This website and "The Forgotten Five Steps" addiction workbook presents my opinion and view of an alternative approach to AA, NA or treatment. It is a self-help recovery approach that presents empowering and practical information on how the alcoholic or addict can overcome addiction and move on to the life they have always wanted. 

It is a great place for the alcoholic or addict to start when seeking drug help or alcohol help for the first time or 10th.  It gives insight into why they may continue to experience alcohol relapse or drug relapse along with insight into what others have utilized to help them on their road to "addiction recovery". 

Even if you are currently in an alcohol or drug program or attending AA or NA, this information is an excellent addition to help keep you motivated and focused. 

It is for both the alcoholic or addict and the friends and family of those who struggle with alcohol or drug use.  The addiction workbook explores underlying reasons why the alcoholic or addict may continue to drink or drug along with helpful tools and exercises to help them combat the urges to drink or use drugs.  Friends and family can also gain valuable tools and "quick tips" to help them cope and deal with the struggles that living with an alcoholic or addict bring.

I will not assess if you have a problem. I presume you can assess it yourself. If you have to ask the question, I would look into it. I will not degrade your choice of behavior or give you a disease to battle.

I will often use the term "addict" or "alcoholic" when writing. I only use it for clarity in communicating with you, the reader. I do not intend it to be a description of who you are.

If it is a disease you want, by all means keep it. But I believe you are entitled to and have every right to choose the way that best fits your "recovery" needs and get the kind of alcohol help or drug help you need.

I also believe if you want to use alcohol or drugs, that is exactly what you will continue to do regardless of what information is presented. That’s Ok. When you are ready to stop drinking or drugging, I hope what I have written will help.

I will not tell horror stories or pass your time with an alcoholic or drug addict’s bittersweet story or threats of severe consequences. You already know how to use (and are darn good at it) and have probably experienced many of the consequences. The horror stories told, to often, become how we define ourselves. We do not have to forever focus on past pain to earn current freedom.

The advice to follow is not made up. It is from personal experience and the experiences of others who struggled with an alcohol or drug addiction. It works and has worked for many who were once struggling with an addiction. It will empower you to utilize your talents to change your life forever.

There are vast amounts of information out there on the subject, and my goal is to keep it REAL. I've seen what can work and I know the potential each human has and can choose to use, if the desire is there and the right information and motivation is available.

How does one become so dependent on these substances that life becomes one misery after another? How do we forget all the wonders and dreams from childhood and develop this hardened shell of pain and fear? We are all born with every potential and possibility needed to live a full and productive life. But not everyone uses or maximizes these gifts. Why? What happens in this process we call addiction?

I must emphasize that I believe in the value of each person, and like myself, each must come to terms with who they are, what they desire, and their own way of finding...