Getting Sober: A Practical Guide to Making It Through the First 30 Days (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: drinking triggers, early sobriety, support list, Higher Power, Healthy Alternatives, Decision About Professional Treatment (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

"Honest, direct, comprehensive, and practical."
--Bestselling author Mary Pipher

"Kelly Madigan Erlandson’s book will help many who are beginning their trudge on the road to happy destiny."
--Christopher Kennedy Lawford, author of Symptoms of Withdrawal: A Memoir of Snapshots and Redemption

Already hailed as "a thoughtful and comprehensive guide to those early, crucial days of sobriety," this groundbreaking new book is different from anything else on the market. As an alcohol and drug counselor for more than 20 years who has helped thousands into recovery, the author does not focus on trying to diagnose the problem; instead, she compassionately guides you through the first 30 days of sobriety--the most crucial part of recovery.

She gives you practical, day-by-day advice for becoming and staying sober--from removing alcohol and alcohol-related items from your house to picking the recovery program that fits your needs.

About the Author

Kelly Madigan Erlandson is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor who is in long-term recovery herself. Since 1985 she has worked at the Independence Center, a comprehensive, hospital-based treatment center. She has been awarded the Nebraska Arts Council's Distinguished Artist Award in nonfiction.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (August 9, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071493778
• ISBN-13: 978-0071493772
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #632,500 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you're ready to stop drinking..., December 5, 2007

By	Peter "Physician" (Maine) - See all my reviews

This is an awesome book. Well written in a non-judgemental, compassionate manner I found real-life help to stop drinking. It's fairly small and easy to tuck-away in a bag or desk. Even if you're just thinking about quitting alcohol, pick-up this book. I love the "banned from my hand" technique to resist temptation -- it really works. Lot's of other great information about AA (what meetings are like, etc.), ways to curb cravings (drink a couple glasses of water -- you might be thirsty!), and other real-life ways to make the internal committment a reality from a professional with years of experience with alcoholics. Would also pick-up The Big Book from Alcoholics Anonymous as well, even if AA is not for you. If you're serious about addressing your drinking problem, this book is the way to help you get through the first 30 days. Highly recommended.

2.0 out of 5 stars Getting Sober, October 19, 2009

By	I. Pickles "gettin' skinny" (Crescent City, CA.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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This book was a bit too assuming and lumping everyone into one group. Yes we are all alcoholic's but we all come from different family types and drink differently. I guess I thought this book would be different.

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, December 16, 2008

By	www.bookshipper.blogspot.com/ "www.bookshippe... (Montreal, Quebec) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Getting Sober is one of the best, down to the nitty gritty books, I have read on alcoholism. Finding sobriety is scary and baffling for many and reading a book such as Getting Sober will make the understanding of the process easier. What I liked most about this book is that it does NOT talk down to anyone.

Rather, it takes an honest look at what sobriety really is and then helps guide the reader towards the first 30 days of sobriety. It takes a detailed look at AA and manages to remove some of the "mystery" and "stigma" that sometimes can be associated with the program. It also gives some wonderful tips on how to deal with emotions, fears and judgment that may come.

Getting Sober is a compassionate and inspiring road map for all those on the road to sobriety, especially those who might feel extremely shaky or scared.

By the way, Getting Sober is also excellent for those who are already in recovery - it always helps to remember what those first 30 days were like!

Buy this book.