a great book and I highly recommend it!

Very powerful "in your face" honest, passionate, challenging, earthy, direct, thought-provoking, forceful and daring look at the author's life of abuse, and her ability to forgive. It will change people's lives. Teaches a great lesson about forgiveness. Should be made into a television mini-series.

I am amazed at the extent of God's sovereignty and the depths of His love for us. The author endured a great deal of abuse, in terms of number of events, variety of events, and intensity of events. But through it all, He was there -- allowing her to endure up to her limit, but no more. As one who was also victimized with emotional abuse, the author's story and love for God has been a true encouragement and comfort for me. And she has made one thing very clear to me: that God does indeed work all things for good for those who love Him. In spite of whatever ugliness and evil may come our way, God is always there for us, and He will never leave us or forsake us. And yet, He can turn our moments of despair into opportunities to reach out, encourage, and help others in their moments of despair by uniquely positioning us with a profound depth of understanding for the situations of others. Our God truly is a remarkable God, and T.C.Morton truly is a wonderful blessing and saint.

This book is an excellent resource for those seeking a well established alternative to the pathology/deficit/disease focus of traditional 12-Step programs. I believe the reviewer who rated this book with 1 star was confused on its origns. Audrey Kishline is the founder of Moderation Management while Insoo Kim Berg (a contributor) & Steve de Shazer (both out of Milwaukee) are the founders of the Brief Solution Focus Method of Therapy. MM was founded as self-help group. BSF was developed by educated and trained therapists with practical experience. The Brief Solution Focus Method serves as the foundation for this book. A couple of it's main points are: there is hope for the future and there is no "one size fits all program." It is an excellent read whether or not you accept its premise.

wcdancer appears to be under the impression that Audrey Kishline is somehow associated with this book. In fact, though, her book was a completely separate one and she is not one of the authors of this book at all. Potential readers should weigh wcdancer's opinions accordingly. :-)

This book presents common-sense methods for changing your life, essentially by beginning to live the life you want to live eventually. It's not the single best thing I ever read, but it's a breath of fresh air compared to the dreary old advice to abase yourself, label yourself defective and diseased, and turn your entire life over to "God as we understood Him."

If you're a devoted 12-stepper, this may anger or even frighten you. If you're looking for a more positive approach which doesn't condemn you to obsessing over alcohol for the rest of your life, you might like this. It's certainly worth a read.

I read this book after pretty much exhausting every other possibility for recovery from alcoholic drinking. Berg and Kim present an approach that is radically different from any other I've encountered. Their main thesis seems to be, "Start acting as you expect to act when you're sober, but do it NOW." The idea is that by incorporating healthy habits into your life immediately, you can actually begin to learn how to be sober before hitting bottom. The book is very clearly and forcefully written, with helpful case studies to illustrate the main ideas. I was able to make substantial progress on my own behavior through the methods described here. I highly recommend it!

I have bought several copies of this book to hand to clients. This is a program that works for those who are not interested, for whatever reason, in attending 12-Step meetings. I have had the privelege of attending workshops on this subject by both authors, and feel that the book completly and concisely presents their point of view on the subject of stopping unproductive behaviors of any kind. A "must have" in the library of any therapist dealing with addictions and of any person trying to control their unproductive drinking habits.