The Art of Moderation: An Alternative to Alcoholism [Hardcover]

John Michael (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1565500830 | ISBN-13: 978-1565500839 | Publication Date: December 1, 1999

Readers will be enlightened, while seriously facing their lifestyle habits, with this succinct, yet comprehensive, dialogue of an ex-alcoholic and his conversion to drinking moderately.

Editorial Reviews

Review

In The Art of Moderation, John Michael has written a radical book about a common topic - alcoholics who reduce their drinking. Educated by Alcoholics Anonymous that this was impossible, John proceeded to live out the AA reality of periodically abstaining, then drinking all out for long periods at a time. Eventually, John decided to reject the AA claim that he would be an alcoholic his whole himself or herself; the values and activities one embraces; the people one associates with; the feelings that dominate one's life; heath behaviors like diet, exercise and smoking; the way one actually drinks alcohol; and one's larger ethical and moral principles. Moderating one's drinking takes time, effort, thought, and practice. It is not complicated, however. What it takes is perfecting the various facets of one's internal and external life.

"John Michael's book is genuine, well-written, and represents sound and scientific principles. He has become one of those bold enough to reveal the secrets that enable most alcoholics to escape the grasp of both booze and the AA philosophy that may be equally addictive. -- Stanton Peele, author of Diseasing of America and the Truth About Addiction and recovery

I usually underline with a yellow marker. Had I underlined your important comments I would have had a yellow book! -- Richard O'Toole, Ph.D., ST. Petersburg Florida

John Michael's book is genuine, well-written, and represents sound and scientific principles. -- Stanton Peele, Ph.D., Author, Addiction Researcher

Michael brings hope -- and a good deal of down-to-earth practical advice. -- Jan Blomqvist, Ph.D., Addiction Researcher, Stockholm

Sophisticated and stern process that many alcoholics may find more palatable than AA, though requiring no less disipline and honesty. -- Today's Librarian

There is a widespread belief that the only alternative left to people with severe alcohol problems, is to submit to being a 'non-practicing alcoholic' and to commit oneself to life-long total abstinence. Contrary to this, modern research has recurrently showed that there are multiple paths to stable recovery from such problems, and that quite a few do resume non-problematic drinking. John Michael -- in his account of how he managed to overcome his addiction to alcohol, not by trying to resist his 'inner urge' to overindulge but by learning to desire to be a moderate person -- provides an ample illustration of these findings. By sharing his experiences of how he managed to change his lifestyle, the author brings hope -- and a good deal of down-to-earth practical advice -- to those who find that their excessive drinking brings misery but, for various reasons, are not inclined to define themselves the incurable victims of an impersonal 'alcohol disease'. -- Jan Blomqvist, Ph.D., Addiction Researcher, Stockholm

From the Publisher

Sharon Jones, Vision Books International Viable solutions to substance abuse with profound insight; pertinent physical, mental, spiritual, social, health details necessary to choose a lifestyle of moderation.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Vision Books International (December 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565500830
• ISBN-13: 978-1565500839
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,662,586 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very well written, truthful book. Highly recommended!!, October 27, 1999

By 

Michael McCoy (Santa Rosa, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Moderation: An Alternative to Alcoholism (Hardcover)

I loved the book. John Michael tells it straight from the heart, and wants to share with others what he has found to be true. "The Art of Moderation" is a book you'll want to read several times, and perhaps give to a friend who has ever wondered if there really is a way to be able to drink and not be an alcohol abuser. John's book is easy to read, and refreshing. Highly recommended!

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Drinking problem or living problem?, October 21, 1999

By 

howard rodgers ([e-mail]) (boise, id) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Moderation: An Alternative to Alcoholism (Hardcover)

> Someone has really done it! This book is readable, intellegent,thoughtful,& full of insights, just what JM was trying to do. I felt good and hopeful that someone had written down something that would be genuinely useful; That clean feeling you get from doing your 30 meetings in 30 days. Anyone can use this! Highly recommended!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A better school of thought, January 16, 2011

By 

Elisabeth Brookshire (OH, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Art of Moderation: An Alternative to Alcoholism (Hardcover)

In the last week, I read this and the AA "Big Book" and was glad to see there are alternatives for "alcoholics" out there that aren't guilt or shame based like 12 step programs are. I really didn't put that together until I read about moderation. AA wants to have you admit you are powerless, the bad things you did while under the influence, and join for life all while confessing "Hi, I'm...and I'm an alcoholic". It doesn't matter how many years sober you have been, you are always called one. There are people out there who can drink without getting drunk. If you can't, don't try moderation but certainly, don't self flagellate if you stumble like AA would have you do.