The Sobering Truth: What You Don't Know Can Kill You - Softcover

Herten M.D., Jeff

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798992622201

Publisher: Mill Street Press, 2025

Synopsis

For over 30 years, author Dr. Jeff Herten was a high-functioning alcoholic -- one who drinks every day, yet continues to lead a productive, successful life. Now he shares his first-hand knowledge of the conspiracy of misinformation about the healthful nature of alcohol.

In the introduction to The Sobering Truth, Herten describes alcohol as the most addictive and destructive drug on the planet. Those are bold claims considering competing drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and meth. But, a study published on November 1, 2010 in the respected medical journal Lancet, supports his claims.

Alcohol affects us not only emotionally but physically. Alcohol consumption is contributory to nine different cancers, heart disease, acid reflux, osteoporosis, immune system suppression, hypertension, stroke, depression, allergies, peripheral neuropathy, insomnia, hepatitis, pancreatitis and diabetes; and causes fetal alcohol syndrome.

The Sobering Truth explores the numerous facets of alcohol consumption in the United States, including the physical risks, the behaviors associated with alcohol, and the innocent victims of alcohol abuse. But it also offers hope for those wishing to become sober and recommends resources to help them turn their lives around.

Frank and honest, and including many case studies, The Sobering Truth is a must-read for every spouse, parent, child, employer, physician, and counselor whose life is touched by alcohol. It may be just the wake-up call you need

About this title

About the Author

 
Dr. Jeff Herten is a board-certified physician and former high-functioning drinker who combines medical insight with personal experience to challenge the myths surrounding alcohol and health. After nearly three decades in the medical field — and in the grip of daily drinking — he came to understand firsthand the complex hold alcohol can have on both the body and mind.
 
Today, Dr. Herten uses his background in medicine and recovery to educate others about the physical, psychological, and social consequences of alcohol use, while offering a grounded, research-based approach toward awareness and change. His work invites readers to look beyond stigma and judgment to understand how cultural norms around drinking affect all of us — not just those labeled "addicts."
 
A native Californian, Dr. Herten lives with his wife, Debby, in San Luis Obispo County, where he continues to write, speak, and advocate for practical, informed dialogue about alcohol and health.

From the Back Cover

Is alcohol really as harmless as we think?

After thirty years as a successful physician — and a daily drinker — Dr. Jeff Herten made a discovery that changed everything he believed about alcohol. What he found wasn't just medical fact; it was personal truth.

In this eye-opening and compassionate exploration, The Sobering Truth reveals:

• How alcohol powerfully reshapes your brain, body, and emotions
  
• Why so many "moderate drinkers" are more affected than they realize
  
• The hidden cultural messages that keep us drinking — and doubting ourselves
  
• What real healing and clarity look like, one choice at a time
  

Candid and hopeful, The Sobering Truth is a call to honesty — not guilt. Whether you're questioning your own habits, supporting someone you love, or simply curious about how alcohol affects us all, this book offers a powerful, science-based reminder:

It's never too late to reclaim your health, your peace, and your sense of control.

From the Inside Flap

Most of us think we understand alcohol — that moderation is safe and addiction is rare. But what if the truth is more complicated?

In The Sobering Truth, physician and former high-functioning drinker Dr. Jeff Herten blends medical insight with personal experience to reveal how alcohol influences our health, emotions, and relationships.

With compassion and clarity, he offers a hopeful path forward — one built on knowledge, awareness, and the freedom to live life fully awake.

Edition details

• Publisher: Mill Street Press
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798992622201
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 258