12 Smart Things to Do When the Booze and Drugs Are Gone: Choosing Emotional Sobriety through Self-Awareness and Right Action (Berger 12)

The author of the classic 12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery offers a fresh list of "smart" things to do to attain and sustain emotional sobriety.

Learn the attitudes and behaviors that are key to attaining and sustaining emotional sobriety and developing a deeper trust in the process of life. 

Dr. Allen Berger draws on the teachings of Bill W. and psychotherapy pioneers to offer us twelve hallmarks of emotional sobriety. These “right actions” help us develop the confidence to be accountable for our behavior, to practice asking for what we want and need, and to cultivate a deeper trust in the process of life. Dr. Berger’s list of smart things includes 

 

• understanding who you are and what’s important to you 
• learning not to take others’ reactions personally 
• trusting your inner compass 

Berger, Allen. 12 Smart Things To Do When the Booze and Drugs Are Gone: Choosing Emotional Sobriety Through Self-Awareness and Right Action. Hazelden. Sept. 2010. c.200p. bibliog. ISBN 9781592858217. pap. $14.95.

McAlister, Brian. Full Recovery: Creating a Personal Action Plan for Life Beyond Sobriety. 2d ed. MacSimum. Sept. 2010. c.240p. ISBN 9780982394816. $22.95. SELF-HELP

These two titles cover similar territory—how to free oneself from emotional bondage and to achieve abundant living after putting the plug in the jug. Psychologist Berger (12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery) draws on the studies from psychological research and the lessons of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) founder Bill W. to offer 12 smart things to do to achieve self-mastery—the maintaining of a healthy relationship with oneself. Each chapter offers readings and instructions on such goals as pressuring oneself instead of others to change, appreciating what is, and not taking things personally. Essentially, Berger helps the reader to fill the hole once filled by addiction in a manner comfortable to those familiar with AA material. Motivational speaker and recovering alcoholic McAlister incorporates a strong reliance on God for assistance in achieving long-term success. He uses personal examples and case studies of both success and failure to help the reader explore old maladaptive habits/beliefs, find motivational activities, and develop a game plan that overcomes hurdles. He provides exercises and practical applications for career and relationship goals. All those in recovery or even actively drinking can get help from either book, but practicing Christians may prefer Full Recovery.

Allen Berger, PhD, is a leading expert in the science of recovery from addiction. Sober since 1971, Dr. Berger was part of a pioneering recovery program for marines returning from Vietnam with alcohol and other drug addictions—first as a participant, then as a counselor. Since then, he has become a thought leader in the field, working in clinical settings and private practice. In demand as a speaker, workshop presenter, and interviewee, Dr. Berger is well-known in recovery circles, among those in recovery as well as therapists and clinicians around the world. He has lectured and written extensively on the process of recovery, emotional sobriety, and the therapeutic value of the Twelve Steps.