Review
"Getting Beyond Sobriety provides an in-depth view of the treatment of the alcoholic with particular reference to issues associate with long-term recovery. Clemmons provides a clear model of a gestalt approach to alcoholism treatment and in the process helps to define the differences and perhaps limits of the medical model of the addictions. The author clearly delineates a developmental approach that emphasizes stages in the recovery process...reminiscent of the interpersonal dynamics elucidated by theorists such as Leston Havens. A lucid explication of the dynamics of alcoholics and other drug addicts, their life situations, and their treatment needs. The material is clear and free of rhetorical flourish, and it provides the therapist with a perspective that is sure to stimulate new thinking. Thanks to the liberal use of vignettes, the reader comes away with a more complete understanding of recovery." (Psychiatric Services)
"Behavioral and emotional aspects are deeply explored, and therapeutic strategies are abundantly illustrated with clinical examples that make interesting reading. This book is an excellent source of information for professionals working with addicted patients." (Readings: A Journal of Reviews and Commentary in Mental Health)
"Getting Beyond Sobriety is a brilliant integration of addictive counseling and psychotherapy from a person who has obviously walked the walk. Thoughtful, challenging, and helpful. This reading is a must for psychotherapist specializing in addiction." (Terence T. Gorski, president, CENAPS Corporation)
"Getting Beyond Sobriety makes a significant contribution to the field. It is enormously helpful in understanding the living, long-term process of recovery.The text is rich with clinical examples, which run the gamut from hard-core addicts to early phase users, from inpatient treatment settings to outpatient solo practice, and will be useful for clinicians who deal with clients in any setting." (James Kepner, Ph.D., author of Body Process and Healing Tasks)
From the Inside Flap
In this ground-breaking book, Michael Clemmens offers a new model of treatment for long-term recovery which goes beyond the traditional ?disease? paradigm. Working from the belief that a fuller life for the recovering addict is grounded on a foundation of abstinence, the author explores a ?self-modulation? approach which leads to a change in the behavior from within the individual while developing and expanding connection with others.
