Stress and Anger that Trigger Addictive Behaviors

The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction is an incredibly helpful tool for clients, clinicians, students, and educators alike. The workbook offers clear and thoughtful direction, with thorough exercises that can be beneficial for a host of clients. Emphasis on the mind-body connection is particularly helpful. Addiction is one of the most difficult problem areas to treat and overcome, but this book provides an essential guiding light. Terrific!

Very good book. Gets you thinking about a very deep subject. You have to answer questions about your life, emotions you have felt etc. the book brings up a lot of good points. I felt good answering the questions. Helped me come up with some answers.deep

The authors are able to articulate in simple English the cunning aspects of addiction. Using relevant examples, they clear up many of the mysteries surrounding addiction, and provide a blueprint to overcome it. The chapter on emotions, and how we process (or suppress) them, was especially enlightening. I have read many books on this subject and I can state unequivocally that Dr. Williams and Ms. Kraft have produced the best of its kind. I highly recommend it.

As an active duty Army psychologist, I highly recommend this book for any practitioner/ or trainee in psychiatry, social work, addiction counseling, or psychology; or patient(s) who want to deepen their understanding of applying mindfulness techniques to treat addiction.

For anyone that has seen the horrors of war or worked with soldiers or other service members who have returned from war suffering from the combined effects of combat related PTSD/ and addiction knows the complicated nature of these issues.

Mindfulness, which is essentially founded in Buddhist teachings, also has origins in the classic military-warrior philosophy of stoicism; this philosophy is paramount to a soldier's training; and I have personally found that psychotherapies based in mindfulness frameworks to be very effective with combat veterans; additionally, these mindfulness approaches tend to be easily relatable to most service members.

The authors of, "Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction," neatly, concisely, and coherently describe the theoretical basis for mindfulness concepts and their application to treating addiction problems. To be perfectly honest, I haven't seen it described as well anywhere else; the book is descriptive and reads with clarity. These principles will make it easy to understand for both medical providers and addiction counselors. Also, because, the writing is clear, the workbook, as well as its clinical recommendations can easily be implemented into any combination of treatment protocols to better help patients struggling with addition.

To quote the famed and ancient philosopher, Epictetus, "It is hard to combine and unite these two qualities, the carefulness of one who is affected by circumstances, and the intrepidity of one who heeds them not. But it is not impossible: else were happiness also impossible. We should act as we do in seafaring: "What can I do?"--Choose the master, the crew, the day, the opportunity. Then comes a sudden storm. What matters it to me? my part has been fully done. The matter is in the hands of another--the Master of the ship. The ship is foundering. What then have I to do? I do the only thing that remains to me--to be drowned without fear, without a cry, without upbraiding God, but knowing that what has been born must likewise perish. For I am not Eternity, but a human being--a part of the whole, as an hour is part of the day. I must come like the hour, and like the hour must pass!"

This book will help counselors, other medical providers looking for guidance on substance treatment, as well as patient's struggling with addiction-- unite these two guiding principles, to help treat those people in need of beating addiction-- and lead these individuals toward a life free from suffering!

Ben Lesczynski, PhD
CPT, MS, U.S. Army
219th MED DET;
FOB GARDEZ/ GOODE; OEF
Licensed Psychologist

I honestly don't think recovery would have been possible for my loved one without this book. It works through the exact issues that a person in recovery struggles with the first few months. It helps the reader understand the underlying cause of the problem and helps them work through it In a very positive way. The language and wording used is not hard to read or understand, and is not "dumbed down" either. I was worried it would be corny and a waste of time, but after just reading the first few pages I realized it was very far from corny and my family member was already interested in reading more. This book was recommend by a psychologist to my family, and helped tremendously through those first few horribly hard months as a person starts recovery.

My life has been impacted by an addict which brought me to this book. I wanted to use this workbook to deal with this relationship but what I got out of it was more personal. All things must be fixed from within and this book helped me understand my own feelings and deal with my own issues. Understanding ourselves help us understand others. My favorite section of the book dealt with relationships. Here is an excerpt that really spoke to me.

