Getting Sober: A Practical Guide to Making It Through the First 30 Days

By Kelly Madigan Erlandson

"Honest, direct, comprehensive, and practical."
--Bestselling author Mary Pipher
"Kelly Madigan Erlandson's book will help many whoare beginning their trudge on the road to happydestiny."
--Christopher Kennedy Lawford, author ofSymptoms of Withdrawal: A Memoir of Snapshots and Redemption
Already hailed as "a thoughtful and comprehensiveguide to those early, crucial days of sobriety," thisgroundbreaking new book is different from anythingelse on the market. As an alcohol and drug counselorfor more than 20 years who has helped thousands intorecovery, the author does not focus on trying to diagnosethe problem; instead, she compassionately guidesyou through the first 30 days of sobriety--themost crucial part of recovery.
She gives you practical, day-by-day advice forbecoming and staying sober--from removing alcoholand alcohol-related items from your house to pickingthe recovery program that fits your needs.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0071493778
• ISBN13: 9780071493772
• Release Date: August 2007
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.4" x 7.1"

Customer Reviews

Excellent book

Getting Sober is one of the best, down to the nitty gritty books, I have read on alcoholism. Finding sobriety is scary and baffling for many and reading a book such as Getting Sober will make the understanding of the process easier. What I liked most about this book is that it does NOT talk down to anyone. Rather, it takes an honest look at what sobriety really is and then helps guide the reader towards the first 30 days of sobriety. It takes a detailed look at AA and manages to remove some of the "mystery" and "stigma" that sometimes can be associated with the program. It also gives some wonderful tips on how to deal with emotions, fears and judgment that may come. Getting Sober is a compassionate and inspiring road map for all those on the road to sobriety, especially those who might feel extremely shaky or scared. By the way, Getting Sober is also excellent for those who are already in recovery - it always helps to remember what those first 30 days were like! Buy this book.

Finally! Something for real people!

Getting Sober is an essential guide for the drinker who has had enough, and Kelly Madigan Erlandson is the friend who sits with you during those critical first 30 days. She leads you through the treatment maze, translates recovery rhetoric, and shatters the myths that too often undermine early sobriety. The author tells you what to expect, prepares you for the unexpected, and provides traction for the slippery slopes. Getting Sober is an indispensible tool for the alcoholic who is ready to start living that way.

If you're ready to stop drinking...

This is an awesome book. Well written in a non-judgemental, compassionate manner I found real-life help to stop drinking. It's fairly small and easy to tuck-away in a bag or desk. Even if you're just thinking about quitting alcohol, pick-up this book. I love the "banned from my hand" technique to resist temptation -- it really works. Lot's of other great information about AA (what meetings are like, etc.), ways to curb cravings (drink a couple glasses of water -- you might be thirsty!), and other real-life ways to make the internal committment a reality from a professional with years of experience with alcoholics. Would also pick-up The Big Book from Alcoholics Anonymous as well, even if AA is not for you. If you're serious about addressing your drinking problem, this book is the way to help you get through the first 30 days. Highly recommended.