Two more books on Addiction Recovery

Two more books on Addiction Recovery

I read these books because someone dear to me is dealing with addiction issues, but in reading them I discovered that we are ALL addicts to self, thoughts, and emotions, and to the conditioned behavior of grasping and aversion; and that facing our addictions is the beginning of recovery. The CSS library contains these and other books in its “Recovery” section. Two other recovery books were reviewed in a previous post, Natural Rest for Addiction by Scott Kiloby, and The Way of Powerlessness by Wayne Liquorman.  -- Mora Fields

Refuge Recovery: A Buddhist Path to Recovering from Addiction

by Noah Levine

HarperOne, New York, 2014. 273 pp.

Noah Levine’s Refuge Recovery process begins with an investigation of the Buddha’s 4 Noble Truths, including the 8-fold path. The recovery philosophy is based on renunciation, abstinence, an investigation of the conditions that have led to addiction, and Buddhist practices for following the 8-fold path. Meditation, mindfulness, forgiveness, loving-kindness, appreciation, compassion and equanimity are all practices taught in his recovery process. The book includes various mind and heart practice instructions.

Levine says that addicts take refuge in substances or behaviors, looking for safety and happiness. At some point this kind of refuge becomes a trap. This book presents us with the truly safe and inspiring refuge of the 3 jewels — Buddha, dharma and sangha.

Although this book does not advocate the 12-step program, neither does it discourage its use. About a third of the book is devoted to recovery stories by people in the Refuge Recovery community, many of whom benefited from the 12 steps in their recovery. Although Levine himself was an addict for many years, he does not discuss his story in this book. There are Refuge Recovery groups around the country (including Eugene), and a Center in Los Angeles.

Beyond Recovery: Nonduality and the 12 Steps

by Fred Davis

Non-Duality Press, Salisbury, United Kingdom    © 2012    180 pp.

Fred Davis feels that many parallels exist between the processes of addiction recovery and waking up — which is, after all, a process of recovering from the addiction to the delusion of self. In this book he translates the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, which were of great benefit to him in his own recovery, into the language of nondual spirituality. A chapter is devoted to each of the 12 steps, but the steps are described in language familiar to nondual seekers.

Fred Davis is a real character — irreverent, funny and articulate. His ability to laugh at his struggles and beliefs during his years of addiction is refreshing and endearing.

Beyond Recovery can serve either as an introduction to nonduality for those in recovery from addiction, or as an introduction to the usefulness of the 12-step program for those who have been drawn to nondual spirituality. Either way, it should be a book of great value. 

-- reviewed by Mora Fields 

NOTE: Two other books on this topic were reviewed in a prior post: Natural Rest for Addiction by Scott Kiloby, and The Way of Powerlessness by Wayne Liquorman.



To visit the blog and see more reviews and quotes from books in the collection of Center for Sacred Sciences' Library, click here https://centerforsacredscienceslibrary.blogspot.com