Customer Reviews

The Universal 12-Step Program: How to Overcome Any Addiction and Win!

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A remarkable book addressed to both individuals seeking treatment for addictions and to professionals seeking alternate methods.

As a mental health professional I recognize that the first few days of treatment are often the most tenuous for those seeking help, and encountering a religiously flavored 12-step program can produce resistance when acceptance is deperately needed. This book provides insight and explanation in counterpoint to AA doctrine.

If the forward by Albert Ellis was not predictive enough, it will be clear to the professional that the two authors are seasoned practitioners of Rational-Emotive Behavior therapy. Each of the traditional 12 steps of AA are reinterpreted in cognitive-behavioral terms to provide a sane rationale which is relevant to the cessation of addictive behaviors.

More importantly, there are a host of corresponding exercises which allow a client to apply the points being made. Further, the structure of the text provides a concrete framework for those in the scientific community to construct research questions.

I found the book quite readable and it is likely to be useful to who possess at least a 6th grade education. I would think that recordings of the book might be a useful adjunct for those whose reading skills are limited.

After reading The Universal 12-Step Program: How to Overcome Any Addiction and Win!, I was genuinely pleased to see how clearly it is written in a general sense, but I am very pleased to see how the authors, Peiser and Sandry, have soundly explained the traditional twelve steps from a cognitive-behavioral viewpoint. In these years of mis-managed medical care, this book is a godsend to those addicted human beings who admit their problem and have the determination to work at what they deserve; namely, a good chance to change their lives and to win.

For those who are willing to work systematically through the various, simple exercises presented throughout the book, winning seems possible. For certain the two psychologists, Drs. Peiser and Sandry, are just a phone call or E-mail away at Midwest Psychological Healthcare, PC (773-871-2626 or msandry@suba.com) for those who need further assistance with their own unique process of changing.

Paul Keenan, M.A. Public School Teacher (ret) School Psychologist Chicago, Illinois

I have been with two therapist over the past eight years. One experience was for five years with a group of men recovering from childhood sexual abuse. I left therapy thinking I was healed in 1999. I found Dr. Martin Sandry Midwest Psychological Healthcare in a phone book and decided to begin therapy again in 2000. He has been working with me for almost two years. I have read and reread the book "The Universal 12-Step Program". Martin Sandry and Kenneth Peiser have written a very down to earth book describing how to gain control of your thoughts by changing your belief system. They have used Albert Ellis's REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy) model. THIS HAS CHANGED MY LIFE! I never thought I could change the way I felt about traumatic events. Dr. Martin Sandry is a GENIUS! He has helped me to overcome my sexual addiction. I never thought I could heal from so many emotions and by using the tools in this book, I am free and peace with myself!

It's a working program if you actually do the exercises after each chapter. Start cracking that attitude and pattern wide open.