Product Description
Loved Back to Life is a book about the journey of an alcoholic and drug addict woman whose battle with the disease turns from hopeless to inspiring and amazing. The Author, Amy "AJ" Crowell, has been in long term recovery and has not had a drink or a drug since April of 1988.

All is exposed as the book reveals the progression of a teenager's life beginning with alcohol and drug experimentation to full blown alcoholism and cocaine addiction to narrowly escaping death as an adult. This is a MUST read for every parent because it divulges secrets of an addicted teenager indicating what to look for in your own child. Those who are concerned with a family member's, friend's or co-worker's addiction will find this book will help you understand the scope of alcoholism and what can be done to find assistance.

Even if you are not an addict or alcoholic you will be able to comprehend and relate to the pain that we have all experienced in life while appreciating her courageous journey into a life of happiness and fulfillment.

The book is a shocking realization of what many of our youth (and adults) are doing to themselves without caring about their futures. It includes chapters of positive suggestions about recovery and awe-inspiring short stories of other alcoholics and addicts who have survived and thrived in recovery. Chapters are exclusively devoted to answering specific questions and it offers self-tests for alcoholism & addiction ...it includes everything that everyone should know about alcoholism, drug addiction & recovery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Content, A+; Spelling, A-; Editing, F-
First, the content.This is the most harrowing story of addiction I've ever read or heard of, and I've heard a lot of them in my 6+years of sobriety (at at least two stories a week).She went through hell, and this book recounts it in extreme detail.How she survived is a mystery.This section of the book (Section I) tells it all, in graphic detail.

The spelling is another matter.Many words are misspelled, or used in a context not intended.A simple spell checker (as in my PC) would help eliminate 90+% of these errors.I'm surprised that one was not used.

Insofar as editing, there wasn't any.There are some lines in the book whichhavenodiscernablespacesbetweenwords.There are none between some sentences, either, including one very noticeable run-on sentence where the period at the end of a sentence was literally overlapped by the "A" in the following sentence.(I can't duplicate the error on my PC to show you, as it (my PC) is too smart to allow such a foolish thing.)And, the insertion of various statistics (which are in bold print, thankfully) between every two or three paragraphs is disconcerting, to say the least.The statistics are valuable, but if they were inserted in a separate section of the book, I think it would be much easier to read the story of her experiences.Of course, a separate section of just statistics would probably be skipped over by most readers, except those interested in such things.

Section I recounts her story, and is (IMHO) the most valuable portion of the book.Sections II-V tell such things as other people's stories (though not in as much detail as hers), sobriety suggestions, facts about addiction, tests to tell if you are an alcoholic, or a co-dependent (a person who is psychologically dependent on the addict in an unhealthy way), or are you an enabler (one who, with all good intentions, inadvertently helps the addict in his disease), or are you, as a parent, giving a bad example to your child. There is also a section on where to get help (such as AA, CA [cocaine anonymous], dual addiction [being addicted to more than one thing, or being addicted and mentally ill [[although, in all honesty, all of us alcoholics/addicts have to be mentally ill]] simultaneously, and other groups or places to get well).It also contains the stories of other recovering addicts (as mentioned above).

All in all, I would give the book an enthusiastic 5 stars, if it weren't for the spelling errors and editing errors mentioned above.These may not bother you.As an English minor in college, these glaring mistakes jumped out at me, and interrupted my train of thought almost every other sentence. (My brain kept firing "Wasn't anyone editing this book?") For this reason, and no other, I knocked off a star.I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to anyone, not just an addict, as it makes for a hellofastory (run-on intended).

interesting book by an interesting lady
I bought this book for a couple of reasons. I too have struggled with addiction, but by the grace of God I have been clean for almost two years now.

I also happen to know Miss A.J.; I was fortunate to have her as a teacher in a college class. She is such an engaging personality and positive person that I had to rush out and buy her book.

