Wasted

An Alcoholic Therapist's Fight for Recovery in a Tragically Flawed Treatment System

By: Michael Pond, Maureen Palmer

Narrated by: Michael Pond, Maureen Palmer

Psychotherapist Michael Pond is no stranger to the devastating consequences of alcoholism. He has helped hundreds of people conquer their addictions, but this knowledge did not prevent his own near-demise.

In this riveting memoir, he recounts how he lost his practice, his home, and his family - all because of his drinking. After scores of visits to the ER, a tour of hellish recovery homes, a stint in intensive care for end-stage alcoholism, and jail, Pond devised his own personal plan for recovery. He met Maureen Palmer, and together, they investigated scientific alternatives to the rigid abstinence doctrine pushed by 12-step programs.

"Pond's insights coupled with Palmer's section on evidence-based treatments make this an invaluable resource for readers battling their own addictions or concerned about their loved ones." (Publisher's Weekly)

"A vividly written page-turner...gripping and helpful" (Gabor Maté, The Globe and Mail)

"Few books have captured so well the challenge of managing the disease of addiction while simultaneously negotiating an often unresponsive health care system" (Dr. Keith Humphreys, former senior drug policy advisor, Obama administration)

“With tactile intimacy and surgical wit, Pond invites us to share the tragedy of his addiction with a sad smile. And then reveals a singular truth about how people quit. Truly one of a kind...a masterful job of describing the indescribable.” (Dr. Marc Lewis, neuroscientist and author of Memoirs of an Addicted Brain)

©2016 MIchael Pond and Maureen Palmer (P)2019 Michael Pond and Maureen Palmer

really great book

so helpful thanks sooo much, this book has change my life. all I ever did before this book was beat myself up, thus book explains why we have these struggles. thank you so much for sharing your story.

Save your credit

This was the worst narrated book I've ever suffered through. Another example of an author destroying his own work by trying to narrate. The sound effects (REALLY? A TOILET FLUSHING?) were beyond annoying and distracting.

The story quickly became a church service and I returned without being able to finish. One more toilet flush, and I was out.

Best addiction memoir

I loved the pacing of the book, and the flow of the narrative. The author jumps to different points in his life a certain points to give back story and really flesh out the story of his life. I was engaged the whole way through, and at the end there is a lot of informative educational information. Michael is honest and open, but owns up to the fact he caused his own issues. Finally an addiction narrative that doesn't praise AA, and instead puts it out there as an option that helps many, but should not be one of the only options. Well worth the money, and have listened a couple times.

everyone should read this book

Mike's story is so helpful in seeing the complexities of addiction. It opens my eyes to how I can better support anyone with any kind of addiction

Addiction is trauma and stigma

Society is very ill informed about the trauma addiction bears upon all of us. Any negative review saddens me and points to the stigma those of us who struggle faces everyday. As someone who has been battling SUD, it was comforting knowing I’m not alone. No person would ever choose to have to face this battle.

Incredible memoir

Entire heart and soul generously poured into this wonderful, well-written and engagingly performed memoir. Highly recommend. A must listen if you’re struggling. This book will just prove you many points that you already know and are aware of, especially if you also journal or at least introspect.

Riveting Story, But Conclusion Lacks

The story of the fall from grace is well told by Michael Pond and honestly reads like a "Speaker Meeting" from a 12-Step Program. The descriptive, raw re-telling is sure to grab anyone's attention, especially those trying to understand the life and thought process of an addict.

Pond does a great job pointing out the root issue of a majority of 12-step program groups and how it can keep those with dual diagnosis trapped in their toxic cycles. I hoped to hear his "ah-ha!" moment where things clicked, but instead fell flat or perhaps "to be continued."

I appreciate the end shedding light on alternatives to 12-step programs and progress being made in addiction treatment; however, the very end felt like an infomercial for drug alternatives. It sheds little to no light on emotional trauma therapy in concurrence with step-to-extinction or abstinence approaches.

Disappointing

I Was enjoying the memoir aspect of the book until maureen took over and i had to stop listening. The book instantly transforms from an interesting chronicle on Michael’s life to a boring lesson on sobriety. I don’t recommend wasting your money.

An amazing start - an awful ending!

The authors story was amazing and inspiring.

The book had me in tears as a fellow addict.

Unfortunately his partner clearly got a hold of the book, adding silly sounds effects like
Toilets flushing (yes, you read that correctly) and then adding her own self serving and irrelevant chapters at the end.

Her voice and tone is also very condescending for someone who has never actually had to quit an addiction.

The author goes on then to bash AA as a system of recovery after never really trying.

It’s a shame really as there is good info in what he has to say but he is clearly so bitter about his own lack of effort to try the AA program and goes on to blame everyone and everything, except himself for taking so long to get sober.

If he could have stuck to sharing his own story and recovery and omitted his girlfriend unneeded chapters and his own bitterness at his inability to try and get sober this would have been an amazing book.

Skip it!

A long overly wordy drunk a log from a fellow that seems to believe he invented something. Ego. Fear. Entitlement. Don’t read this book and for gosh sakes, save your ears for listening to it. This one should come with a warning from audible.