Addiction exercises enormous power over all those who are touched by it. This book argues that power and powerlessness have been neglected in addiction studies and that they are a unifying theme that brings together different areas of research from the field including the disempowering nature of addiction; effects on family, community and the workplace; epidemiological and ethnographic work; studies of the legal and illegal supply; and theories of treatment and change. Examples of alcohol, drug and gambling addiction are used to discuss the evidence that addiction is most disempowering where social resources to resist it are weakest; the ways in which the dominant discourses about addictive behaviour encourage the attributing of responsibility for addiction to individuals and divert attention from the powerful who benefit from addiction; and the ways in which the voices of those whose interests are least well-served by addiction are silenced.

Argues that power and powerlessness have been neglected in the study of addiction.

We are not powerless over our addictions, nor are we helpless victims of heredity, a disease, a spiritual malady, or a slew of character defects that require the intervention of a "higher power," and a lifetime of meetings to control. Studies show that 75% of all addicts recover on their own, without pills, patches, rehabs, or self-help groups. How many people do you know who successfully quit smoking "cold turkey," without artificial aids or programs, and nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on earth. People can recover on their own because they find ways of addressing the learned aspects of addiction that are driven by our reward system. Almost any activity we find pleasurable, from eating a chocolate chip cookie to hearing great music or seeing a beautiful face, can activate the reward system. Once aroused, these circuits enable our brains to encode the circumstances that led to the pleasure, so we can repeat the behavior and the reward in the future. Over time, the pleasure becomes misery, but we now have little choice but to continue because the behaviors and belief systems that drive our addiction have become well-learned, deeply ingrained habits. The journey to addiction begins with our receiving positive reinforcement from use of the drug - it makes us feel good, and ends with the "gotta have its" screaming in our ear. For some, it seems like a hopeless situation, but the vast majority of us find a solution to the problem, and so can you. Just as we learn to become addicted, we can learn to make the necessary changes to our thoughts and beliefs that will relieve us of the burden of our addictions for a lifetime, not just a day-at-a-time. Powerless No Longer will help you learn to take advantage of your brain's natural ability to rewire itself, its neuroplasticity, to overcome your addictive behavior and reach your full potential. Powerless No Longer is for anyone who is concerned about an addictive behavior problem and is looking for help deciding upon a course of action. The book introduces a newcomer to the science of addiction, the process of change, and specific methods and tools that offer a way out. If you are questioning your own drug and alcohol use, or have tried 12-step programs and not succeeded, Powerless No Longer is for you. If you believe you are "powerless" over your addiction, you will see evidence proving that this is not true. Powerless explains the self-change methods that work for the majority of addicts who recover on their own, and shows you how to apply these principles in your own recovery. Powerless combines in one place: - A detailed explanation of the bio/psycho/social aspects of addiction - The research and studies that show how most people recover - A comprehensive review of current recovery methods, and - Suggestions you can use to take what's available and build a recovery program that fits your own needs There is no single drug, method, or program that works for everyone under all conditions and circumstances. In other words, there is no "silver bullet" for addiction, and Powerless No Longer doesn't claim to be one either. There are almost as many paths to successful recovery as people who have recovered, and no single group or method has the only ticket. However, there are certain commonalities in the methods used by study subjects who quit on their own, and a huge body of scientific evidence indicating what does work for most people most of the time. That's what you will find in Powerless No Longer-choices, not a rigid framework of inflexible dogma. You do need to tap into a source of power and strength, but it isn't outside, it's internal. If you possess a genuine desire to effect self-change, you have within yourself all the power you need, and PNL can help you unlock it.

We suffer from the most insidious kind of addiction -- one we don't even realize we have. It is the addiction to power itself. The Way of Powerlessness by Wayne Liquorman, brings together the Living Teaching of Advaita and the 12 Steps of Recovery. Central to both disciplines is the recognition of our complete personal powerlessness. When we recognize personal powerlessness in our own actions, the twin burdens of pride and guilt vanish. When we recognize powerlessness in the actions of others, we are freed from the poisoning effects of resentment and hatred. Relieved of pride, guilt, resentment and hatred we live comfortably with life as it comes, in true humility and peace. The Way of Powerlessness reveals that recognizing our personal powerlessness is the unguarded secret to harmonious living and ultimate Freedom. " Wayne's loving heart acknowledges the suffering of our human condition and nurtures the possibility for another way of being." --Ryan Spielman, Lucid Living "Fresh, vibrant and dead on! If you think you have power, use it to read this book!" --Bill C. HTML Author description The Way of Powerlessness (hardcover and softcover) Wayne Liquorman (b. 1951) describes himself as being "completely ordinary." He grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles and then attended the University of Hawaii where he graduated with a BA in Creative Writing. He then returned to Southern California, married, fathered two children and started an import/export business. A nineteen-year bout with active alcoholism and drug addiction ended spontaneously in 1985 leaving him sober and a spiritual seeker. His goal became to determine, "what power in the Universe could transform me so suddenly and against my will." After 16 months of daily involvement with the Twelve Steps and intensive spiritual seeking, he met his guru, the retired president of the Bank of India turned Advaitic Sage, Ramesh S. Balsekar. He soon began publishing Ramesh's books and arranging Ramesh's speaking tours. Spiritual Awakening occurred for Wayne in April of 1989, soon after which he wrote the book NO WAY...for the Spiritually Advanced. He published the book under the pen name Ram Tzu because he didn't want "a bunch of miserable seekers cluttering up my living room." Clearly, life had other plans for him. In 1996 Ramesh instructed Wayne to teach. When Wayne tried to convince Ramesh he was not suited to be a teacher, Ramesh answered his objections with the simple words, "if they come, talk to them!" People began coming and Wayne now spends half of each year traveling the world, talking about personal powerlessness and Advaita to groups of interested people (and often has a bunch of spiritual seekers cluttering up his living room when he is not traveling!) His Living Teaching and his powerful presence continue to touch the lives of many. This is his fifth book. Wayne's schedule (including free Live Internet broadcasts) and further information about the Living Teaching of Advaita can be found at: www.advaita.org.

