Freedom from Addiction: The Chopra Center Method for Overcoming Destructive Habits

Millions of people have embarked on a Twelve-Step Program, whether it’s Alcoholics Anonymous, Nicotine Anonymous, or Alateen. However, there are millions of others who are unable or unwilling to accept these programs because of religious overtones or a rigid approach to recovery.

Deepak Chopra and David Simon contend that Twelve-Step methods don’t work for everyone because they emphasize personal powerlessness; it’s this admission of powerlessness that keeps many people from ever truly healing. In Freedom from Addiction, Chopra and Simon offer a new way—a proven method based on the program at the renowned Chopra Center in Carlsbad, California. Combining the best of eastern and western medicine, they teach readers how to cleanse their bodies and minds through nutrition, supplements, and meditations, and they walk readers through their 7-Step Framework:

1. Commit to transformation

2. Commit to ending repeat mistakes

3. Face the harsh reality of the past

4. See the infinite possibilities available in the present moment

5. Envision where you want to be

6. Ask yourself what choices need to be made to actualize vision

7. Create an action plan

Through his creation of the Chopra Center for Well Being in California in 1995, Deepak Chopra established a formal vehicle for the expansion of his healing approach using the integration of the best of western medicine with natural healing traditions. Chopra is known as the prolific author of more than forty-two books. David Simon, M.D., (San Diego, CA) has been instrumental in forging a new model of health that integrates body, mind, and spirit. As cofounder (with Deepak Chopra) and medical director of the Chopra Center, Dr. Simon is the driving force behind the Center's development, training, and implementation of programs and seminars in mind-body medicine, emotional healing, and spirituality. He directs a comprehensive curriculum that includes on-site seminars and workshops, in addition to a worldwide educational outreach program.