The past thirty years have witnessed a revolution in the science of addiction, yet we still rely on outdated methods of treatment. Expensive new programs for managing addiction are also flourishing, but since they are not based in science, they offer little benefit to people who cannot afford to lose money or faith in their recovery. Clarifying the cutting-edge science of addiction for both practitioners and general readers, The Thirteenth Step pairs stories of real patients with explanations of key concepts relating to their illness. A police chief who disappears on the job illustrates the process through which a drug can trigger the brain circuits mediating relapse. One person's effort to find a burrito shack in a foreign city illuminates the reward prediction error signaled by the brain chemical dopamine. With these examples and more, this volume paints a vivid, readable portrait of drug seeking, escalation, and other aspects of addiction and suggests science-based treatments that promise to improve troubling relapse rates. Merging science and human experience, The Thirteenth Step offers compassionate, valuable answers to anyone who hopes for a better handle on a confounding disease.

Me? An alcoholic? Nohow could I be? Im a teacher, a doctors daughter, and an Academic All-American. An alcoholic? No way! Or so I thought. I went from a school fishing trip to the inside of a jail cell within three hours. I went from respected high school teacher to an impaired driver. I am an alcoholic. That was the hardest sentence for me to believe. To admit and become aware of being different than othersabnormal, looked down upon by societywas the most humbling and rewarding experience of my life. I found the strength and the power of my God-Within to overcome and conquer this crippling and deadly disease. My story is about my personal struggle over the past year. Acknowledging that alcoholism does not discriminate regarding who it captures and tries to destroy, I used certain spiritual principles and guidelines to overcome its power. This past year has been a struggle, but I am grateful for my disease and the truth that it has taught me to finally confront the monster and release my imprisoned soul.

Sue’s sense of humour and zest for life are reflected in her narration. The 13th Step is not about the predatory thirteenth step experienced by some in twelve-step programmes. In this book, Sue helps those who are ready to grasp life firmly and make the changes necessary to live fully. She writes with honesty and integrity about her life experiences and subsequent personal development to create change. She shares all the tools she used to transform her own life, hoping it may be of help to others.

The Thirteenth Step is a better understanding of the 12 step program. This book helps you create a recovery behavior plus better rationalization skills to help you through your day to day life. The Thirteenth Step helps you cope with your recovery by addressing your life's problems which may have created an addiction within your life. This book will help put you in touch with your Higher Power. THE THIRTEENTH STEP REALLY WORKS!

Hayward's life story weaves the real and the mysterious, the personal and the universal into a uniquely gripping story of self-discovery through his spiritual awakening within the Native American Church; an awakening that saved his life.