"You will need to take responsibility for the things you have done wrong. If you are reading this and thinking, But I haven't done anything wrong, think again! You area a human being, not a robot. Human beings are flawed, and sometimes they mess up. If you have lived and breathed, you have managed to make a few mistakes. Now you have the chance to reflect honestly about your life and take responsibility for where you went wrong."

It is easy read and well written. I highly recommend this book, if only to be reminded we all are part of the problem and the solution. We need to take the proper ownership in our relationships.

This book held a message and "assignments" that helped me comes to grips with addiction and own feelings of unworthiness and my betrayal of others. It is both a breath of hope and approach as well as offering practical exercises to identify and address addictive behavior (whichever one you or your loved one may have). If you're looking for a compassionate tool to help you, I recommend this workbook. Easy to apply.

Terrific book for any addict. Extremely useful in teaching how to identify feelings, and feel them. I have gone through about 20 books with my therapist over the years, and this one is by far the best. It's life-changing. If you're looking for a self-help book and this one is included amongst your choices, please choose this one. You will not regret it. The workbook exercises are simply amazing.

This book is wonderful. It is written by experts and based on cutting edge, evidence-based treatment. It is a perfect book for clients looking to learn more about themselves and conquer their addiction. It is written in a clear, practical, non-judgmental style. Highly recommend!

"The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction" offers clear instructions in the use of the best available strategies for coping with (and overcoming) addiction, its antecedents, and its aftermath. This book offers gems for those reclaiming their lives from addiction, as well as those supporting this journey (e.g., family members, therapists). The language is compassionate and straightforward, and the broad "toolkit" provided has something for everyone; some tools are more action-oriented in nature, some more contemplative, and still others focus specifically on rebuilding and enhancing important relationships. ALL support the journey all the way back from addiction, and bring dignity to the effort.

Deceptively simple in its approach, the activities are easy to do, effective, and utilize techniques of ACT, CBT, and DBT. I feel the gentle mindfulness framework is good for addiction and co-occurring disorders like PTSD, grief, and anxiety.

An excellent resource for clinicians and those recovering from addiction. An easy to read users guide to integrating mindfulness into addiction recovery. Written by two professionals with many years of professional experience between the two of them gives the book the academic rigor, mindful insight and ease of use that is necessary for a successful workbook. I highly recommend this book to complete any library in addiction work. An important voice as mindfulness continues to impact all areas of treatment and holistic lifestyles.

Excellent book for clinicians or clients alike. Very informative and easy to read and understand. Does a wonderful job of explaining the connection between loss and addiction. I particularly like the focus on mindfulness and how these techniques can be helpful with moving on. I highly recommend this book!

This book is truly wonderful resource for people working with addiction. I found the section on mindful grieving particularly helpful. I'm a therapist and I recommend this book to any client dealing with addiction.

Wonderful workbook. Easy to use, and very effective in its design. A must-have for those serious about recovery. Another great read is a novel called "An Addict's Carol" by Nobody Anonymous. Read them both, but read the workbook first!

The authors of this book excel in their ability to take such a complex and difficult behavior and successfully offer a step-by-step approach to breaking the cycle of addiction. They accomplish this through clear explanations, carefully crafted case study examples, easy to follow worksheets, and meaningful exercises. Although not in the field of psychology, my years in teaching placed me, often in a mentor role, in close contact with students and colleagues with addictive behaviors. Because this book offers an easy to read self-help approach to the topic, it would have been a very valuable tool to help me understand the problem as well as provide me with a reference for others who need assistance. I would highly recommend it to all 21st century educators. Kudos to the authors!

