Understanding the Alcoholic's Mind : The Nature of Craving and How to Control It

Book excerpt: Despite the immense obstacles they face, many alcoholics do manage to recover. The question is "how?" In this groundbreaking book, a doctor with over 25 years experience working with alcoholics gets inside their minds and explains the behaviors and thought processes they use to get sober and stay sober. In most instances, Arnold Ludwig has found that a lasting recovery can only begin after certain crucial attitude changes. Regardless of the motivation of alcoholics, powerful forces lure them back to drink. To remain sober, alcoholics must recognize these forces and the dangerous frame of mind that fuels them. Then, they must use a variety of techniques that have been demonstrated to be effective for resisting temptation, particularly during the early phases of recovery. In time, individuals will need to develop a set of attitudes, values and behaviors--which the author describes in detail--that perpetuate and strengthen their sobriety. Being sober is far more than simply not drinking; it is a new way of life. Over the years, the author has worked with over 1000 alcoholics from all walks of life and within many different settings--hospital clinics, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, detoxification centers, and private homes--about one fourth of whom had quit drinking for significant periods of time. Incorporating the findings of other researchers into his own and including many clinical vignettes and personal anecdotes, he explores the basic principles necessary for achieving a successful recovery. Ludwig has especially concerned himself with the nature of alcoholic craving and loss of control and describes the techniques that can help individuals to conquer their urges and also to lessen the chances of relapse. This book does not use the word "treatment." Instead it talks about what is really at the heart of the matter-- sobriety--and how to achieve it. It will give new hope and insight not only to the recovering alcoholic, but also to their families, counselors and doctors.