The book is brutally honest and insightful. The first half is basically her life story, a sometimes harrowing trip through hell and back. There are parts that are tough to read; such is the life of a practicing addict and alcoholic. But it ends up being a story of triumph, though not without its pitfalls. Even after she gets sober, there are still many trials awaiting her. This part of the book is in no way preachy, it's simply honest. You don't get the feeling that the author is in any way proud of anything she has done, or is re-counting war stories like some people in 12 step meetings tend to do (IMHO). Interspersed throughout are well-researched facts and statistics that every person (not just addicts) should be aware of.

The second part of the book is a kind of reference for anyone dealing with addiction or its effects. Twelve step meetings are discussed, along with recommendations on how to find one that will serve you. Also included are several testimonies and life stories of, presumably, some of Miss A.J.'s acquaintances. These are generally interesting and useful to the reader.

The only problem I had with the book is purely superficial: it is filled with grammatical errors. Not spelling errors, mind you, just misused and missing words. I know Miss A.J. wrote this book on a shoestring budget, and actually had volunteers from some of her classes editing sections, so I can certainly understand how things like that slip through. I hesitate to even bring it up; it seems so petty compared to the overall value and message contained in the book itself. But I'm such an OCD perfectionist (lol, how many addicts aren't?) that I must mention it.

Overall, this is a book I would heartily recommend to anyone who has struggled with alcoholism and/or addiction, or anyone who knows someone who has. It is ultimately a story of hope and redemption that can inspire us all.

Loved Back to Life
Excellent resource! for understanding the disease and stories of hope resound through the book. easy read, i couldn't put it down. it was a real eye opener, also lots of good sources listed in book for how or where to get more help. This would also be a good source if you were studying this issue and needed more info for reports/school.

Honest and compelling
This book was written in a very interesting style - full of honesty and compelling stories but totally realistic.
I have recommended it for reading to my sponsees and the parents of young addicts/alcoholics.

A story of courage and hope for all addicted people
Amy (AJ) Crowell has written a beautiful book that can be an inspiration to all people who think they are hopelessly addicted. Amy proves that addiction can be beaten. AJ is to be commended for baring her life to help others. Anyone who is struggling with addiction should read this book.

Sheryl Letzgus McGinnis, Author I Am Your Disease (The Many Faces of Addiction, Slaying the Addiction Monster - An All-Inclusive Look at Drug Addiction in America Today and The Addiction Monster and the Square Cat. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

This is for people who never dreamed that they could quit.
I have been free from nicotine addiction for 12 years thanks to Paul Lagergren's "Tiger Process". After trying other methods to quit smoking, and failing, I was convinced that I did not have enough willpower.Other people could do it but not me. This process empowered me to take backcontrol of my body and my life. I followed theinstructions, step by step,and freed myself forever. No willpower required. Just a commitment to workthe process. Thanks Paul!

This works!I have been free of smoking since 1991!
After trying everything else, from mini computers to pills and patches and books, Paul Lagergren's Tiger process helped me beat a powerful nicotine addiction.The secret is, I think, the way this program cuts all theimportant steps into tiny and manageable actions so that all a person hasto do is concentrate on that day's step, one day at a time, one step at atime and then you are there and you are successful and you are saying"Jeez, that wasn't so hard!"You learn how to quit smoking whileyou're still smoking and then you set a date and when it comes you areprepared and you have all the tools you will need.

This book saved my life!
I tried the nicotine gum, I tried the patch, and I tried support groups. Nothing seemed to work. I worked this program, and I am now nicotine free for over three years. THIS BOOK SAVED MY LIFE! I am also a social workerand have worked in the field of addictions treatment for 10 years. Not onlydid this program work for me, but it makes sense from a scientificperspective. If you are looking for a strong self-help workbook to help youbreak free from nicotine addiction, I strongly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
"Finally, a book on relationships that addresses, in the language of recovery, the particular issues faced by individuals recovering from addiction and alcoholism."Some of the content covered:- How intimate relationships are different from other relationships and require different tools.- It is suggested to wait a year before entering a relationship, but what exactly is supposed to happen during that year? How can we tell if we are ready? What steps can we take to get ready? What if we are already in a relationship?- Meeting and dating potential partners: How do we find the "right" partner?- The components of a working, healthy, intimate relationship and how they work.- How to develop realistic expectations in a relationship.- How to come to terms with jealousy, powerlessness, and insecurities.- How to use effective communication to resolve relationship issues.- And much, much, more...About the Author: Joey B. has been clean and sober for over twenty years. During that time, he has attended both fellowships on a regular basis. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Also Available in Paperback
This text is also available in paperback here on Amazon..
Thanks to everyone for all the encouraging emails and positive feedback.
Joey B.