Companionship for the lifelong journey of recovery In Addiction and Recovery: A Spiritual Pilgrimage, Martha Postlethwaite--pastor and a person in recovery--reflects on her pilgrimage of healing through valleys of despair and vistas of resurrection. Addiction and Recovery is not just Postlethwaite's story, though. She also draws on the wisdom of pilgrims who have walked other paths to explore themes such as surrender, truth telling, shame, powerlessness, grace, forgiveness, and resurrection. Together, these chronicles bring hope to people who struggle with the disease of addiction and to those who love them. Each chapter ends with questions to reflect on with conversation partners or in a journal, and a spiritual practice. The spiritual practices are related to the chapter themes and serve as samplers, but they can be woven into the reader's own pilgrimage. Readers will recognize themselves in these stories and reflections, learn that they are not alone, and find reasons to hope as they make their own pilgrimage.

Drama / 3m, 3f (w/doubling) / Unit set Newly revised edition! From the author of the best-selling novel, The House of God, this critically acclaimed version which played Off-Broadway in 2007, tells the amazing story of the two men who pioneered Alcoholics Anonymous, and of their wives, who founded Al Anon. During the roaring '20s, New York stockbroker Bill Wilson rides high on money, fame, and booze. In '29, both he and the market crash and he becomes a hopeless drunk. Dr. Bob Smith, a surgeon

While associated with comfort and pleasure, alcohol has been and is a 'problem' substance, both for medical and political authorities and for many drinkers. In this broad-ranging and innovative historical-sociological investigation, Valverde explores the ways in which both authorities and individual consumers have defined and managed the pleasures and dangers of alcoholic beverages. The author explores the question of free will versus determinism and how it has been challenged by ideas about addiction, morality and psychology during the last 150 years. The book draws on sources from the US, UK, Canada and elsewhere, and covers topics including nineteenth century 'dipsomania', the history of inebriate homes, Alcoholics Anonymous, fetal alcohol education and liquor control. It will appeal to readers in legal studies, criminology, sociology, psychology, social theory and the history of medicine.

Leap of Power is based on evidence that people are strong and capable, and can take charge of their own lives, including their use of alcohol and other drugs. It supports readers in respectfully evaluating the impact of drugs on their lives, without judgment and put-downs of any sort, and without an agenda of telling them how to behave. Readers who have a drug problem and want to make changes will find help in evaluating their options and detailed guidance on how to succeed with either setting new limits or quitting. Readers who are uncertain whether or not they have a drug problem will find help in making their own determination about the matter. This book shows that even people who are discouraged and have failed in previous attempts to overcome drug problems can take a Leap of Power, analyze what has held them back and design new strategies to ensure success. They can take control of their drug use and make important changes in the rest of their lives. The message of this book is that "You can do it." Robert Schwebel, Ph.D., is a psychologist who wrote and developed The Seven Challenges(R), a comprehensive counseling program that addresses drug problems. It is widely used across the United States, and in Canada and Germany. Originally written for adolescents and young adults, the program is now adapted for all age groups. Dr. Schwebel has worked in the field of mental health and drug counseling for more than 45 years and is the author of several books including Saying No Is Not Enough; Keep Your Kids Tobacco-Free; and Who's on Top, Who's on Bottom: How Couples Can Learn to Share Power. He has appeared on the Oprah Show, The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, CNN interviews and other national media. He currently provides lectures, training, and workshops for professional organizations in the United States and abroad. Dr. Schwebel and his wife have two adult children and live in Tucson, Arizona.

A 75th anniversary e-book version of the most important and practical self-help book ever written, Alcoholics Anonymous. Here is a special deluxe edition of a book that has changed millions of lives and launched the modern recovery movement: Alcoholics Anonymous. This edition not only reproduces the original 1939 text of Alcoholics Anonymous, but as a special bonus features the complete 1941 Saturday Evening Post article “Alcoholics Anonymous” by journalist Jack Alexander, which, at the time, did as much as the book itself to introduce millions of seekers to AA’s program. Alcoholics Anonymous has touched and transformed myriad lives, and finally appears in a volume that honors its posterity and impact.

"This book will be an asset to teachers and students in clinical social work, psychology and substance abuse counseling programs."--BOOK JACKET.