Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #37237 in Books
• Published on: 2004-05-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 273 pages

Synopsis
Provides a detailed explanation of the Twelve-Step program designed by Alcoholics Anonymous, accompanied by advice on how to apply the program to codependent issues and cross-addiction.

Customer Reviews

Easy to understand intro to changing your life in recovery!
A small group of us used this book in working the 12 steps our some our basic co-dependency issues. This eased some of us 'newcomers' into the 12 step process in a nurturing manner. I could really relate and appreciate the stories and examples that Melody Beattie shares to relates the issues to so that I could comprehend. This book allowed some deep rooted issues to be explored and my process of recovery to flourish.

The most hard won tool in life: letting go
It's amazing how many times over the last 15 years I've recommended this book because the skill it teaches is so very essential to managing so many of the most difficult emotions to cope with: grief, jealousy, revenge, anger, etc. I was given this book by an older woman I was CRAZY in love with, right before she dumped me! Well, I was young and, as the choice of words in the previous sentence indicates, I had no skills to cope with a very normal life event: lovers leave. I couldn't stop calling her, dreaming about her, going round to her house, etc. Realizing, despite myself, that I needed help, I started reading the book and the very painful process of learning to let go. I think quitting smoking was a walk in the park by comparison. As guys, we always think we can fix things, control outcomes, manage the situation, win the battle. Rarely do we learn to detach, release, and find peace that some things are just out of our hands. I learned these skills and was able to let go of, in life's big picture, a comparatively insignificant little fling (wonderful lady, but an insignificant fling nevertheless). A few months later my father died. And in hindsight now I realize that, had I not learned these skills of letting go, I might not have survived losing my dad. Life taught me with the training wheels on first - letting go of a summer lover - in preparation for one of life's really tough ones, grieving over a beloved parent. The skill of letting go is perhaps one of the greatest emotional survival tools we have, because, as life shows us, spouses leave, pets get run over, milk gets spilled. The trick is learning to react to these events in a way so your world doesn't come crashing down too. I haven't read Beattie's book in years, don't even own a copy any longer. But today I'm recommending it to a friend who can't let go of jealousy. The tools she needs are in this book. Thanks Melody (and thanks beautiful J for giving me the tool to get over you).

Just my opinion
I find this book vey helpful in making me realize how codependent i am. This book will educate me to lead my own independent life which should lead to a much healthier way of living and that i am responsible for no one else but myself. I also cannot control anyone but myself so with changed attidutes on my behalf i am sure i will have a fuller more rewarding life.