Customer Reviews

My Way Out: One Woman's Remarkable Journey in Overcoming Her Drinking Problem and How Her Innovative Program Can Help You or Someone You Love

5 star:		(18)
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3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Finally, a book and a program that tackles the physiological reasons for alcohol dependency and don't preach abstinence as the only way to deal with it. For everyone that has tried and failed with AA or in-patient programs, or those (like me) who just knew they were never the type for these kinds of treatment, My Way Out is a Godsend. Roberta Jewell spent years researching the underlying causes of her own dependency, and through personal trials of new treatments, developed a comprehensive program that helps you "rewire" your brain to kick dependency once and for all.

This book is well researched and its recommendations based upon a number of top-notch (think Harvard caliber) clinical trials involving both herbal and off-label uses of more traditional drugs in curbing alcohol cravings. But, it also emphasizes nutritional supplements, as those with alcohol dependency are typically woefully lacking in some of the most basic vitamins, minerals and amino acids. (And restoring proper balance is key in keeping cravings at bay.) Exercise, nutrition and some really great self-hypnosis CDs round the program out.

I was a very heavy drinker and quit cold turkey. Four days later, in some desperation to find help, I found this book. I immediately started on the program and immediately found relief in my cravings. I have not felt this good in years, and everyone tells me I look fantastic. I am drinking moderately and know that I can have an occasional glass of wine, without feeling like I'm going to spiral back into my old ways. It's a fantastic feeling. It's a NORMAL feeling.

Part of the beauty of this program is that it is highly customizable to the individual. If you choose to be abstinent, it works for you. If you chose to be a moderate drinker, it works for you. If some aspects of the program work more than others for you, then you focus more energy in those areas. There is also a wonderful online community of people who are going through the program at the same time where you can chat, ask questions and generally support each other.

If you are finally ready to stop letting alcohol control your life, you absolutely must read this book.

First, even if you are in AA, this is a must read. This program addresses alcoholism not only from a psychological standpoint, but as a physiological problem that many rehabs and programs don't address adequately. The recommendations in this book have done wonders for my alcohol cravings, and for the first time in my life, I think I may be able to live without this substance that I have come to love and depend on so much. This program gives you the option to drink moderately or be abstinent and certainly does not have a negative view towards AA, which means that I think those of you who are struggling in AA could combine this program with that one and see things improve greatly. There isn't a magic cure, but if you have motivation and follow this program to the tee, I guarantee you will see the results you are hoping for. Good luck!

**Edited to Add** 1/7/08 It's now my belief that working this program lead me to find that I had no choice but to quit drinking and follow AA and all of its spiritual components. I believe that we all have a path to acceptance that we cannot drink anymore, and this was part of my journey.

I never heard of the book until it was mentioned in a Wall Street Journal article in mid August '05. I quit drinking a week or so before reading it and immediately got in the program. It works and is a great alternative for those of us who are not fans of the AA thing. The program is based on the emerging scientific and objective research on brain chemistry. The author is not afraid to adapt as new evidence arrives. Excellent on-line support forum as well.

After reviewing what must have been several hundreds, or perhaps thousands?? of messages on the discussion board offered as support for this program I finally made the decision to throw caution to the wind and give this program a try so I ordered the book. My curiosity was piqued, I admit. How is it so many people like me who hadn't any luck with other recovery programs were waxing eloquent about this one? It was such a feminine looking book, it turned me off a bit actually. But to be honest I was at my wit's end with the drinking. I won't bore with you with the details, if you've been in the same place you know the story, you can cry your own river. I needed some help, I was turning into a despicable fella, although I'm a perfect gentleman, successful high achiever when not blotty buggering drunk as my ex-college roomie would say. Apologies if I offended any Brits. But I digress. The bottom line is this: I bought the book, I followed the program and it has been working magnificently for me. I would like to see Jewell revise the book since she has made minor changes since publishing last year, however the depth of discussion and information provided on her message board covers such topics. I do not post messages there but I check in regularly. The bottom line is this: the MYO program is very effective and this books lays it out in an easy to follow manner. The book is probably a bit ahead of its time as are many important scientific breakthroughs but slowly it seems that doctors and others are catching on. It appears to be receiving quite a bit of press. If you are like me and you don't care for group meetings and you don't want rehab and you've read all the 'my way or the highway' rubbish then this book and this program are for you. Likewise, if you've read the new age rubbish touting this or that, where you are inspired for about a week and then you find yourself back in the same old rut, then this is probably the program for you, as well. I am quite amazed at how the combination of medication, hypnosis and vitamins flipped off a switch in my brain. I am quite grateful and humbled to have found this program. It requires dedication but anyone who lives with this situation and truly wants to make a profound change will understand that this is a chance to do it and a second chance at the life they wish to live.

