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HomeShop at BookSurgeSelf-HelpAddictionFaith and Addiction: A faith alternative to the Twelve Steps theory and disease model of addiction treatment |
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5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Another Resource in the Fight Against Addiction Jan 16, 2008
By Gary Knuckles
Though not a maverick in the field of counseling, JB Myers challenges the notion that the disease model of addiction treatment is the best or only method of therapy. As he says in his introduction, "The argument of this book is that religion and faith work best in stopping addiction when it is accompanied by a cognitive, choice approach to behavior." From here, Myers goes on to make, and sustain, the point that addiction is not a disease, but the result of our choices.
Myers gives an introduction to the problem of addiction and shows that biology is not the cause. He argues that addiction results from mistaken beliefs we have about ourselves and what we need. He pleads for balance in treating addiction by addressing spirituality, religion and values. As the book progresses, he develops the idea that we should understand what is taking place in addiction and realize that we have the power to make choices that will help end addictive behavior.
This book has several important aspects to it. First, the author helps the reader understand the root problem of addiction. Second, he shows that the disease model enforces negative thinking about oneself and promotes a feeling of powerlessness. Third, Myers argues that people of faith have a greater resource (God and His word) for a more successful and enduring recovery from addiction than what is offered by the disease model. Fourth, he argues that overcoming addiction by cognitive choices will strengthen the individual and prepare him or her for future adjustments.
Do not let the sub-title mislead you to believe that he is addressing only the problem of alcohol addiction. Myers discusses various types of addiction (nicotine, gambling, pornography, etc.) and shows that each of these can be helped through positive, cognitive choices. Not only does he have the academic credentials to give credence to this book, JB Myers is an instructor at UNLV and lives in Las Vegas where he has been able to observe the problem of addiction on a first-hand basis.
This book has been a great help to me in understanding addiction problems so that I can provide appropriate counseling for those who are looking to end addictive behavior. I especially appreciated the way in which the author interjects faith and spirituality, giving examples and guidelines from the Bible. I believe this book will be a valuable tool for ministers, especially for those who have limited training in counseling procedures. It is not lengthy and is easy to read. This book is a must read for ministers and the people they serve.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Faith and Addiction Mar 26, 2008
By Leslie I. Walker
J. B. Myers book, Faith and Addiction is a great tool to help family members understand what is happening to a loved one who is having addiction problems. The Addiction Seminar that went along with the book was an eye opener. When first reading Faith and Addiction, I was under the wrong feelings about drug addiction. Learning that I myself was an enabler to a family member brought knowledge and understanding to how I was not helping the addiction. The ABC's helps change the course of the addiction, letting the addict change from a wordly focus to a more spiritual focus. Working with young people in Las Vegas, both in the city and those in prison, Mr. Myers was able to show in his book that this is not a disease, but a choice. Changing ones beliefs is so important and accepting that sometimes change is harder than staying in the addiction.
This book is by far the right choice for preachers, counselers, and lay persons helping all understand another side to addiction, and a way to help change the choices.
Leslie Walker
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
A Family/Minister Must Read Jun 04, 2010
By James A. Hinton
"Jimmy Hinton"
I have many friends who have overcome addictions to drugs and alcohol. Yet the way they still identify themselves as "alcoholics" has always felt awkward and puzzling to me. Why, if they have abstained from alcohol for years, would they still identify themselves as alcoholics or drug addicts? When I stumbled across Myers book the subtitle immediately drew me in: "A faith alternative to the Twelve Steps theory and disease model of addiction treatment." Having studied and rejected the strict determinism of Calvanism myself at graduate school, Myers book helped me piece together the history behind AA and the Twelve Steps program.
I come from a family with a history of addictions and, having been addicted to nicotine in the past, I cannot and do not accept that addiction is in our genes per se. There may be a tendency to pick up habits easier because of our fidgety disposition but that compulsory inclination does not make us addicts. We all have a choice to make based on our beliefs and values. Nor do I accept that any of us who have had addictions were born that way. Myers is correct that our addictions come from a flawed belief system. Myers' book is relevant and anyone who knows an addict of any sort or who is in ministry really should pick this book up. It is an invaluable resource and is a fairly easy read.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Faith and Addiction - Knowledge is Power Jan 23, 2009
By Lonnie Davis
Working in the field of counseling, one comes across many who feel helpless in the face of addiction. They feel there is nothing they can do. JB Myers' work can give new hope to people struggling to deal with addiction difficulties. Myers does not teach that personal addictions are easy to overcome, but does use research and reason to help readers see that they are not helpless.
If you have loved ones or friends who struggle with various addictions, then you need to read this book. It is excellent.
Lonnie Davis
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