The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Who has read it and what did you think? Guess he doesnt believe in the 12 steps? And he thinks addiction is a choice not a disease? Have read that its a very emotional book.
Haven't read this one, but have looked at some other non AA programs and systems. The main thing seems to be - if people are actually *working* on their recovery, then there are many paths to wellness. If they merely try to stop the offending behaviour - dirnking, drug taking, overeating, enabling - without making changes to their attitude and approach to life, it may work for a while, but eventually they will go back to their old ways. AA (and alanon) have never said that they are the only answer, just that they work for many people.
I read this book a few weeks ago and was absolutely floored by the descriptions that James Frey gave about his recovery experience.
His refusal to believe in the 12 step program made me feel angry (maybe because my own A refuses to follow this program too) and I felt that I could relate to all of the people around him who told him that he needed a program.
Maybe Frey had/has enough sheer inner strength and will power to choose not to drink and to not use drugs - I don't believe that addiction itself is a choice but I think that the recovery process absolutely is a choice. If an addict does not choose to change his or her life, it will not change. But looking back at the course of events that led the addict to their addiction and a life fully engrossed in alcohol and drugs, didn't they choose that path as well? I think that the addiction pulls an addict so hard that it no longer is a choice, it is a requirement.
I did read this book and it is very powerful. Yes, I was frustrated that he was so against the 12 steps but you know what? Even though he says he didn't work them, much of what he does in his own recovery was very much 12 step. I liked reading it because it gave me much insight as to how my A must feel and maybe gained some insight to some of those emotions, anger and defiance. It is very graphic and emotional, well worth the read. I have hesitated sharing it with my A....don't want to give him any ammunition that he doesn't need the steps... I know I couldn't have gotten through without them and wouldn't want to encourage anybody not to work them.