Deborah McCorkle, Herbalist (Alaska) As an herbal and nutritional consultant I've researched for years to find a workable, affordable program to help people with alcohol cravings. This book has put together the best of all the herbal and nutritional supplements, simplified down so people AREN'T overwhelmed by huge handfuls of expensive supplements 3 times per day (as I've found in some plans). Her nutritional plan is well thought out, affordable, and very easy to follow. The addition of the latest pharmaceutical research and powerful hypnotherapy rounds out a very effective, workable program.

This book is easy to read and feels like reading a story from a good friend: full of honesty and humor. 'My Way Out' is a wonderful tool that should be in the hands of any Dr. working with alcohol-related health problems, or any person struggling with alcohol and their family members. Roberta Jewell has put together a concise, proven, easy to follow program that let's people know it's NOT THEIR FAULT! It takes away the awful blame in our culture that keeps people buried in shame and blocks them from seeking help. There IS a bio-chemical reason for people's drinking problems. There is HOPE and and there is help.

It's no wonder this book is beginning to capture more and more media attention (I heard the authors interviewed on a morning radio program and was intrigued). It takes a refreshingly new approach to addiction and introduces an effective, blended therapy that makes sense. As a "problem drinker" for decades I had been searching for a solution for many years. Before purchasing the book I was a little skeptical, so I reviewed the feedback of others who had embarked on the program and were posting messages on the discussion board associated with the program. I was very impressed and soon, I was one of them (posting anonymously). The program works and it works very quickly. The book lays the steps out and is easy to follow. Many of us have marveled that Roberta's story is our own. The shame, the lack of control, the fact that nobody knew as we drank ourselves into oblivion many nights. That we woke up in the morning filled with self loathing. That we tried everything else to rid ourselves of this horrible and disgusting addiction. And then, the coming out of it. Roberta (who goes by "RJ" on the message board) claims she never intended to write a book but was so overwhelmed at how well this program worked for her, she felt compelled to share it with others. I, for one, am grateful that she did.

This book is going to bring about revolutionary change for the problem drinker - all over the world. Unlike other programs, Jewell's program offers the possibility of moderate alcohol consumption for some, and abstinence for others. For over 20 years alcohol had a fierce grip on me. I was an overachieving professional, from a dual alcoholic household, medicating my stress every night. I knew I was doing exactly as my parents had done (at least I didn't have kids), but I couldn't get out from under the monkey's grip. I tried everything and nothing worked. I was in agony inside, until I found My Way Out. Jewell's program gave me just the answer I needed. Jewell's book is a gift from God, and Dr. Garcia's forward is written with an immense amount of compassion for those in need of help with this medical issue - she's a true gem.

Jewell's research, writing skills, sense of humor, and common sense plan make success easy to attain. This is a life saving book for anyone who struggles with a drinking issue and is ready for change.

I happened upon the website for this book and was sceptical at first as I had tried many treatments over the 30 years of my drinking with no success. I ordered the book from Amazon, received it in 3 days, read it and embarked upon The My Way Out program. Little did I know it would change my life. That was almost 2 months ago and I have no had a drink since. The book and program does not purport to be a "miracle cure" or "spirital enlightment trip" that many other drinking remedies do. Nor does it command abstinence as the only option to a drinking problem. Roberta merely sets out her own journey of discovery through a mixture of medication, nutritional supplements, hypnotic therapy and exercise. I owe the quality of my life to this book and the My Way Out program.

Having read "My Way Out" and completed the program myself - I give Jewel 5 stars for both. For 15 years I've considered myself what Caroline Knapp (author of Drinking, A Love Story) would refer to as a highly functioning alcoholic. I have read a number of books on the subject of drinking. Many read like lackluster medical journals and others recommend programs that are difficult to commit to over the long term. But this book is totally different. It is a personal account of Jewel's life, combined with her step by step program. It totally changed my drinking habits and my life and I found the book refreshing and motivating. Maybe I was just ready - but the program did work as "effortlessly" as she describes. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with a drinking problem.

This is a complete educational program with on line support. Several methods are described to become completely abstinent with alcohol or to moderate your drinking. Subtypes of alcoholics are identified. The use of the newest medications is discussed. There is a nutritional program and a hypnotherapy program. I have found the program to be successful in moderating my drinking. The hypnotherapy program is particularly helpful.