12 Stupid Things that Mess Up Recovery

Target the behaviors and attitudes that sabotage sobriety.It sounds so simple: Just stop drinking (or drugging, orbinging, or gambling), and everything will be fine. Thetruth is, getting in touch with the destructive beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that sabotage recovery requiresfocus and willingness. Holding on to the belief that lifeshould be easy. Confusing self-concern with selfishness.Using a recovery program to try to become perfect. Theseare some of the attitudes that can drag down recovery. Dr.Allen Berger helps readers effectively assess their situationand take proactive steps toward lifelong recovery. He coaches readers into examining four culprits that underlie relapse: the nature of addiction, ignorance about one's vulnerabilities, unreasonable expectations, and self-hate. Any or all of these factors can sabotage recovery, but through basic self-awareness readers can move forward in building lives of contentment and fulfillment.

Allen Berger, PhD, a popular public speaker and nationally recognized expert on the science of recovery, is the author of 12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery, 12 Smart Things to Do When the Booze and Drugs Are Gone, and 12 Hidden Rewards of Making Amends. His pamphlet, How to Get the Most Out of Group Therapy, helps clients in treatment, continuing care, or Twelve Step groups, understand what happens in group meetings and how these meetings help members acquire recovery skills.Dr. Berger lives in Los Angeles, California.