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ADDICTIONS AND GETTING RECOVERED
The Myths and Realities of Twelve Step Programs First published 2004, soft cover, 434 pages. This is an advanced introduction to the traditional "AA" view of alcoholism-drug addiction. It follows closely the original twelve steps of AA and recovery as presented in the text book Alcoholics Anonymous. There is some introduction of relevant psychology and spiritual options that go outside of the God-forgiveness model. This is the general introductory volume to the addictions books series and introduces the author's design and presentation of five spiritual principles. This is presently out of print. It rarely shows up as available as used and can be expensive. (From the rear cover) Addictions and Getting recovered is for people in twelve-step programs who want to get some clarity regarding the nature of addictions, the twelve-steps and spirituality, and the original recovery process. This book is also for interested outsiders and professionals who wish to gain insight into the inner workings of the twelve steps, and addictions in general. It is for the more traditional participants in a lifestyle of God-forgiveness. OUT OF PRINT - HARD TO FIND |
SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION
An in-depth examination of Addictions, Culture, Relationships and the journey from addicted to recovered. (Third Edition)
Published 2017, soft cover, 606 pages.
Available at the publisher's website: www.friesenpress.com/bookstore
and at Amazon.
Spiritual Transformation examines the subtle and complex nature of addictions and poly-addictions—alcohol, drugs, pornography, shopping, eating, work, intellect, recovery meetings, gambling, etc., the myths and traps that defeat recovery from them, the structure and intent of each of the twelve steps, the related roles of psychology, therapy, medicine, the underlying spiritual philosophy of each of those steps, and what "being recovered" actually means. It explains the over-riding importance of the five spiritual principles and much more. The five spiritual principles were designed and codified by the author.
It is written for anyone in any twelve-step program, for family and friends of addicts, for educators, for professionals who work with addicts and alcoholics, and anyone who wishes to understand the intricate workings of addiction.
This material has been presented in various seminar formats since 1986 to over ninety thousand people. This is an in-depth and detailed approach (a more complex, advanced examination) to spirituality and recovery for members of twelve-step programs. It is best for those in mid- or later stages of recovery and interested professionals. There's more psychological insight not in the first book, with an introduction to the opportunity for recovery without God or religion.
From two readers:
“I wasn’t expecting what I got when I bought this book. As a woman and former client of several therapists, I always felt a little patronized. I was reading this and realized I wasn’t being patronized or spoken down to. I am actually shocked at how clear addictions are to me now. As a woman struggling to find recovery from sex and relationship addiction, I know what I need to do. After looking through many, many self-help books, I have finally found a real one.”
“It was truly a pleasure to immerse myself in this volume, which has obviously been the culmination of decades of work. Addictions are social, physical, psychological, and spiritual phenomena of which very much has been written, but which can still leave those who suffer from them feeling misunderstood, isolated, and without a road map to heal. This book is a warm and caring step-by-step guide to coming out of that isolation and neither pities nor patronizes, but instead deeply respects its readers.”
AVAILABLE AT: www.friesenpress.com/bookstore and Amazon.ca
search Richard W Clark or book title
THE ADDICTION
RECOVERY HANDBOOK
Understanding Addiction and Culture and
Creating a Prosperous Human Spirit
Third Edition
381 pages
Available at the publisher's website
www.friesenpress.com/bookstoare and at Amazon
The Addiction Recovery Handbook examines the history of addiction in North America from the Temperance Movement in the 1840s, The Suffragettes, the influence of opiates and laudanum, Prohibition, the creation of Alcoholics Anonymous, The war on
Drugs, the involvement of the American Medical Association after 1980... all of these have contributed to the present day chaos in treatment (97% failure rate post treatment) and society's fear and dread of addiction and addicts (all rather intense to say the least).
