BETTER IS BETTER!

stories of alcohol harm reduction

De: Kenneth Anderson, April Wilson Smith

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

This book contains the stories of men and women who have used the HAMS (Harm reduction, Abstinence, and Moderation Support) program to overcome their problems with alcohol and change their lives. Experts in the addictions field say the following about this book: Through these moving personal stories, we learn not only how HAMS works but how addiction works. And we learn that overcoming addiction doesn’t have to adhere to a rigid program or philosophy. HAMS succeeds because it connects with people who drink, on their own terms, respects their goals and wishes, recognizes their strengths and supports them where they need and want support. These little memoirs are as varied in style and substance as the individuals who wrote them, but they converge on themes that just don’t go away, including the inadequacy of AA for many who drink, despite its value for some. Intimately told, both raw and articulate, these memoirs reveal how people struggling with addiction can help each other through sensitivity and generosity rather than judgment and dogma. Marc Lewis, PhD. Author of The Biology of Desire: Why Addiction Is Not a Disease If you are looking for an alternative to 12 step groups that will support you in changing your drinking - whether you want to abstain, moderate or just cut down - check out HAMS. It's evidence-based, supportive, non-judgmental, non-religious and even fun! Maia Szalavitz Author of Unbroken Brain Kenneth Anderson and April Smith have given us a book that will help thousands of people, told from the point of view of people who have already been helped by HAMS. Many of the stories show how ingenuity, freedom of choice, and concern for one’s wellbeing can lead to meaningful changes in problem drinking habits. Many of the stories would shock the hell out of most treatment programs and staff. Many of the stories had me biting my nails hoping that it would turn out okay. What a relief to be reminded that, given respect, kindness, and support, even the most outlandish harm reduction plans save and improve peoples’ lives. Patt Denning, PhD Director of The Center for Harm Reduction Therapy Co-author of Over the Influence The three-page introduction to Better Is Better ought to be required reading for anyone in this country with a connection to addiction and recovery (which is most of us, but especially health and mental health professionals). The scientific findings succinctly described there would re-shape US addiction treatment and recovery, if they were known and used. Unfortunately, these findings continue to be overshadowed by substantially outdated ideas and methods. This little page book then contains 14 stories of change (eight women, six men), none longer than three pages. These stories will be informative and inspiring to a wide range of individuals who are considering or acting upon a desire to reduce (or eliminate) drinking problems, and they could be the basis for discussion in a mutual help or treatment group. I can't think of a better bang for your 99 cents! A. Tom Horvath, PhD President, Practical Recovery Psychology Group, San Diego Past President, SMART Recovery HAMS is an amazing and much-needed organization, expanding how we think about addiction in brave and thought-provoking ways. Everyone should read this book. Johann Hari Author of Chasing the Scream HAMS is a group for people who want support to changes their drinking. Support: not chastisement, not admonitions, not guilt tripping. Just sharing: feelings, experiences, histories, successes and failures. And that nonjudgmental approach - which is so different from AA - makes people feel better about themselves and allows them to pursue their goals better, longer, and in more areas of their lives (drinking included, but not exclusively). And what are their goals around drinking? Well, you’ll have to read this book of human stories to see! Stanton Peele Author of Recover!