How to Stay Sober: Recovery Without Religion

Until now, virtually all therapy for alcoholics and other chemical-dependent individuals has been religious in nature. Traditional support groups imply that recovery is simply not possible without reliance on a supernatural "Higher Power."

The need for a secular alternative to recovery from alcoholism or drug addiction is answered in How To Stay Sober. This book can help non-religious alcoholics maintain philosophical integrity while achieving the goal of lifelong sobriety.

James Christopher, a longtime sober alcoholic, offers new insights and suggestions for developing coping skills and regaining self-esteem through self-reliance. He notes that current research indicates that there is no such thing as an "alcoholic personality" - that addiction is the result of physiology, not psychology. It is only by making sobriety the number one priority in life, Christopher states, that an alcoholic or addict can achieve recovery.

Christopher has spearheaded a large grassroots secular sobriety movement across the United States, and this book offers concrete guidelines for forming these groups in any community. The book also provides an important weekly diary for the recovering alcoholic to use in the crucial first year of sobriety.

Sobriety must be prioritized daily - no matter what - to remain under personal control. It is only through this conscious choice, Christopher states, that an alcoholic can get back on track and begin anew the creative, fulfilling learning process of life.

Recommending self-reliance and self-respect without substituting dependence on religious dogma or a "higher power" for countering an addiction to alcohol or drugs, Christopher focuses on the practical aspects of his triumph and includes guidelines for forming a secular support group.

Refreshing and effective alternative to treatment programs based on the Alcoholics Anonymous "12-step" method.

Until now, virtually all therapy for alcoholics and other chemical-dependent individuals has been religious in nature. Traditional support groups imply that recovery is simply not possible without reliance on a supernatural "Higher Power" or "God as you understand Him." But the need for a secular alternative has been answered. How to Stay Sober: Recovery without Religion can help nonreligious alcoholics maintain philosophical integrity while achieving sobriety. There is no need to pay lip service to religious rituals and beliefs implied or directly stated by traditional support groups.

James Christopher, a longtime sober alcoholic, offers new insights and suggestions for developing coping skills and regaining self-esteem through self-reliance. He notes that current research indicates that there is no such thing as an "alcoholic personality" -- that addiction is the result of physiology, not psychology. It is only by making sobriety the number-one priority in life, Christopher states, that an alcoholic can achieve recovery.

This book is unique in that it offers concrete guidelines for organizing grass-roots secular sobriety groups. It also provides an important weekly diary for the alcoholic to use in that crucial first year of sobriety.

Gerald A Larue, professor emeritus of archaeology and biblical studies at the University of Southern California, states in his introduction: "There is within each of us an instinctual drive to live. We want to live well, to be in control of our lives... Because we are social creatures, we want others to live and live well too... Responsible sobriety, under personal control, is the key." Sobriety must be prioritized daily, no matter what, to remain under personal control. It is only through this conscious choice, Christopher states, that an alcoholic can get back on track and begin anew the creative learning process of life.

Substance Abuse Report

Recommended reading.