Understanding the Twelve Steps: An Interpretation and Guide for Recovering

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Terence T. Gorski, an internationally recognized expert in the field of addiction treatment, has written numerous books on recovery and the disease of addiction. He is renowned for his groundbreaking research in relapse prevention, and he is a terrific educator. In "Understanding the Twelve Steps," Gorski delivers clearly defined, rational, effective instruction for anyone who is in recovery. No matter whether you are three days or thirty years sober, this book will educate you, motivate you, and inspire you to get the absolute most out of your life in recovery. I first read this book at fourteen years sober, and I learned valuable lessons that thrilled me. I have given this book as a gift to friends who are in early recovery, and they enthusiastically tell me how much it helped them to ground themselves in sobriety and to create a new lifestyle. Thank you Terence Gorski for writing this book!From Marti MacGibbon, ACRPS, CADC-II, author of the memoir, "Never Give in to Fear: Laughing All the Way Up from Rock Bottom."

As an alcoholic, I have the book "Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions", but that book simply states what these concepts ARE, not how to work them or apply them to your life. This book proved to be a great workbook and a handy reference. My favorite part of the book is the explanation of the Twelve Promises, in the back. The first time I read the promises I thought they were total bunk - I couldn't see how they could ever apply. Well, after reading the explanation of the promises in this book, the light went on and it inspired not only me but others I have shared this with. I scanned a copy of just the promises and gave it to a newcomer, and she sought me out at the next meeting to tell me that it was perfect - it reminded her of just what she really wanted in her life and what she was working towards. Inspiring, to say the least.

Intellectual discussion of the twelve steps of recovery by an authority on the subject. Tells how the steps work as opposed to how to work the steps.

Anyone in recovery knows the 12 steps can be interpreted with many different twists. Having the insight of a well known and well respected addiction therapist on what is required for each of the 12 steps is very helpful. There is a chapter devoted to each step and at the end there is an itemized list of what makes up a successful step. I found that very helpful.

I think that Terry Gorski is the best author when it comes to recovery books. I have several books on 12-step work, and I always come back to this one has having the most clear, pertinent descriptions. He offers really practical perspectives and he is easy to understand. His writing offers in-depth, down-to-earth concepts that you won't find in other books. My only complaint is that the book focuses on AA, and so all the other 12-step programs seem a bit subordinated. I will also recommend "Getting Love Right", another winner from Gorski.

A great book for newcomers to the AA program. As a therapist working with recovering people, I find this book to be a tremendous asset in explaining the dynamic of the 12 steps as the author sees them. In addition his anecdotes and humor make this a great read. My clients all report enjoying this book as well as gaining insights from it. I highly recommend it.

This book helped me link much closer with my spouse. I read it first, and made many notes of things I could change, or begin. Then she read it. Wow! Did our dedication to each other increase! We have been married for 39 years, and have finally been able to sit down and discuss things each of us can change in order to have another 39 years making each other happier!

Very informative book, I am a trainee counsellor in addiction and this helped me understand some of the processes of rehabilitation.

I got this for a friend. They were struggling with things about twelve steps. So found this and they have found it helpful. It came really quickly

I found this book essential in helping to understand 12 & 12 more fully.Recommended to all those who want to understand their own addictive tendencies & how to combat them.

Maybe it me but this wasn’t what I expected .

I found this much more helpful than just going through the 12 steps. Terry's input and insight is seriously helpful. I give hime 5 out of 5 for being clear and focused on his delivery