interesting addiction/recovery book - Addiction & Recovery Message Board

trinity714 · 10-03-2003, 07:56 PM

I just finished a book titled "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey. It is basically an autobiograpy of his recovery from addiction to just about every type of drug. What I found interesting is that in the beginning he vehemently opposed using any type of 12-step program for his recovery...and I kept thinking that he would change his mind, but he never did. It was particularly interesting because he was in an inpatient program in Minnesota, and they didn't have going to NA/AA meetings as part of the "requirements" as they have been in all of the rehab programs I've heard of.

James never did come to embrace any of the 12-step philosophy, and a good portion of the book was about that process within him. At least up to the point that the book was published (which was spring of 2003), the postscript to the book noted that he has never relapsed.

This personal account by no means lessens my belief in the efficacy of 12-step programs, but I found the book very interesting nonetheless and would recommend it as reading to anyone, and certainly anyone struggling with addiction even if only for the great writing concerning his struggles through withdrawal, his personal relationships with other people in his program, and some very graphic descriptions of other people relapsing in his life. Plus, since I know that several people on this board are not fans of 12-step programs, they might find his journey and apparent success interesting.

Anyhow, just thought I'd throw the title out in case anyone is looking for some good reading! It's an easy and engrossing read and certainly anyone with addiction can relate to his struggles and emotions!

And no, I have no ties with the author or the publishing company

happy friday night all. I hope everyone is doing well, and for those currently going through withdrawal, my thoughts and prayers are with you! It may seem horrendous right now, but please hang in there and know that every day (heck, every minute!) that passes is one that you NEVER have to go through again, and there is certainly light at the end of the tunnel.

toughtime · 10-03-2003, 10:05 PM

That's a very uplifting message. Thanks! I read a good book too called Swallowing a Bitter Pill. The woman who started NA was actually addicted to hydros and she wrote this book. And it's all about pill poppers and their habits and how they quit. It definitely endorses the 12 steps, but they aren't emphasized. Now I'm skimming another book called "Addiction Free Naturally" and it has all kinds of herbal remedies for getting off everything from drugs to cigarettes to sugar (yea right, like I'd give up cigarettes and sugar!) Have a good night! Thanks for sharing info about this book, I'll keep an eye out for it.