The primary purpose of most recovery books is to help those suffering from substance abuse find ways to “recover” from their debilitating addictions, including their obsession and compulsion to drink and “use.”
However, the question can be asked: Are recovery books only for addicts? Which is to say, can they also help people who “suffer” emotionally, physically, and spiritually from other unhealthy propensities and compulsions?
I believe the answer is yes in most cases.
Some recovery books, for example, can help people reduce the propensity to constantly enable their children and loved ones to their detriment; overcome the procrastination and stagnancy of being frozen by their fear, anger, and anxiety; alleviate the harms resulting from the strong need to control others; and mitigate the disharmony and discord from the unwillingness to accept people and things as they are.
On topic, you may wish to read my post, The Link Between Addiction and Control, which generated more traffic and Facebook shares than any post I wrote in the past three years.
While not specifically intended as such, in many ways my book Losing Control, Finding Serenity (LCFS) is a recovery book, and I am grateful that it has received interest from those in or seeking recovery. At the same time, it resonates strongly with people wishing to reduce their propensity towards co-dependency, their compulsion to control others, and their constant struggle with fear, anger and rage—all of which deprive them of peace and serenity.
*At various times LCFS has been in the Amazon top 100 in the categories of co-dependency, twelve steps, personal growth and transformation, and self-help.
One reason I believe that recovery books can also help others is that the precepts of powerlessness and acceptance that many propound as a prerequisite to recovery—specifically, the addict’s powerlessness over abusive substances and acceptance of how it severely impacts his or her life—can also be applied to other debilitating conditions and circumstances.
For example, people are essentially powerless over such situations and conditions as:
- A child’s learning disability.
- A loved one’s character flaws.
- Parents’ inability to outwardly express love.
- Co-workers’ or bosses being uncaring or overbearing.
- Physical limitations and infirmities.
Accepting that we are powerless over such circumstances and conditions reveals realistic options and choices that can mitigate our pain and suffering and thereby improve our lives. Simply put, with acceptance comes choice.
In writing my forthcoming book, The Gifts of Acceptance: Embracing People and Things as They Are, it is my hope that it will benefit both those seeking recovery from addictions and addictive behavior and those whose serenity and well-being are impacted by other harmful propensities, attitudes, and behavior patterns, such as denial, unreasonable expectations, arrogance, and the unwillingness to accept “what is.” (A preview chapter of the book can be downloaded by clicking here.)
What is your view on this subject?
Do you agree that recovery books can help others with their life challenges and struggles? Have you personally benefited from a recovery book or know of someone who has? Or do you disagree with the proposition? Please share your views.
In the meantime, remember to
Let it Go—and Accept What Is!
…and Let’s Help Make Acceptance Go Viral!
Danny
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