Amazing
This is a really life changing book!It made my outlook on relationships change forever. Thanks Joey! Your the best!

JMP ... Read more

Product Description
Discusses the realities of spiritual abuse and religious addiction, how they are defined, the reasons they exist and how people can move beyond vulnerable life patterns in order to enjoy a more lifegiving relationship with God and with a healthy faith. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Wonderful
I deeply appreciated this book.I found myself underlining on almost every page something that was meaningful and helpful to me.I have recommended it to many friends and family.I would urge every religious leader to read it.I will be able to draw on it for years.

A gentle look at spiritual abuse; recommended primer for newbies to healing from spiritual abuse, religious addiction
I say PRIMER because you won't get anything deep here. And that's exactly what the Linns want. Healing, while not easy, doesn't have to be entrenched in all sorts of psychological analysis- at least not if you're doing it on your own.

Anyway, the first part of this book demonstrates what spiritual abuse/religious addiction is and how it manifested itself in the Linns' lives. (As a woman, I really related with Sheila's graduate school years- I too attached myself to a reverend who could show what Christianity is- something I did not receive as a child.) The second part discusses the good and bad of each child's personality. Children are assigned to one of four roles: Responsible Pharisee, Rebel Samaritan, Lost Essene, Distractor Sadducee. The problem here is that one can find him/herself ineach of these types. Many people change- when they are five, they might be Essenes, at sixteen Sadducees, etc.

I really appreciated the chapter "Generational Healing of Spiritual Abuse". I've known many Christians who seek to break the bonds of family problems through prayer. "I believe that the experiences of our ancestors, especially unresolved traumatic experiences such as religious persecution and spiritual abuse, are passed on to us in some mysterious way that we do not yet understand." (p. 102)

Like the other reviewer stated, the last chapters offer treatment without the diagnosis. I was disappointed, hence the four star rating.

Overall, this book makes a great gift for someone who needs to heal for religious abuse and spiritual addiction, but doesn't know where to start. It is my hope that the reader will pull what he or she needs from the text and then explore those points in more detail. For example, I will bestudying more about healing generation problems.

Two half books under a single cover
The first 48 pages of this tome deal with the title subject, and are insightful and worthwhile. Yet the remaining 100 pages seem more of a rehash of birth order determinants set in a biblical melieu: theresponsible child (#1=Pharisee); the rebel child (#2=Samaritan); the lostchild (the Essene); and the comedian/clown/distractor (the Sadducee).Eachof these vignettes is portrayed in an open and instructive manner, yet thenexus between spiritual addiction (1st 48 pages) and this child-orderhypothesis seems lacking. The chapters on Scripture & SpiritualAbuse, and What Would Jesus Do, seem to offer diagnosis without treatment. Notwithstanding, this book can be recommended.The notion of SpiritualAddiction, particularly by those called to the clerical life, is present inthis book, and if we are content that this is a valid first cut at asignificant problem, then the recommendation stands.Much more needs to bedone on and with this topic.The authors' seminal book --"Good Goats:Healing Our Image of God"attacks the problem of spiritual addictionmuch better."Good Goats" offers diagnosis and treatment of theroot factors in spiritual addiction.(5 stars). ... Read more

