A Gentle Path Through the Twelve Steps: The Classic Guide for All People in the Process of Recovery (Paperback)

~ Patrick Carnes Ph.D. (Author) "Although new members of Twelve Step programs often hear about "working the program," just what that means is often unclear..." (more)
Key Phrases: sobriety worksheet, gentle path, recovering people, Steps Four, Steps Two, Step One (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This workbook provides a unique set of structured forms and exercises to help recovering people integrate the Twelve Steps into all aspects of their lives.

About the Author

Patrick J. Carnes is a nationally-known speaker on addiction and recovery issues. He is the author of Out of the Shadows, Contrary to Love, A Gentle Path Through the 12 Steps, and Don't Call It Love. He is the clinical director for sexual disorder services at The Meadows in Wickenburg, Arizona. Carnes is the editor-in-chief of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention, the official journal of the National Council of Sexual Addiction/Compulsivity, an organization for which he also serves as a board member. He also serves on the national advisory board of the American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Hazelden; Revised edition (September 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568380585
• ISBN-13: 978-1568380582
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #13,636 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #18 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Recovery > Twelve-Step Programs
  #53 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Recovery > Substance Abuse

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars #1 book for ALL recovery programs, June 13, 2001

By	"ginazone" (Glens Falls, NY United States) - See all my reviews

I recommend this book to every one in ANY 12 step recovery program. I have used it & the 1st step took 90 pages alone, that's how THOROUGH a job this workbook does at helping one build a foundation in recovery. The entire book is 300 pages with LOTS of room to write! I use this with sponsee/sponsor relationships. It covers all addictions whether it is food, sex, alcohol or drugs, relationships, gambling, you name it! It has a very balanced approach to help one see their own powerlessness over becoming an addict in the 1st place & then helps one DO SOMETHING about it. It explores abuse histories for those like me who have suffered all forms of abuse & trauma as a child. FREE Yourself, finally, from the demons of your past that keep you in that shame/addiction cycle. This is the ONLY 12 step workbook that IS as gentle as it says it is, with plenty of breaks. Get to know the you that you have always known you could be, you know, the one who wasn't allowed to EXIST as a child. Words can't express what a miracle this WORKbook has been in my recovery. I've done 1st steps before, but never so completely. For the 1st time, I truly understand & accept powerlessness, and I owe it to the 90 pages of self-discovery this book gifted me with.... Get 2 copies because once everyone sees it, they want one too. Many paths, one journey.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent & Practical book for people in process of healing, August 28, 1999

By A Customer

When one is in the process of recovery, it is sometimes hard to think of different aspects of the concept talked about in the room such as: denial, higher power, etc. Carnes, thourgh his numerous exercises, offers the steps necessary to move through the process of recovery as well as how to proceed, what areas to look at and issues to explore. Highly recommended!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars essential 12-step book, July 6, 2000

By A Customer

This book takes anyone through the 12 steps. It is a workbook for the addict and/or the coadict. There are many numerous useful exercises and helpful information. I have had this book recomended to me over and over again, and I recomend it for anyone in recovery.