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sarita
130 Posts |
 Posted - 07/15/2009 : 04:41:59
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| a brief question; is there a self help book for alcoholics you know of that REALLY can potentially make a big difference? |
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Webdan65
USA
182 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2009 : 06:30:56
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Well, it's not for alcoholics - but it's a self help book that can assist you in achieving any goal you want that may seem overwhelming. For an alcoholic - quitting may seem impossible.
One Small Step Can Change Your Life - by Robert Maurer
The concept is this:
Anytime we attempt to accomplish a goal or task that we feel is overwhelming to us or too big - our fight or flight response kicks in and causes us to be too afraid of failure that we never start.
Need to lose 40 lbs? That's just too big for some people to even start. Some examples from the book are to start marching in front of the TV for 1 minute a day. While this seems ridiculously small of a task - it gets us moving without the fight or flight response kicking in.
Once we actually get moving - we feel better about ourselves and momentum starts to kick in.
I have used this question to get started: "What one small step can I take to do ______?"
Truth is, I hate to pay bills. So, after procrastinating for a few days. I ask myself - what small step can I do to get these done. Often all that's required is to open up the software program on my computer to get me moving.
Authors - write one paragraph.
TMS-ers in so much pain they can't move and are bed bound. - don't try to run around the block. How about - walk for one minute a day.
Alcoholics - Stop drinking for 1 hour.
It's not unlike AA - "one day at a time"
Yes, these steps seem so small it's crazy. But that's the point.
What one small step can you take to get going?
It's an amazing question to ask anytime you are feeling overwhelmed by something big you want or need to do.
Hope this makes sense...
Dan
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sarita
130 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2009 : 13:52:03
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webdan,
DANKE!
the title really appeals to me and i will look into it right now on amazon.
i hope quiting alcohol really only seems impossible and IS not impossible. it is a terrible thing. 
the sentence with the small steps will stick to me as well now!
ps. i HAAAATE bills 
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altherunner
Canada
511 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2009 : 19:08:09
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After reading Dr. Sarno's books, I read Eckhart Tolle's books, and my drinking stopped after a year or so. The process of introspection and facing fears must have had the effect of not needing to sedate myself anymore. I also read some of John Bradshaw's, and Wayne Dyer's books, they are both reformed alcoholics, and good writers.
Gary Zukav describes stopping addiction as walking through a door to new opportunities, that were not visible before. I had to stop seeing friends that drink, and going to places where people drink.
I am lucky that my wife does not drink. I also don't keep any alcohol in the house. Talking to a friend that has stopped drinking may help. |
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EileenTM
92 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2009 : 21:49:06
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| Sarita, My sister's life was saved by going to AA meetings. She never thought she could stop drinking. And she drank alot! She has been sober now for 20 years and still is very active in AA. We consider it a miracle. There is what they call "The Big Book" in AA that gives a lot of guidance about becoming sober. Maybe that could help you, too. Good luck! |
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sarita
130 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2009 : 21:55:23
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thanks guys, all of your recommendations will be looked into. 
it is not for me, but for an elderly woman i am close to. i can feel she is lost in a maze. thanks so much again!
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Edited by - sarita on 07/20/2009 21:57:41 |
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Topic |
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a "sarno" or "weekes" for alcoholics?
