AA: Not the Only Way--Your One Stop Resource Guide to 12-Step Alternatives--Second Edition [Paperback]

Melanie Solomon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 28, 2008

"AA-Not the Only Way" responds to the growing demand from recovery experts, U.S. court rulings, problem drinkers and drug addicts for a global resource directory of alternative treatments. The highly anticipated 2nd Edition is now available, where you can find a multitude of different self-help groups, a variety of alternatives to help with your alcohol or drug use, such as hypnosis or acupuncture, a section for family members and other loved ones, what works and what doesn t, how to choose a treatment program and a comprehensive directory of licensed professionals all over the U.S., and treatment facilities both within the U.S. and abroad. While everyone has heard of Alcoholics Anonymous and other twelve-step programs that suport millions of people each year with addiction, they are not the only effective programs available.

Melanie Solomon's book compares and contrasts many different self-help programs so the client can better choose which one best suits his or her needs, as well as contact information for licensed professionals and treatment facilities throughout the U.S. and abroad. "This book is ideal for any addiction professional's waiting room, treatment process, or as an integral part of the client's continuing care plan." (NAADAC-The Association for Addiction Professionals).

"AA-Not the Only Way fills an important niche in the recovery literature. It offers a compact but wide-ranging guide to addiction support and treatment options. The author's recovery story will also be an inspiration to those who find themselves battling a one-size-fits-all system that is supposed to be helping them." (Dr. Tom Horvath, President of SMART Recovery).

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

After a twelve-year battle with addiction, including a vicious cycle of rehabs, sober livings, 12-step meetings, recovery, relapse, and overdosing, Melanie Solomon is now living a normal, balanced, functioning life. Melanie Solomon graduated from the University of Michigan, with a B.A. in psychology with honors. While making Phi Beta Kappa, she also volunteered at a Women's Center, counseling and placing abused and/or chemically addicted women into safe facilities. She had to drop out of UCLA Law School after completing one year to enter a well-known rehab, which is where she was first introduced to AA and the 12-steps. This began the 12 year odyssey of addiction and treatment that concluded with an experience that left her for nearly dead on Mother's Day when she was 33 years old,where soon after the first book was written (the 2nd Edition was written in 2008 when she was 36). It was then that she realized that there had to be another way. Due to her unyielding research of alternatives to AA, and the other 12-step programs, she started uncovering the scientific research that had been going on for over 3 decades, which sadly, most Americans are largely unaware of She now devotes her life to researching recovery options, and then sharing these findings with others. First through her book, and most recently through the updated 2nd Edition, as well as through her website, where there is a wealth of information about alternatives, current research, and other products, plus a FREE discussion forum, open to those in need themselves, loved ones, or professionals in the field, which will expand the dialog and knowledge about recovery options. A full-time writer and lecturer, she has taught at the Huntington Beach School District's Drug and Alcohol Program and The Learning Annex in California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 106 pages
• Publisher: Capalo Press; 2nd Edition edition (November 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976247992
• ISBN-13: 978-0976247999
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #295,643 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Hi,

