Simple, practical, clever.
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I've read a lot of books about recovery but this is one of the best. It guides the reader through the whole process of detoxification and then explains how to use the 12 Step program to build a more enjoyable life, free of addictions. There's no pretentious psychological jargon in the book and the author manages to make it all seem clear and simple. The writing style is real, personal and free of waffle - never patronising. Great book, strongly recommended.
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Some pain. Big gain.
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I tried all the "easier, softer ways" of dealing with my food, alcohol and amphetamine addictions. None of them worked for very long. Since I read this book (nearly two years ago) my life has been gradually improving. I had to accept some painful truths about myself. The author explains the 12 step programme (originally developed by AA) in a clear and interesting way. If you want to get the best results from the book, you'll need to put in a bit of hard work... but, believe me, it's well worth it!
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Hard going
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Bought this book following the recommendations of other reviewers, but found it really hard going. I'm a professional person with a degree, but even I struggled with the language, concepts and layout of this book. Not really accessible for someone with low literacy levels or those who like their books to be a bit more user-friendly. Once you get past all that though, the information is useful. Think I will look for other books on the subject though.
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Layman's terms of 12-step approach to overcoming addictions
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I loved this book! I was already familiar with Dr Lefevre's works which had initially opened up my mind to working a 12-step programme and recovery. The reason I loved this book though is because the author, John, speaks directly from his own account to illustrate points but doesn't get drone on with drunk-a-logs. He explains how to practically get abstinent and how to work the steps in an 'idiots guide' style making it easy to grasp what to do! 10 out of 10.
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Unique realism
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As a practising addictions counsellor, I have found this book extremely useful. Although No Big Deal is written primarily for the general reader, rather than for addiction specialists, it has considerably enhanced my own understanding of addiction. I have also found it an unusually helpful resource to use with clients. The author, John Coats, is now a professional therapist but was himself dependent on alcohol and other drugs for many years. It is evident that he knows what he is talking about. While No Big Deal includes some autobiographical material, it is never used in a gratuitous or sensationalist way. The author employs his personal experience of addiction only to illustrate particular points about the condition and about the processes involved in recovery.
No Big Deal presents only one of the possible methods for addressing addictive disorders, namely Twelve Step Facilitation. But, once this limitation is accepted, it seems to fulfil its purpose very well. It is unusually clear, both in describing the practical application of this approach and in providing a coherent philosophical basis for it. I have not found a better or more lucid account of this methodology.
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