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.

July 1, 2015

Geared toward problem drinkers struggling to cut back or quit drinking as well as those who want to be reinspired in recovery, this volume from coauthors Canfield ("Chicken Soup for the Soul" series) and recovering alcoholic and sobriety coach Andrews, proposes a five-phase plan using success principles, goal setting, visualizations, neuroscience, and cognitive therapies to assist readers in identifying the reasons for drinking, defeating the dread of quitting, cultivating gratitude, and taking pleasure in confidence-building activities. They cover all aspects of addiction and present narratives from whom these principles have provided a satisfying way of life. VERDICT For readers who sincerely want to stop drinking, the lessons in this book will pave the way.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2015
Not everyone wants to join a support group to deal with their drinking problems. With that in mind, Canfield, of Chicken Soup for the Soul (1993) fame, and coauthor Andrews have joined forces to produce a 30-day blueprint to help anyone who wants to cut back or eliminate alcohol from their lives. Focusing on the why of drinking rather than the how, Canfield and Andrews carefully guide readers through a series of daily solutions, which include psychological insights, personal accounts (some from celebrities), and honest appraisal. Each chapter ends with a series of action steps intended to get the reader thinking about the reasons that he or she turns to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Visualizing a future without drinking is also important, according to the authors, as many worry that sobriety leads to a dull life. The overall tone is nonthreatening and compassionate. Nothing will help problem drinkers until they're ready to try sobriety, but anyone who needs to be kept on track or inspired will find genuine help in this honest, insightful book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)