The Spirituality of Sobriety: Finding the Spiritual Awakening in Recovery from Alcoholism [Paperback]

Gregg D. (Author), none (Editor, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 22, 2003

The Spirituality of Sobriety, follows the path first discovered by a small group of alcoholics some seventy years ago that subsequently became the Twelve Step program of recovery practiced by Alcoholics Anonymous. We begin the journey in order to recover from alcoholism, addiction or other life tragedies. And the result? A surprising spiritual awakening! Written from the perspective of the Twelfth Step looking back over the path of recovery, Gregg D. walks us through the A.A. literature revealing how the Twelve Step program guides the practitioner to a spiritual awakening. At critical points along the way, Gregg reaches to other spiritual and religious traditions as comparisons to validate the spiritual path of the Twelve Step program.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Spirituality of Sobriety ... presents an excellent description of many of the principles of AA and how they can affect recovery.... It does an excellent job describing AA principles of spirituality. Terence T. Gorski, President of CENAPS and author of Staying Sober and Passages Through Recovery --letter

A heartfelt, probing reflection on the deeper mysteries of recovery. Tav Sparks, Addictions Therapist in transpersonal recovery and author of The Wide Open Door: The Twelve Steps, Spiritual Tradition & the New Psychology --letter

BOOK REVIEW: How Therapy Can Reinforce Spiritually Based Healing, by Phyllis M Hanlon, reprinted with permission from Addiction Professional, vol. 3, no. 5, September 2005. Claiming that the problem of alcoholism is spiritual at the core, the author emphasizes the need for spiritual awakening. Not focused on any one religion in particular, the book encourages readers to enlist the assistance of whatever they consider a higher power as they travel the road to recovery. Hailed by therapists who are experts in the field of addiction, this book presents as a reference for clinicians and an inspirational tale for their patients. Citing psychologist Carl Rogers, the author provides a foundation for his theory of the congruence of spirituality and sobriety. He adds comments from John Welwood, clinical psychologist, psychotherapist and author, which further support the argument for ...some long forgotten longing of the soul... that underlies negative feelings and attitudes associated with addiction. Relevant quotes form other notable personalities, such as Thomas Merton, Carl Jung and poets T.S. Eliot, William Wordsworth, Rainer Maria Rilke and others, are sprinkled throughout the chapters. Referring to the three basic instincts sex, security and society the author explains that unreasonable fear of not obtaining one of these necessities in life can lead to unhappiness, conflict and emotional, physical and/or mental problems, and oftentimes addiction. By exploring the fundamental nature of alcoholism and citing personal causes for the condition within himself, the author alludes to the extensive psychological work necessary to evoke awareness and healing in an individual. Although the chapters are interwoven with one another, two in particular offer valuable insight and suggestions for readers, whether client or therapist. Chapter Five examines character defects, flaws or shortcomings how they relate to alcoholism, how to determine where they originate, and how to acknowledge and remove them. Therapists will find the information a worthwhile supplement to the battery of assessment and intervention tools currently used. The insight in this chapter helps to reinforce the awareness clients gain through psychotherapy. Chapter Six holds special interest for therapists as the lessons imparted can be adapted for professional use. Titled Inventory and Admissions, this chapter illustrates ways in which the author worked with his psychotherapist to make amends for some of his most troubled family relationships. He explains that the therapist can help the addict form functional, working and satisfying relationships to avoid a return to destructive associations and relapse. Practical suggestions reinforce the therapist's techniques and also offer ideas for new approaches to therapy. For instance, the practice of composing a list of resentments can serve as a precursor to identifying areas on which the client needs to focus. To reinforce the book's message, the theme of self runs through the text. The author promotes self-reflection, self-searching, self-appraisal and self-examination, all of which are reflective of the teachings of Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, as a means of achieving self-awareness. He proposes that close introspection results in spiritual growth. For those unfamiliar with the 12 Steps, an appendix provides a comprehensive list of these tenets. A second appendix offers seven prayers intended to keep recovering addicts on track. In spite of the author s disclaimer, therapists will find this book an effective supplemental tool to help clients implement the principles of a 12-Step program as they strive for sobriety. The suggestions within the book can easily be adapted to fit any type of addiction. --Addiction Professional, vol. 3, no. 5, Sept. 2005

About the Author

Gregg D. formerly an international lawyer, investment banker, and university instructor, currently resides in the Berkshire mountains writing poetry and books on the spiritual aspects of recovery. A compelling speaker, Gregg leads workshops and retreats on recovery as a spiritual practice following the concepts of The Spirituality of Sobriety to help bring the theoretical into the experiential for those working a Twelve Step recovery program. Gregg continues service work teaching yoga and meditation in the prison system's addiction program to assist those in recovery in the development of a personal Eleventh Step prayer and meditation practice.

Product Details

• Paperback: 201 pages
• Publisher: Awakened Recoveries; 1st edition (June 22, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0975410601
• ISBN-13: 978-0975410608
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #551,619 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Superb Guide to a Spiritually-Based Walk in Recovery, June 10, 2007

By 

D. Hoenzsch (Latham, New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Spirituality of Sobriety: Finding the Spiritual Awakening in Recovery from Alcoholism (Paperback)

I have spent some significant time studying The Spirituality of Recovery, by Gregg D. I consider it to be a worthy and wonderful companion to the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book and the AA 12 Steps and 12 Traditions book. The author has been able to capture, with down-to-earth clarity and heart, an imaginative, inspirational and relevant sharing of his own struggles and triumphs. He blends the 2 AA books and other religious sources as the core for the deeper life recovery experience. I found in his book both comfort as well as personal and practical applications of the great truths in my own life. I highly recommend this book to anyone seriously wanting to learn to grow deeper in his or her walk with God in order to live out a more spiritually based and practical lifestyle in any area of recovery.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb commentary and supplement to AA's 12 Steps, June 5, 2007

By 

W. Ludewig (near Albany, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Spirituality of Sobriety: Finding the Spiritual Awakening in Recovery from Alcoholism (Paperback)

This book is a superb analysis of AA's 12 Steps. Gregg D. takes the whole
12 Step Program apart, expertly examines the principles from several spiritual disciplines----and then puts it all back together again so that
the Program still remains essentially simple.. Only now the reader understands WHY the spiritual principles are and must remain simple.

As an attorney, I liken Gregg D.'s writing to the opinions of Judge Benjamin Cardozo. They are so carefully thought out that ideas seem flow
naturally----no big long sentences, no big words, no jargon----just an
absolute elegant simplicity that makes everything ring true.

Every concept in this book is backed with citations to Conference Approved
AA literature, and is intended to be read in addition to----not instead of----the "Big Book" and the "12 & 12". It's designed to bring about a Spiritual Awakening, which is the true goal of all 12 Step Programs.. THAT
relationship with a Higher Power is the purpose of the 12 Steps----the
release from the obsession of drinking, drugging, over-eating, gambling,
etc., is an incidental side benefit of a connection with a Power greater
than ourselves..

"The Spirituality of Sobriety" by Gregg D. gives many concrete examples of
different ways to establish and maintain that vital Spiritual Awakening..
I've read this book several times,recommend it very highly, and have given
copies to others.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Truly Astounding Book!, July 4, 2007

By 

Hank N. - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Spirituality of Sobriety: Finding the Spiritual Awakening in Recovery from Alcoholism (Paperback)

Complex in the synthesis of many thoughts and in its comprehensiveness, this brilliant book is both clear and simple in its exposition, without being condescending. An indispensable companion to AA's literature, it is always focused on the essentials of a lifetime of spirituality and sobriety.

Hank N. New Lebanon, NY