Codependents' Guide to the Twelve Steps (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The first time I heard this Step, I didn't get it..." (more)
Key Phrases: recovery from codependency, codependency recovery, unearned guilt, Higher Power, Fourth Step, Twelve Step (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

First the Hurt, Now the Healing...

Millions identified with Melody Beattie in Codependent No More and gained inspiration from her in Beyond Codependency. Now she's back to help you discover how recovery programs work and to help you find the right one for you. Interpreting the famous Alcoholics Anonymous Twelve Steps specifically for codependent issues for the very first time, this groundbreaking book combines Melody's expertise with the experience of other people to:

• Explain each step and how you can apply it to your particular issues

• Offer specific exercises and activities to use both in group settings and on your own

• Provide a directory of the wide range of Twelve Step programs -- including Al-Anon, Codependents Anonymous, Codependents of Sex Addicts, Adult Children of Alcoholics, and more

The uniquely warm and compassionate voice of Melody Beattie will inspire you to turn your life around -- one step at a time.

About the Author

Melody Beattie, one of the seminal figures in the recovery movement, is the author of the international bestseller Codependent No More, which has sold more than eight million copies and been translated into more than a dozen languages. An expert on codependency, Beattie has written fifteen books, including Beyond Codependency, The Language of Letting Go, and The Grief Club, and lectures worldwide. She lives in Southern California. For more information visit her website at www.melodybeattie.com.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 273 pages
• Publisher: Fireside; 1 edition (April 9, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671762273
• ISBN-13: 978-0671762278
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,633 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #6 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Recovery > Twelve-Step Programs
  #9 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Mental Health > Codependency
  #10 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Relationships > Codependency

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The 12 Steps of A.A. adapted for recovery from codependency, September 28, 2002

By	Andrew Olivo Parodi (Oregon, United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Melody Beattie is the author of CODEPENDENT NO MORE, the book that sold millions of copies the world over and made the word "codependent" a household word. Melody defines codependency as a state where you believe your happiness comes from a specific person, and then you become obsessed with controlling that other person. Very often, but not always, codependents find themselves in relationships with alcoholics, drug addicts, or people with other kinds of self-destructive compulsive habits and addictions. Inevitably, the codependent will become obsessed with trying to get their addicted spouse or "special person" off of that substance. The problem with this, however, is that the codependent does not see that they *themselves* have a problem for being constantly attracted to people who do not want to be helped; also, the codependent often *needs* to be needed and derives their self-esteem from being needed, which would explain the attraction to addicts (never mind the fact that addicts usually give up their addictions only when they themselves want to).

So, since codependents often find themselves involved with addicts, it is rather fitting that Melody Beattie has adapted the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous for aid in recovery from codependency and has written CODEPENDENTS' GUIDE TO THE 12 STEPS. Many of the steps of recovery from codependency are very similar to recovery from any addiction, including alcoholism, so not much has had to be altered in this adaptation. To my recollection, only the wording of the "first step" has been slightly changed, wherein the codependent does not admit to powerlessness over alcohol, but rather powerlessness over other people. Melody highlights each Step with examples and stories from her own experience as a counselor, and her way of telling stories is always very succinct, sincere, and non-condemnatory. Another helplful thing is that this book contains an index of many books and guides that are helpful for the person in recovery, including addresses to the different 12 Step organizations.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Melody Beattie's best, January 24, 2000

By	Joanie McMillan (Felton, California) - See all my reviews

This book has been invaluable to me as a comforting and challenging resource, especially as I worked through a recent, highly painful relationship loss. I began to understand the 12 Steps much more clearly through Melody Beattie's clear and gentle explanations. Many people I know in 12-step programs use this book, finding that it resonates well with many different types of recovery work.

40 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best!, March 5, 2001

By	AmethystRosee "amethystrosee" (chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

There are many books out there on recovery; and after many yrs in recovery, some of us own most of those books! This is absolutely the best one I have come across as far as the steps go. Its format of explanation and "getting to the heart of the matter" in the steps, can apply to everyones journey, regardless of which program they are in. This book will enhance everyones recovery program as well as their spiritual path, because it hits the basics and gets to the roots of all healing and growth in a way we can all relate to. Thanks Melody!

This book is "Golden". I highly recommend it.