Product Description
-What is addiction? -How do you know if someone is addicted? -Are some people more prone to addiction than others? -Are some drugs more addictive than others? -How can you help someone who doesnÂt want help? Understanding Drugs of Abuse is designed to bring the everyday reader face-to-face with drugs of abuse and addiction. Through frank, no-nonsense explanations of the stimulants, depressants, psychedelics, and inhalants, this accessible guide will help the reader to understand how drugs of abuse affect thinking, behavior, perceptions, and emotions. It also examines the effects addiction has on the addictÂs family. Understanding Drugs of Abuse demystifies the treatment process by explaining what types of treatment are available, what actually happens during treatment, and what patients and their families can expect during the treatment process. The book also describes the recovery process and will help people identify good recoveryÂas well as recognize poor recovery and the warning signs of relapse. Perhaps ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Only drug abuser's should be able to talk about drugs!
This book was not at all useful and really boring. Take a bunch of medical research and add a dull author who obviously doesn't know anything about drugs except what he heard> terrible writing and fiction all over the book.HOW COULD SOMEONE TALK ABOUT RECOVERY AND ABUSE IF THEY HAVEN'T EVEN TRIED IT! tHIS BOOK SHOULD BE CALLED"THE BASIC RULES OF HYPOCRISY AND THE DULL AUDIENCE WHO IS EASILY BRAINWASHED"

From the Author
I wrote this book for two broad audiences and purposes. First, it is intended to provide useful information to lay but informed readers who want to understand the drugs of abuse and the addiction and treatment processes. Second, it can be used as a textbook in a university addiction studies program and as a reference guide to the drugs of abuse and the processes of addiction, treatment, and recovery. One of the things that fueled my interest to write the book is the fact that there are many poorly-researched and highly-opinionated books on substance abuse-related issues. I made an intense effort to ensure that this book was research-based, heavily referenced, objective, and helpful.

The first half of the book focuses on the drugs of abuse, how they work, and how they affect biological, psychological, and social functioning. It was written in part to answer such frequently-asked questions as "How does this drug work?" and "Is this drug addictive?" The second half of the book provides a good description of the addiction process, and walks the reader through the treatment and recovery processes. It also provides additional attention to such issues as individuals with coexisting psychiatric and substance use disorders, genetics and alcoholism, and adolescent addiction. Throughout, this book helps the reader to understand that addiction, treatment, recovery, and even relapse are all dynamic biopsychosocial processes.

From the Author
I wrote this book for two broad audiences and purposes. First, it is intended to provide useful information to lay but informed readers who want to understand the drugs of abuse and the addiction and treatment processes. Second, it can be used as a textbook in a university addiction studies program and as a reference guide to the drugs of abuse and the processes of addiction, treatment, and recovery. One of the things that fueled my interest to write the book is the fact that there are many poorly-researched and highly-opinionated books on substance abuse-related issues. I made an intense effort to ensure that this book was research-based, heavily referenced, objective, and helpful.

The first half of the book focuses on the drugs of abuse, how they work, and how they affect biological, psychological, and social functioning. It was written in part to answer such frequently-asked questions as "How does this drug work?" and "Is this drug addictive?" The second half of the book provides a good description of the addiction process, and walks the reader through the treatment and recovery processes. It also provides additional attention to such issues as individuals with coexisting psychiatric and substance use disorders, genetics and alcoholism, and adolescent addiction. Throughout, this book helps the reader to understand that addiction, treatment, recovery, and even relapse are all dynamic biopsychosocial processes. ... Read more

Product Description
'From Death Do I Part: How I freed Myself From Addiction' is written for all addicts, but especially for those who have not been helped by Alcoholics Anonymous or drug and alcohol rehab facilities. 'From Death Do I Part' is an intimate exposure of Amy Lee Coy's courageous journey through recovery from over 20 years of substance abuse--without the aid of conventional methods such as AA, psychiatry or medication. In 'From Death Do I Part' Amy shares with us her recovery process in such a way that not only is the reader engaged in her often gripping, always revealing stories, but they are also warmly invited into her healing process so that if they also struggle with addiction, they may learn to heal themselves as well. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

AMY'S STORY IS A MUST READ!
Amy has overcome tremendous adversity in her life and cares deeply about helping others through her example of strength and perseverance. I am grateful she has shared her story with us.

A Must Read
I have read Amy's new book and it is WONDERFUL!!!I have invited friends to purchase it and have passed on the book to others; all of whom have raved about it too.It is so hopeful and uplifting and full of purpose and strength.It is an inspiration to anyone who has a challenge to get through and needs to know they are not alone.Thank you Amy!!

