DIRTY WHITE BOY

Well, Feb. 10th, and I'm finally getting around to posting another comment, something which I hopefully will be doing more and more frequently.
Since DIRTY WHITE BOY has been made available on Amazon Kindle's Select, I have been astonished by readers who have contacted me for a variety of reasons. Several have done so just to thank me for providing a truthful account, one which they could relate to on multiple levels. Some of these are unfortunately, painful to read about, because their addiction is currently active. I have opened a dialogue with a couple who need simply an alternative to the dogmatic constraints of the 12-steps. The only real advice I can honestly give anyone is my belief that there exists at least as many paths to sobriety as there are paths to addiction. Anyone who has read my book must certainly realize, I'm far from an expert regarding Recovery. I've had close to as many relapses as there are stars in this Galaxy; if you're looking for a "go-to-guy" regarding Recovery on any of it's levels, I promise I am not the one you seek.
My advice to one young lady was, however, quite simple. In Medical School I was taught to listen to the patient; they know much more about their body, and it's reaction to particular stimuli, than I ever will. I believe the same truth holds here. If you can't stomach the 12-steps, then devise your own regimen, by incorporating things and/or activities which you're drawn to. For me it was running and weight training; I also enjoy cooking, and reading, and of course writing. Once you decide which activities you're most passionate about, schedule them in a workable fashion. Preferably, such a schedule can be performed on a daily basis, and begun at once. Many in Recovery will find these activities become etched into their lives almost instinctually, as if they were congenital traits. Although strenuous physical exertion has worked best for me, I realize everyone is different; the essential thing is only that one should: "LISTEN TO YOURSELF." ********'You know yourself far better than two drunks in Akron, Ohio, way back in 1935.' This statement in no way is meant to disparage the contributions of Bill and Smith.....Their insights and dedication have saved millions of lives which would otherwise have been lost to Addiction. However, I can't help believing what they originally intended has since been distorted by fanatic extremists, who misguidedly have transformed this once simple message, and morphed it into a religious-type cult. No wonder why an ever growing number of addicts seeking Recovery, are rejecting this divisive philosophy. They instead look for alternative, more unifying avenues, which allow them some personal choice. This "customized," somewhat tailored approach to Recovery, constitutes a "personalized" regime which addicts have built for themselves. In this way, I believe, some addicts can achieve a successful Recovery, one which was formerly beyond reach. It would be great to hear from those with similar or contrary viewpoints, Ha! It would be great to hear from anyone at all!!!