If You Work It, It Works: The Science Behind 12 Step Recovery - Softcover

Joseph Nowinski

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1616495715 ISBN 13: 9781616495718

Publisher: Hazelden Trade, 2018

Synopsis

Gain a clear understanding of the science and latest research behind the success of the Twelve Steps, a critical programme used by millions of people around the world to stay sober and one of the greatest social movements of our time.

Since the publication of Alcoholics Anonymous in 1939, the Twelve Steps have been central to staying sober for millions of people around the world. Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and countless other recovery organizations and treatment programmes have adopted the Steps as their programme for abstaining from substance use and compulsive behaviors. Despite the Twelve Step model's success, a growing chorus of critics is claiming that the science behind the model is questionable.

Joseph Nowinski calls upon the most up-to-date research, teamed with the critical work he did on Project Match, an eight-year, multisite research study proving the efficacy of Twelve Step Facilitation, to build a compelling case for why working the Steps provides predictable and successful outcomes with:

• Experienced, knowledgeable sponsors.
• Consistent attendance at peer support groups.
• Systematic application of the Steps.
• Treatment professionals effectively incorporating the Steps and peer support in their recovery management programmes.

Whether you are thinking of joining a Twelve Step programme, looking for intelligent ways to talk about why your programme works, or simply wanting to understand the science fueling the success of one of the greatest social movements of our time, this book is for you. As many members of Twelve Step groups say at the end of every meeting, the simple truth is that “it works if you work it.”

About this title

Review

"In this book, Joe Nowinski once again proves his ability to integrate the science and experience of Alcoholics Anonymous and to explain both in clear, unpretentious language."
--Keith Humphreys, Professor of Psychiatry, Stanford University
"Nowinski has done a great service by summarizing, synthesizing, and skillfully interpreting many of the landmark studies that demonstrate not only that AA and Twelve Step treatments are still relevant in twenty-first-century addiction health care, they are among the "most" effective interventions currently available."
--John F. Kelly, PhD, Elizabeth R. Spallin Associate Professor of Psychiatry in Addiction Medicine, Harvard Medical School
"Joe makes the design and findings from complex research studies understandable to the lay reader, without dumbing it down, and with just the right amount of detail. The book thus represents a valuable new resource for anyone interested in a comprehensive summary of what we know about AA in terms of its effectiveness."
--Lee Kaskutas, Senior Scientist, Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute
"This is straight talk about how and why the Twelve Steps help addicts stay sober in an increasingly substance-abusing world."
--Anna Jedrziewski, "Retailing Insight"

In this book, Joe Nowinski once again proves his ability to integrate the science and experience of Alcoholics Anonymous and to explain both in clear, unpretentious language.
--Keith Humphreys, Professor of Psychiatry, Stanford University
Nowinski has done a great service by summarizing, synthesizing, and skillfully interpreting many of the landmark studies that demonstrate not only that AA and Twelve Step treatments are still relevant in twenty-first-century addiction health care, they are among the most effective interventions currently available.
--John F. Kelly, PhD, Elizabeth R. Spallin Associate Professor of Psychiatry in Addiction Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Joe makes the design and findings from complex research studies understandable to the lay reader, without dumbing it down, and with just the right amount of detail. The book thus represents a valuable new resource for anyone interested in a comprehensive summary of what we know about AA in terms of its effectiveness.
--Lee Kaskutas, Senior Scientist, Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute
"This is straight talk about how and why the Twelve Steps help addicts stay sober in an increasingly substance-abusing world."
--Anna Jedrziewski, Retailing Insight"

About the Author

Joseph Nowinski is a clinical psychologist who has taught at the University of California – San Francisco and the University of Connecticut, USA as well as serving as supervising psychologist, University of Connecticut Health Center. He is the author of Twelve Step Facilitation Therapy (TSF), listed in the National Registry of Evidence-based Programmes and Practices and Almost Alcoholic: Is My (or My Loved One’s) Drinking a Problem? and blogs for the Huffington Post and Psychology Today.

Social media and Online:
www.josephnowinski.com , huffingtonpost.com/josephnowinski-
phd/ , psychologytoday.com/experts/joseph-nowinski-phd
Twitter @newgrief
Facebook Joseph Nowinski

Edition details

• Publisher: Hazelden Trade
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1616495715
• ISBN 13: 9781616495718
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 240