Only You Can Change Your Life
"From Death Do I Part" by Amy Lee Coy is a must read for anyone who is seeking alternative ways to free themselves from addiction and also for anyone who in a professional capacity is helping others to get past their addictions. Amy shares with total honesty her journey from a virtual and actual hell to a place of balance and purpose. The established mental health programs did not work for her. Nor did the many meetings of support groups such as AA produce any lasting change. In her book Amy recounts how she came to recognize that only you can change your life, even though it requires tons of patience, compassion, love, and support, especially from and for yourself. She provides valuable insight on how to be with feelings and thoughts that seem quite harmful and to transform them to allies in strengthening your will and balancing your life.

Great book
This book is gritty and honest, hopeful and helpful! -- a book I would have liked to have read when I was in the depths of my own struggles.

Very inspiring book
My dad let me borrow this book... I cried at some parts... even though I havent been into drugs or alcohol, I can related to so many things that Amy says about her feelings of depression, pain, feeling suicidal, feeling ugly, feeling alone and in so much emotional pain that you dont what to do. Also the panic attacks and sleeping in the hallway as a child, I did the very same thing. It was very inspiring to me and very helpful to me at this time since im going through a long bout of illness. Thank you for your courage and for writing it and being so open and raw about what you really went through. The steps she makes to free herself from addiction are not difficult and can be done by just about anyone. It is not an overwhelming approach to change, its very practical and even people who don't have addictions could learn from this book to better their lives and themselves. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an expanded version of the Art of Recovery. It includes additional exercises, including: Breathwork, Meditation, Recapitulation and Personal Inventories for personal growth and healing. The Art of Recovery is a journey of personal transformation and healing. It is also a deep exploration of the connection between shame and addiction and how one's personal mythology is often formed by the residual effect of unresolved grief, loss and trauma. The Art of Recovery weaves the author's personal stories and experience into a practical guide that creates awareness of the addictive mind and offers down to earth tools for personal transformation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Tackling Addiction at it's CORE
Art of Recovery is a groundbreaking work that introduces the reader to the concept of the Artistic Self,the term for our fully integrated potential. Author and professional counselor Paul Randak weaves the model of addiction recovery brilliantly with a holistic approach that can actually restore and reset an individual's CORE (fundamental picture of our beliefs) to achieve total recovery and mastery of their addiction through maintaining a relationship with their Artistic Self.

As an artist and former addictions counselor, I found Art of Recovery to be engaging and highly motivating; the book helps the reader--whether an addict or a loved one, learn to create a spectacular picture with their lives. Randak's writing style is both conversational and professional, leaving no doubt that he knows how to "walk the walk". As a former co-addict, it provided valuable insight into my own CORE beliefs. Every addiction professional should read it; every addict or co-addict should own it. It provides hope in a seemingly endless cycle of misery.

~JulieAnn Carter-Winward
author, artist.

A solid and highly recommended read
The road back from addiction is a rough one with a rough path. "Art of Recovery: Transforming Shame and Addiction Mythology" is a combination of memoir and self-help book from Paul Stiles Randak as he presents his own journey of recovery and hopes to inspire others to change through his own story. Explaining the transformational process one must face, "Art of Recovery" is a solid and highly recommended read, sure to give that helping hand where it's needed. ... Read more

Product Description
Description of my life in sex addiction/recovery, and theperspectives I have gained as a result on a variety of subjects listedalphabetically, with emphasis on spirituality/psychology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Medical Trials with Addiction
Guide and dictionary both describe this educational and revealing biographical and resource book.Dr. Lee began as a well-schooled popular cardiologist, with typical family and community ties.His descent to paralyzing impairment with sexual addiction is the basis for this work.Physicians damaged finally bring themselves or are brought to help.This may take the form of medical society or licensure sponsored impaired physicians programs, or other professional programs.This book starts with a brief chronology of what happened in Dr. Lee's life.The rest of the book segments into alphabetical chapters to facilitate looking up the many terms used in addiction problems.Each discussion then details the meaning and use of the term with editorial comments appended.A good bibliography and appendix are affixed to the end and complement the rest of the text.Certainly reading this book helps us understand another psychological land mine.We can perhaps help others and ourselves with these proper tools.