The authors clearly understand how people develop addictive behaviors, and what it takes to stop these patterns. This is a terrific, highly effective book written with creativity, humor and compassion. Utilizing a format that alternates between information, case examples and exercises the book offers gentle encouragement and describes numerous ways to incorporate mindfulness in moving forward. Absolutely delivers what it promises, to help anyone struggling with addiction to "achieve your goals and dreams."
~Kathryn Rudlin, LCSW - author of GHOST MOTHERS: Healing From the Pain of a Mother Who Wasn't Really There

The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction is an excellent workbook for people suffering from addiction in all it's manifestations. Often people can discontinue drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs in a compulsive way however the addictive behavior continues with food, working out or another avoidant behavior. This workbook is a simple guide in how to address the deep sense of loss that is often driving this addictive behavior. I have worked with other mindfulness workbooks and can honestly say this is the most clearly written and easy to use. I highly recommend this workbook for people newly in recovery and also for people with many years of recovery that would like guidance to address loss.

LOVED this book!! I have been working in the field of addiciton for over 10 years and am always looking for the latest and greatest in workbooks that focus on treating addictive disorders. It is rare to find one that is as specialized as this. This book offers a variety of useful exercises that link addictive behaviors with some core issues such as grief, loss and anger. This is a MUST HAVE book if you work in the field, or if you are just someone who wants to learn more about the coorelation between addictive behaviors and coping stategies, this book would be great for you too!!

The authors clearly understand how people develop addictive behaviors, and what it takes to stop these patterns. This is a terrific, highly effective book written with creativity, humor and compassion. Utilizing a format that alternates between information, case examples and exercises the book offers gentle encouragement and describes numerous ways to incorporate mindfulness in moving forward. Absolutely delivers what it promises, to help anyone struggling with addiction to "achieve your goals and dreams."
~Kathryn Rudlin, LCSW - author of GHOST MOTHERS: Healing From the Pain of a Mother Who Wasn't Really There

The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction is an excellent workbook for people suffering from addiction in all it's manifestations. Often people can discontinue drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs in a compulsive way however the addictive behavior continues with food, working out or another avoidant behavior. This workbook is a simple guide in how to address the deep sense of loss that is often driving this addictive behavior. I have worked with other mindfulness workbooks and can honestly say this is the most clearly written and easy to use. I highly recommend this workbook for people newly in recovery and also for people with many years of recovery that would like guidance to address loss.

LOVED this book!! I have been working in the field of addiciton for over 10 years and am always looking for the latest and greatest in workbooks that focus on treating addictive disorders. It is rare to find one that is as specialized as this. This book offers a variety of useful exercises that link addictive behaviors with some core issues such as grief, loss and anger. This is a MUST HAVE book if you work in the field, or if you are just someone who wants to learn more about the coorelation between addictive behaviors and coping stategies, this book would be great for you too!!

This workbook is top-notch. Invaluable to both clinicians and lay readers, it provides a clear, structured and comprehensive approach to managing addiction through mindfulness. The authors methodically and thoughtfully guide readers through the emotional, cognitive and behavioral facets of addiction, then suggest effective tools for coping. The workbook includes numerous examples of individual struggle and achievement, and answers questions you may have always had but never thought to ask. I love it when colleagues put this much care, dedication and creativity into their work; everyone benefits. I will be keeping a few copies of The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction on my office bookshelf.

Rebecca and Julia have truly created a masterpiece here. It is clear from the very first pages that these women have an intuitive and compassionate understanding of the struggles and triggers associated with addictive behavior. This workbook would be of value to anyone in any stage of their journey through addictive behavior and really brings together, in an accessible way, the relationship between our minds, our emotions, and our actions. These ladies are to be applauded for their work in assisting those of us learning to live more freely.

There are many great things about this workbook. I am going to highlight one that has stuck with me. The authors coined the term emotion dodging behaviors. It is such a great term for really understanding what we do when we don't want to experience painful emotions. Of course we all know that these emotion dodging behaviors make our lives and relationships worse, but it is so helpful to have the authors explain this in a way that isn't shaming or blaming. Congratulations to Rebecca and Julie for this important contribution in the treatment of addiction.

