Monthly Book Club

Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change” by Jeffrey Foote, Carrie Wilkens, Nicole Kosanke, and Stephanie Higgs is a guide for families and loved ones of people struggling with addiction. The book is based on the principles of “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy” (CBT), “Motivational Interviewing” (MI), and “Community Reinforcement and Family Training” (CRAFT), offering a science-based approach to understanding and responding to addiction.

KEY POINTS:

1. Positive Reinforcement: The authors advocate for using positive reinforcement, empathy, and support instead of confrontation or tough love. They argue that building on positive behaviors can help individuals move toward recovery.
2. Communication Strategies: The book offers practical strategies for communicating with a loved one dealing with addiction. These techniques include how to set boundaries, provide support, and avoid enabling behaviors.
3. Self-Care for Families: Emphasizes the importance of self-care for family members and loved ones. It acknowledges the challenges of living with or caring for someone with addiction and encourages maintaining one’s well-being while providing support.
4. Stages of Change: The authors outline the stages of change in addiction recovery, from pre-contemplation to maintenance, and provide guidance on how to support someone at each stage.
5. Embracing Compassion: Encourages a compassionate and nonjudgmental approach, highlighting that addiction is a chronic condition and not a moral failing.

Overall, “Beyond Addiction” offers a hopeful and evidence-based framework for helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of addiction and recovery with empathy and science-backed strategies.