The Truth About Your Addictions

Addiction is a difficult topic in every way. It is difficult to see, to read about, and while I don’t have much personal experience, one would assume that the battle is heartbreaking. There is no shortage of books out there for people looking for help to beat their addictions or for ways they can help a loved one with the battle. While I’m sure different books help different people, and they all have their faults and merits, I have to believe that this is one of the better books out there. This book is almost segmented into two separate books; one is about the interesting beginnings of the Arizona Pathways Treatment Center and the other being a unique view of addiction and how people can ultimately beat it.

The story behind the creation of Arizona Pathways is not the longest story, but it is an interesting one. Reading about their humble beginnings, all of the tribulations they faced, some of their windfalls that can only be described by divine intervention, and eventually, the running of a successful addiction treatment center is interesting peaking by itself. After reading The Truth About Your Addictions, one almost wishes they could jump back in time and help this organization to blossom and grow further than it did.

The second main theme of this book is the author Ellen Gardener’s view of addiction and how she started Arizona Pathways to help conquer the disease. I have been around long enough to have seen a few other addiction treatment programs, and the approach that Arizona Pathways took is nothing like anything else I have ever seen. There is even a point in the book where Gardener breaks down and comments on one of the most popular addiction treatment methods out there.

It is obvious that Gardner writes from a place of compassion and love and for the most part, her tone is light. Every once in a while, the tone switches to a more abrasive and forceful tone when she talks about philosophies and individuals in which she takes umbrage. While the theme seems to get a little off track toward the end of the book, there is still a lot of wisdom to be gained, and the book remained an attention-grabbing read from the beginning to the end.

If you or a loved one is not battling addiction in your lives, I would still suggest The Truth About Your Addictions as a great quick read that is full of fantastic information. This book will open your eyes to the monster that is an addiction and make you see it in a completely different light. One would hope that they never have to come face to face with this disease in their personal life, but this book will help you be prepared if the occasion should ever arise. If nothing else this book will help you to be a more compassionate person to those who suffer and may even inspire you to bring a little more love into your day to day encounters.

"No one is an addict/alcoholic. Everyone is a child of the Creator, the universe, or God, whatever you name it."

In 126 pages, this book explores the basics of addictions with a focus on the importance of a higher power, whatever that higher power is named. Faith is seen as the most important foundation for everyone, and such faith is what will help one on the journey of recovery. Yet another premise is that addiction is a natural phenomenon of a “profound, unmet need.” The book also explores the treatment program that the author founded: Arizona Pathways. Another pertinent chapter is about the problems of recovery programs and how the Arizona Pathways model of finding natural highs through love and acceptance is the model that is needed.

The subjects examined in this book are quite relevant in today’s world of problematic alcohol and drug use, for the “War on Drugs” doesn’t work, and traditional treatment is only effective for a small percentage of those who participate. The notion is that drugs aren’t the enemy; the enemy is the person’s desire for drugs. and what is needed is faith through “love, compassion, and forgiveness," which is a refreshing look at addiction. While the book’s focus is on any religion/spiritual practice, it mostly follows Christian beliefs. However, if one can focus on naming the type of higher power that fits for them, then the spiritual focus can be utilized by anyone. The focus on not using drugs for various psychiatric conditions may be rather limiting to some. Yet overall, the book is well-written, insightful, and is a nice, basic look into addiction, treatment, and recovery. With its focus on healing instead of punishment, it offers an excellent look at this social problem.