The 30-Day Sobriety Solution

Starred review from September 7, 2015
The idea that someone with a serious addiction to alcohol can face this problem alone, without a 12-step program, rehab, or therapy, might appear dubious at best. But bestselling author Canfield (the Chicken Soup for the Soul series) and self-identified sobriety expert Andrews say it can be done—and they have the research to back up their claim. Highlighting lessons learned both professionally and personally (family members of Canfield’s have struggled with alcoholism, as has Andrews), the authors offer a day-by-day path to sobriety that combines research-based, practical techniques with principles tested over eight years and thousands of hours with program participants. Each day of the 30-day program receives its own chapter. (60- and 90-day options are also included in less detail.) Canfield and Andrews clearly state that this approach (and the idea that you can go from being an over-drinker to a “normal” one) is controversial, and they stress that people who are seriously, critically addicted will need outside help and intervention, especially with regard to physical withdrawal. Nonetheless, those searching for a way to recovery—and the people who love them—may find this sensitively written yet no-nonsense guide a valuable addition to their toolbox. Agent: Stephen Hanselman, Level 5 Media.