📖 Overview
Eight Step Recovery presents a Buddhist approach to overcoming addiction and habitual behaviors. The book combines traditional Buddhist teachings with contemporary addiction recovery methods.
The authors draw from their personal and professional experiences working with addiction. Through eight practical steps, they outline a path for breaking free from destructive patterns and developing healthier ways of living.
The text includes meditation instructions, exercises, and real-world applications designed to support lasting change. Each chapter builds on the previous one while remaining accessible to readers at any stage of recovery.
This work bridges Eastern wisdom with Western psychology to address universal themes of suffering, attachment, and the potential for transformation. The authors make ancient Buddhist principles relevant to modern struggles with addiction.
👀 Reviews
Readers found this book offers a Buddhist approach to addiction recovery that complements traditional 12-step programs. Many appreciate its practical exercises and meditation techniques for dealing with cravings and negative thought patterns.
Positives:
- Clear explanations that connect Buddhist principles to recovery
- Detailed mindfulness practices and exercises
- Personal stories from recovering addicts
- Works for various types of addiction, not just substances
Negatives:
- Some readers say content could be condensed
- Buddhist terminology can be confusing for beginners
- Exercises require significant time commitment
Review stats:
Goodreads: 4.3/5 (40 ratings)
Amazon: 4.5/5 (50 ratings)
One reader noted: "The Eight Steps provide concrete tools rather than just theory." Another mentioned: "This filled gaps left by AA's approach." A critical review stated: "Good information but could have been more concise - felt repetitive at times."
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🤔 Interesting facts
🌟 Author Valerie Mason-John identifies as a non-binary person and draws from their own experiences with addiction recovery throughout the book
🌟 The eight steps outlined in the book are based on the Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path, adapting ancient Buddhist wisdom for modern addiction treatment
🌟 The book won the 2014 International Book Award in the "Health: Addiction & Recovery" category
🌟 Co-author Dr. Paramabandhu Groves worked as a consultant psychiatrist in addiction services for over 20 years while also being an ordained Buddhist
🌟 The recovery method presented in the book has been successfully implemented in treatment centers across multiple countries, including the UK, USA, and Mexico