This book is also called “the Brutal Path” by those who have worked through its pages!!!
This is our No 1 choice for a step working guide! I struggled for a long time to get into Step Work….mainly because I am co-dependent. If you asked me to do the 12 steps for the addict in my life, I would have have done it in a month. But looking into myself and knowing what I feel and having to think through my own life and issues..No Way!
Patrick Carnes has put together a step working guide for addicts and co-dependents. He starts you off on this journey, explaining how the program works and explains concepts of addiction and co-dependence. Step one looks at family of origin, addiction history, abuse checklist and lots of things that you would rather not look at. This of course gives you a good foundation and opens places in your soul that were closed for a long time. The light starts shining on it so that it can heal. We all know that this disease thrives in darkness!
There are lots of “Gentleness Breaks” with suggestions on doing something gentle for yourself after walking part of the path. Dr.Carnes guides you in questions and never just leaves you to fumble around. You are reminded to speak to guides or sponsors and your group. He uses different mediums to create self-awareness, e.g. guided meditations, affirmations and examples.
I love this book and would recommend it to Addict and Co-addict alike.
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