Highly Recommended.
Sex addiction is a powerful addiction; one very difficult to break through. Dr. Lee's candid story offers hope and inspiration to others affected by addictive behaviors of any kind. ... Read more

Product Description
If your life and relationships have deteriorated because of chemical dependency, this book is specifically for you. It is for all who have lived through devasting pain, in search of serenity.

Love, Hope & Recovery will assist anyone willing to restorerelationships affected by the disease of chemical dependency.Havingseen families and spouses broken apart, and then healed through love,faith, and encouragement, Joann shows how it is possible to renewone's life.

Many years ago, Joann's own family placed her in the same residential treatment center where she is now the director of Family Education Services. A stimiluating and wise counselor, Joann helps the reader root out denial patterns and learn to recognize and talk about feelings while developing positive self-esteem. A detailed workbook section provides essential self-help exercises and specific skills to assist the whole family. ... Read more

Product Description
Pioneering evidence is presented in this book to support the effectiveness of peer counseling for substance abuse treatment of pregnant women and their families. The authors use the theory and principles of social learning to justify the peer counselor model, known as SISTERS. ... Read more

Product Description
Overcoming an addiction or any other obstacle in life can be difficult, especially if you donÂ’t know the plain, hard facts about whatÂ’s involved. Finding the Recovery in You details the straightforward process you need to follow to accomplish such a goal.

After finding his own recovery from active addiction, R. S. Newman gives a candid look into the damaging effects of this disease—whether it’s an addiction to alcohol, drugs, or any other compulsive activity. The author shares valuable insights about the recovery process, the resources for help that are available, and his own fresh views on overcoming obstacles based on his personal and professional experiences.

This is an inspiring story for anyone who wishes to overcome adversity in their life—no matter how big or small. Finding the Recovery in You effectively reinforces that anything is achievable if you desire change for the better and are willing to do whatever is needed to achieve that change. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

I just loved this book!
Although Im a friend of the author's, doesn't influence my opinion. Yes that was the initial reason I first picked up the book, but I was pleasnetly surprised on what I read.It really helped me to understand the struggle one goes through with having an addiction, even more so when trying to recover. I especially think it was brave of the author to be so candid about his own past demons, and how he was able to turn that all around. Although I don't have an addiction, there were wonderful self-moviating suggestions that I could use with any normal day problems. I highly recommend this book for anyone; wheather it's for an addiction, average everyday problems, or just for an enjoyable read!

I just loved this book!
Although Im a friend of the author's, doesn't influence my opinion. Yes that was the initial reason I first picked up the book, but I was pleasnetly surprised on what I read.It really helped me to understand the struggle one goes through with having an addiction, even more so when trying to recover. I especially think it was brave of the author to be so candid about his own past demons, and how he was able to turn that all around. Although I don't have an addiction, there were wonderful self-moviating suggestions that I could use with any normal day problems. I highly recommend this book for anyone; wheather it's for an addiction, average everyday problems, or just for an enjoyable read!

Great Book!
Wow!!! What I read here makes complete sense. The author's account of how he overcame addiction is so smoothly written. I enjoyed the book so much that I could not put it down.I recommend this book for persons who wish to help someone in need of the knowledge that they need to overcome a struggle with an addiction.I have purchased several copies which I plan to give to two people that I know who are having struggles with an addiction..........

Thanks for making it so easy to read this book.
Thanks for making it so easy to read this book. My ex-husband's son seems to struggle with addition and I get phone calls from him periodically.Over the years, he seems better at times and then he falls back into it.I also think he has some mental health issues like depression.So, this book will be great for
him.

Immediatly Impressed!
I have already read the first few chapters of the book and was impressed by the authors candid no BS approach. In telling his own story first hand, this must have been painful to sit down and express in writing, it gives the reader who is struggling with an addiction someone they can relate with. I think that's important in many ways. Who better to know the mind set of someone struggling with dependency than someone who has been down that road and conquered their own demons. An excellent point is made in explaining that the focus of recovery should be in changing those things that are adversely affecting your life now and not dwell on the circumstances that led to the addiction. In many cases the individual had no control over those circumstances as was pointed out first hand. I can think of a few people who would benefit from reading your book.

Andrew ... Read more