Thinking Simply About Addiction by Dr. Richard S. Sandor

Before reading this book I was skeptical about what Mr. Sandor had to say about the topic of Addiction. I am a recovering addict and have joined many rooms of Narcotics Anonymous. I have read and utilized the twelve steps of NA workbook to help me recover from my addiction. It was hard a few times to overcome my addiction, because I was weak willed and powerless. With the help of my sponsor and support group I eventually became strong enough to stay clean. But as I read through his book I was surprised at the information I had learned. The themes I would like to discuss are: The value of Understanding, Powerlessness, and Defining Recovery.

The Value of Understanding

In the beginning of this book the author talks about the value of understanding a person’s addiction. Sandor explains that a recovering addict’s understanding of their addiction is based on the experiences they had. Sandor states that “understanding requires a balance of knowledge (information) and being (experience).”(Sandor, 2009, p.7) Sandor goes on to explain that when it comes to the field of treatment of addiction, professionals rely on the information they were trained with that comes from textbooks, lectures and the interviews of patients. Sandor came to the realization that professionals have been “overthinking” the problem. For example, when I was younger my father took me to the swimming pool to learn how to swim. My father threw me in the water. He thought that if he threw me in I would 1) learn how to keep my head above water and 2) learn how to swim. My fear was drowning in the pool, so my father signed me up for swimming lessons. After a few months I overcame my fear of drowning and learned how to swim.

Powerlessness: The Essential Experience of Addi...

... middle of paper ...

...e towards addicts and or alcoholics has not changed. I am the type to want to help an individual. When I come across those who are alcoholics I normally give the advice “hey you might want to eat something, instead of drinking,” or “hey have you eaten today.” There are many homeless individuals around me that are alcoholics. I tend to buy them a sandwich or coffees so they have something in there gut other than alcohol. I know we all have had hard lives, some people have just lost their way or will to live. I have talked these individuals into coming to church asking god for forgiveness and to help them in their journey of recovery. Those who are ready to change took heed of my advice, but those who did not I am still there for. I am not one to turn my back on people. This book has helped me understand the internal dynamics of how an individual may become an addict.