The dramatic rise of atheism is examined, as is psychology and its major impact on treatment. It explains
how non-religious views (some Buddhists, Atheists, Agnostics, Humanists) can be very successful in establishing paths to spiritual recovery without faith, prayer, or forgiveness. With a proper view, for the irreligious these are completely unnecessary to a fulfilled life in recovery. Insightful adult education is of paramount importance pointing to the necessity of understanding a modern, related psychology. Both the cultural influence since 1840 and harm reduction for the last 25 years are largely punitive. The book sets the stage for effective recovery for everyone, especially for atheists, agnostics, or non-religious humanists. It explains the unnecessary rhetoric and possible dislocation in promoting the need for God and forgiveness.
From one reader: "I read Richard Clark’s earlier book Spiritual Transformation which is an extraordinary document… I learned more about the twelve steps in reading (and re-reading) that book than in thirty years of AA meetings. It methodically destroys commonly held but erroneous beliefs that keeps people shackled to lives of misery and despair. This book, The Addiction Recovery Handbook, is another extraordinary work by Mr. Clark. He has shaken up some commonly held, but erroneous, beliefs as to where the solutions lay in our current addictions crises. It is a very interesting read with some very astute observations. Both books are a challenging read but well worth the time and effort." T. Perritt
Available through the publisher's website: www.friesenpress.com/bookstore and Amazon
** Mockup image. This is a working title. It's being written, available late 2024.
ADDICTION RECOVERY for BUDDHISTS, ATHEISTS, HUMANISTS, AGNOSTICS
Creating a Future of Spiritual Compassion and Integrity.
This will be the last book in the trilogy series on addiction. It will continue with an examination of the drastic changes in treatment and culture that are discussed in The Addiction Recovery Handbook. There will be a close examination of Buddhism, it's historical development, the philosophy inherent in its origin, and modern applications of action as a system of ethics and personal change without religion or gods. The preferable values and integrity inherent in atheism are closely parallel to a cleanly secular understanding of Buddhism. This has been unaddressed in the last two centuries of violence and abuse through religious righteousness and their individual struggle for hegemony.
Ethical and responsible non-faith-based addiction recovery for humanists, atheists, and agnostics will be explained in a parallel understanding of secular Buddhism. Prayer, forgiveness, and God are actually a detriment in the long-term dynamics of addiction recovery. In addiction treatment, God and higher powers and prayer/forgiveness should be avoided. This book will discuss the definite advantages of being atheist-humanist and offer a path of recovery related to personal responsibility and ethics not found elsewhere.
There will be discussion of what proper "counseling" might look like, and the need for extended, supportive addiction education and what that might look like. Relapse prevention for the irreligious and people with similar belief systems, will be covered in some detail. The book will also present education and treatment options for caregivers who participate in residential recovery paths. Overall, it will be specific to (a) the recovery needs of irreligious people, (b) how that is preferred and more beneficial than traditional faith-based approaches; and (c), to those wishing it, to have made clear what Buddhism actually is and how to take advantage of that. This manner of Buddhism would be appropriate for everyone, including those in recovery. Why? Because we have to recover from this culture as much as anything else. It is being written now and should be available in later 2024, and of course, this is a tentative outline.
The first book Addictions and Getting Recovered was a trial run. These last three will be a trilogy of addiction and recovery and (hopefully) everything one should consider when addressing this addictions global catastrophe.
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BODY ENERGY HEALING The Book of Advanced Basics This 90 page instruction manual is based on the application of Emotional Freedom Techniques, the author's work and study in advanced body massage, training in Chakra meditation, and in Self Regulating Therapy. It was written after fifteen years of practice and application with clients. It is a self-applied technique of light tapping on acupuncture points that are close to the skin. It has proven successful in the reduction of trauma and anxiety. Copies are only available from the author. Contact Richard: rwc23@shaw.ca |
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Many of the Green Room Lectures and seminars are
based on the books and manuals by Richard Clark.
Many of the Green Room Lectures and seminars are
based on the books and manuals by Richard Clark.
