12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery: Avoiding Relapse through Self-Awareness and Right Action

Concise advice on hunting down the personal culprits that sabotage sobriety and personal happiness.

In simple, down-to-earth language, Dr. Allen Berger introduces us to twelve of the most common assumptions and attitudes that can sabotage recovery—and gives us the tools to overcome these challenges. This useful guide helps us keep our recovery going strong with fresh perspectives on how the process of change begins with basic self-awareness and a commitment to working a daily program. 

Although there are many ways to mess up recovery, Dr. Berger identifies critically important and widespread patterns of thought and behavior. These include:

- confusing self-concern with selfishness 

- not making amends 

- using the program to try to become perfect 

- not getting help for relationship troubles 

- believing that life should be easy 

This highly accessible book helps us become more honest with ourselves and face the self-defeating thoughts and actions that put our sobriety at risk. 

Allen Berger, PhD, is a leading expert in the science of recovery from addiction. Sober since 1971, Dr. Berger was part of a pioneering recovery program for marines returning from Vietnam with alcohol and other drug addictions—first as a participant, then as a counselor. Since then, he has become a thought leader in the field, working in clinical settings and private practice. In demand as a speaker, workshop presenter, and interviewee, Dr. Berger is well-known in recovery circles, among those in recovery as well as therapists and clinicians around the world. He has lectured and written extensively on the process of recovery, emotional sobriety, and the therapeutic value of the Twelve Steps.