A book I bought while seeking to "fix" my child, who came clean about their addiction to alcohol in 2023. What was most helpful for all involved was instead to remove my "fix it" hat, and not to continue reading this book. An addict needs to want recovery for themselves and do the work themselves, if recovery has any hope of succeeding. Worrying and micromanaging not helpful.  Empathy, true understanding, and a hand out if needed for support toward all sober oriented endeavors. For the best of all concerned I am putting this book to one side but will keep this on my shelf in case it ever becomes necessary.

My adult child finally came clean about their addiction to alcohol in 2023. During our family session, the rehab counselor highly recommended this book for addicts to read once they were released from the rehab facility. So of course I (addict family member) bought the book to read as well. It is an excellent book for the ADDICT to read. As for a family member, maybe, and it does clarify in clear terms the signs of relapse. For me --it made me firmly glue my "fix it" hat in place and it took me a long time to get that hat back off. The only way recovery works is if recovery is what my child wants and is willing to do the work for themself.  (Look at me going gender non-specific) I hope that I have transitioned into an empathic source of comfort and support, that I have my boundaries in place such that I only support my child's sober endevours, but no matter circumstance, I will listen and working within our boundaries helping my child to remain safe, strong, and sober. I love my child and believe this to be firmly in their wheelhouse to accomplish. Hard lessons: Worrying and Micromanaging NOT HELPFUL

For the best of all concerned I have put this book to one side for now, I will keep it to hand, if at some point it becomes necessary.