This instructive workbook is not only a practical help for those who struggle with grief and its relationship to addiction, but has a heart as well. Written by two compassionate, highly educated (and mindful) women, The Mindfulness Workbook is an important tool for not only professionals working with addictive clients, but also for the everyday person who seeks personal growth and understanding for themselves and their loved ones. Those burdened with the weight of loss and the common consequences of addictive behaviors may find the help they need to be whole and healthy again through this fine well-written workbook.

I found this book to be extremely thorough in addressing recovery from all types of addiction in a thorough way that is easy to understand. The individuals, couples and families presented along with each chapter/concept really do a great job in painting a picture of how these issues manifest themselves in the real world. The stories and exercises simultaneously offer practical techniques (that are easily put into action) for improving your life and becoming a happier, healthier person all around. I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with any sort of coping, grief or addiction.

Rebecca and Julie have hit the mark with this workbook. Mindfulness approaches, in my opinion, are a no-fluff way of pin pointing the ROOT of one's struggles. The examples and questions get directly to the core of an addicts thinking. If you truly have a problem with addictive behaviors, and are willing to be honest with yourself while working through this book, you will see growth and improvement in your life. Thanks to Julie and Rebecca for making this practice accessible and viable for life's most difficult challenges!

"The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction" is a wonderful read and a great resource for clinicians and clients. It brings together concepts from CBT, DBT, and mindfulness, while dealing with all the losses associated with addiction. The workbook flows smoothly and is an easy read with helpful worksheets, case examples, stories, and metaphors. This book is open and inviting, with an optimistic and encouraging tone that offers the reader the opportunity to go on incredible journey and find ways to manage and cope with grief and loss associated with addictive behaviors. I highly recommend this workbook!

The authors have nailed it in terms of being thorough and detailed, but also speaking directly to the person in a candid and compassionate tone. I found their workbook exercises fresh and creative, a fantastic and user-friendly blend of CBT, ACT, and DBT. Easy to follow, comprehensive, and an invaluable resource for everyone.

This book is fantastic and I highly recommend it!!! I was hooked by chapter 1! It is full of useful exercise worksheets and the directions are very easy to understand. As a beginning therapist, it can feel overwhelming working with clients suffering from addiction and this book gives you a framework to work from. If you like using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills, you will love using this book with your clients!!

The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction is a great addition to any clinician's bookshelf, as well as a valuable resource for anyone who is looking to gain insight and make positive changes into addictive behaviors. The workbook utilizes a variety of exercises, checklists, and worksheets that will help someone recognize the barriers pulling them back and ways in which they can react against them. I especially liked the vocabulary choices--terms such as "imaginary lions" and "repeat offender thoughts" help complex emotional struggles come alive quickly concretely. Case examples used throughout the book help one visualize what it's like to progress through the book and take action steps towards healing. Highly recommended!

The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction is an important resource to have in my library as a social worker. This workbook is clearly written and is packed with helpful suggestions with step-by-step activities. I will definitely recommend this workbook for anyone who works in the field or who struggles with addiction.

This is a great resource for working with clients who have addiction problems. I am a therapist working in mental health and this had been a useful week to week guide for my patients. I highly recommend it to all of those working in this field.

This book takes the view that addiction is a type of learning disorder, a poor response to life. Poor coping skills. This blurs the line between people who drink or use drugs heavily and addicts. People can use substances to escape, as coping mechanisms, but there is a big difference between heavy drug or alcohol use and addiction. An addict is an addict. This view is extremely dangerous and wrong. It suggests that, say, and alcoholic can learn to drink moderately. Unfortunately this is not true. It's been shown time and time again that it is not true. Needing to cut back on drugs or alcohol is a distinctly separate problem from biochemical addiction. I want to echo another review here that said, "...it has been shown again and again that for humans with addiction, not misuse, not maladaptive use, not problematic use, not alcohol and/or other drug abuse, but true addictive disease (physical brain impairment) continued use will, in most if not all instances, result in premature death."