Breaking Free from Addiction: How Science and Compassion Can Help People Transform

Melinda OdegardMelinda Odegard: Absolutely excellent book I loved it written by 3 PHd's and a good way to inspire friends or anyone not to continue their addiction I bought this for myself to deal with my family member who's addicted to alcohol

United States on Nov 11, 2023

shaunb: Helpful

United States on Nov 09, 2023

Donna Kendall: Book arrived in great condition. The authors do a really wonderful job of breaking down the science behind why addiction/relapse occurs, and how to not only set boundaries for yourself but still continue to help your loved one. It discusses the stages of change, how to address concerns over relapse, and how to help your loved one want to change as well as carry out the changes. It does a great job explaining what to do as well as the 'why' behind the action/attitude, and encourages the reader to practice self-care and know their limits while supporting the person with the substance use disorder.

United States on Jul 12, 2023

Pamela Brinker, author of “Conscious Bravery”: This conscious, compassionate and hopeful approach actually works. It provides specifics, guidelines and hope to loved ones and it honors and respects all who struggle: those of us who want to help, and those we care about who need support.
All our loved ones who struggle in the wilderness with substance use and mental health challenges need us to partner with them, not judge them or give ultimatums. They need our conscious conversations and our openhearted endurance, not anger & lecturing.
The more I listen, the safer they feel. There are varying reasons underlying their substance use that they are still trying to understand. I have found that the more I seek to truly understand them, and ask them openended questions, the better our relationships are.
This book taught me that I choose what I will and won’t do with radical self-care as another foundation. This keeps me flexible and builds my resiliency to walk alongside them. I will never give up on them, and hope they never give up on themselves.
I’ve been a psychotherapist for over 30 years, am an author and workshop leader. I have two young adult sons who are in recovery in their own unique ways. So much of...

United States on Jan 08, 2023

Nandita de Souza: This book is a true 'lifesaver' for families. The approach to handling addiction within the family is so innovative and humanistic. There is excellent information about the science of motivation and change, as well as clear steps to help your loved one, which are easy to follow. Any professional who works in the field of addiction should read it too.

India on Feb 13, 2021

Billy: I’m still reading it but so far it’s good. As an addiction worker it’s great to see and learn about options other than the 12 steps of AA, NA, etc.

Canada on Feb 11, 2021

garden: I’ve read 1/3rd so far. It feels like they are holding my hand. The writers really understand how to be a family member or partner of a person with an addiction & give sound advice. My loved one’s ‘drug of choice’ is gaming (not gambling) and what I’ve read so far applies and helps understanding his needs - and mine.

United Kingdom on Sep 11, 2020

Deb: This was one of the most informative and interesting books I've read on addiction. My son is an addict and my counsellor recommended this book as it explains how you can help yourself and your loved one. The old belief that "they have to hit rock bottom" are dispelled, with much better tips on how to help. It's written using terms that those of us without a medical degree, can understand!

Canada on Aug 30, 2019

Nelson F.: Finally, a book that takes into account what really happens with addiction and effective methods for helping. AA and Al-Anon have helped many but have also alienated many more. Recent research proves that there are better methods to tackle addiction than family's 'detachment' or the acceptance that we are powerless... because we can be more powerful and have more impact than previously thought. Intelligent, strategic 'kindness' is more effective than pop science or outdated mainstream approaches.

United Kingdom on May 13, 2018

Elder Elder: The first half of the book is wonderfully calming because it focuses the reader's attention on his or her OWN behavior and OWN problems, instead of continuing to engage in obsession over the behavior of the addict they care about. For this reason alone the book is powerfully useful for those suffering from the family disease of addiction.

However, when the book transitions into behavior modification of the addict, it loses all value for me. The authors present a repeated goal of getting the addict into treatment, and to me that is a losing game. I don't like the behavioral approach to changing the addict. That's not where the focus should be, in my opinion. Trying to change anyone but yourself is a recipe for disappointment.

There are other community-based support programs for families of addicts and alcoholics which do a wonderful job of keeping the focus on the recovery of the family member. You'll find such groups anywhere you find 12-step programs, and if you are struggling with addiction in your family, I would strongly encourage you to look into those resources.

By all means, explore what this book has to say, but I personally would not encourage anyone...

United States on Aug 30, 2016