After battling a twelve-year addiction, and being trapped in the "recovery merry-go-round" nightmare, I have finally woken up after almost dying several times. My second edition of "AA-Not the Only Way" which is also at www.aanottheonlyway.com has just become available, where you will learn about my life, as it has taken both its ups and downs, and how I have come out on the other side ok. There is also a multitude of alternative self-help groups to find out about, and other ways to assist you in either stopping your drinking or using, or moderating it to a harmless level. In this new edition, I have also added alternatives such as hypnosis, acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Add to that a directory of licensed professionals and treatment facilities, if that is determined to be what you need, both within the U.S. and abroad, including all of their contact information...all in one place, so you are not overwhelmed with having to go to the Internet and have to face the thousands if not millions of pages of information out there; now it's all in one convenient book. I know how hard this time in your life is, which is why I also make myself available for you to speak with personally, if that is what you need. (Make sure to go to my site to sign up for your FREE first time 30 minute phone consultation!) I wish you all the best, and just know that I've been there, and I know what you're going through so I can relate, and just know that it does get better. I also deal with a mental disorder on top of all of this, which I talk about in the book as well. It has been said that most people with addiction issues also suffer from some sort of mental disorder as well, so if you are one of them, please do not feel alone in this either. There is help. I wish you all the very best.
I have now devoted my life to researching alternatives to 12-step programs, and sharing this information with others, most recently through the 2nd Edition of my book, then through my website, www.aanottheonlyway.com where there are many other beneficial resources, plus a new FREE discussion forum, open not only to people suffering, but to loved ones who are concerned and professionals in the field. This way, there can be a safe, supportive community which will encourage expanding the dialog and knowlege about all available recovery options. Since research shows that the BEST predictor for success is the ability to CHOOSE your own recovery program, now you will finally have up-to-date information to make an informed decision, and therefore, have the best chance to lead a happy and healthy life. Here's to your success!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Alternative to AA at last, March 13, 2006

By 

Angie V (Arizona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: AA: Not the Only Way--Your One Stop Resource Guide to 12-Step Alternatives--Second Edition (Paperback)

My therapist gave me a copy of "AA Not The Only Way" to read. I have since bought it for myself. I am struggling with a drinking problem and have been off and on the wagon for the past several years. This book was like a breath of fresh air I so desperately needed. Doctors and therapists have been hounding me for years to go to AA, which I tried and do not feel is right for me - the meetings left me feeling frustrated and helpless. It was liberating to find out that there are actually alternatives. I always felt like people thought I was in denial because I did not want to go to AA. I acknowledge that I have a problem, I have sought and received help - I've had successes and failures and through it all maintained that AA was not the way for me! This book opened up a whole new world of options!

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Some books get BETTER AND BETTER!, April 6, 2009

By 

DUI Counselor "John" (CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: AA Not the Only Way; Your One Stop Resource Guide to 12-Step Alternatives (Kindle Edition)

Some books get better and better with each passing edition. This is the case of "AA Not The Only Way", written by Melanie Solomon. In 2005, the first edition of this book was published, and this writer gave it an enthusiastic, in-person endorsement at the 2006 meeting of SOS International. What I was surprised to discover in this "new and improved" 2ND edition, was the honesty with which Melanie communicated about her relapse since the first edition was published, as well as her admission of being "dually diagnosed" with the mental health issue of "bi-polar 2" (one of the forms of bi-polar disorder). Melanie's book is a jewel in this respect, as it shows that SOMEONE is willing to be honest about their own dual diagnosis connection between both a substance abuse issue and a mental illness, as well as point out that the treatment of the "dually diagnosed" is sorely lacking (that "gap" is just now beginning to be "bridged" in the addiction treatment industry!).

Overall, this is a book whose existence needs to be shouted from the rooftop, evangelized on street corners, and should be REQUIRED READING in EVERY Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification program in the United States!
A copy should be sent to every drug and alcohol treatment center in the U.S., and most importantly, this book should ON THE DESK OF EVERY "coercing authority" that has the power to "force" people with addictive disorders, into treatment facilities. This book will NOT bode well for "12-Step program zealots", as its approach is about the MULTITUDE of non-12-step resources available both on and off the internet. If you are in recovery, or know someone who is, or wants to be, this book is a MUST READ! Don't start or continue a recovery path without it!

John McCready, NCAC-I, M-RAS
Oceanside, CA

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a voice from within...., April 3, 2006

By 

urbmase "urbmase" (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: AA: Not the Only Way--Your One Stop Resource Guide to 12-Step Alternatives--Second Edition (Paperback)

This is by far the one book many have been looking for. The answers, the personal story, and the continuance of a movement that should have been started many years ago. The time for "labeling" is over. "Denial" is over, at least on the part of the reader that seeks this information. Are you ready to sleep easily again, and start to find the "real" you, outside of the "program" world!
Melanie, please bring more to the awaiting masses. The discussion group on www.aanottheonlyway.com is very helpful, as well.