Voyage Into Recovery: Defeating Alcoholism and Drug Abuse [Paperback]

D. Dickens (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 16, 2005

Nothing made sense. I was a well-educated young man, then thirty-four years old, and I had managed to graduate from high school before going on to receive a degree from a Maryland community college. But as smart and educated as I was, it was nearly impossible shaking my addiction to drugs and alcohol. And reality was fast approaching.

Once the supports of family evaporated my drinking and drugging scenarios became even more tragic and life threatening. And it wasn't long before I found myself all alone with my addiction. Family was gone.

Although it took some time, I eventually learned that drug and alcohol abuse involves much more than a lack of willpower. It is often the manifestation of many individual components, some physical, some psychological, and some spiritual. Each of these areas need to be addressed if the addict/alcoholic ever hopes to recover.

Voyage Into Recovery addresses alcohol and drug abuse from the perspective of a survivor. Fluent, clear, and concise, author D. A. Dickens presents tactics and strategies needed to forge and maintain sobriety.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

D.A. Dickens is a burgeoning author, as well as a recovering addict/alcoholic. He resides in Bath, Maine, the location where he first decided to become, and stay, sober. Dickens recently signed a contract for the publication of his first novel, Dead Reckoning.

Product Details

• Paperback: 126 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (June 16, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595355811
• ISBN-13: 978-0595355815
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,042,266 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for every person new to recovery!, September 2, 2005

By 

ClaraT - See all my reviews

This review is from: Voyage Into Recovery: Defeating Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (Paperback)

I've been sober for 15 years and read things in this book that I SHOULD have heard in the rooms, but haven't. For one, the concept that sobriety and recovery are NOT the same. Quoting from the book: "Sobriety is a means to an end. That end is ongoing recovery. Abstinence is indeed the first step toward recovery, and it's the only way to prevent new fires from sparking to life. But alone, sobriety carries little weight" and "As recovery takes root we begin to feel more firmly planted in our sobriety, and a calming sense begins to settle over us. The desire to drink or drug diminishes and we begin to realize that we're going to be okay, that our growth is well underway, and that we need not be afraid. "

This begins a journey with the author through his own early recovery time in which he shares invaluable experience in just how to find this wonderful world of recovery. He touches on all aspects from the chemical imbalances that bring about alcoholism to the miraculous part that spirituality plays - and this from a self-admitted "questioner" of religion. Surely the old AA adage that, "Religion is for people who don't want to go to hell. Spirituality is for those who are there and want to get out." is relevant here. David Dickens brings us right along the pathway with him out of hell and into a productive life.

Voyage Into Recovery has also already been adopted as one of the suggested readings by the American Council on Alcoholism. I have no affiliation with that group, but do value their opinions.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, Thoughtful and Highly Informative..., June 29, 2005

By 

Richard Raynor (Snow Hill, Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Voyage Into Recovery: Defeating Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (Hardcover)

D.A Dickens has combined many interesting ingredients to form a recipe for success. I just received my copy of this book, and I am impressed with the author's story, as well as all the pertinent, vital and extremely helpful information which makes this book a valuable tool in the war against alcohol and drug addiction. I highly recommend this book to anyone trapped in the cage of substance abuse. Dickens makes it clear that, concerning drug and alcohol abuse, we are dealing with much more than a lack of willpower. Much, much more.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly Enlightening, July 3, 2005

By 

Richard Raynor (Snow Hill, Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Voyage Into Recovery: Defeating Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (Paperback)

It's good to see an alcoholic turn their life around, and even better to read how they did it. D.A. Dickens has seen the worst addiction has to offer, and I am sure many addicts/alcoholics can relate to his manifold troubles. They would definitely be interested in reading how Mr. Dickens picked up the broken pieces of his life before going on to begin true recovery. Three books later, his progress is duly noted. I recommend this book for anyone caught in the cage of addiction.