Seven Weeks to Sobriety [Paperback]

Twelve Step approaches were, for me, religiously heavy-handed and downright offensive. I had encountered too many True Believers whose grasp on sobriety seemed desperately dependent on endless commiserating and the weird veneration of helplessness. (By the way, the statistics on AA's "success rate" is one of the great eye-openers of Larson's book and worth the reading alone.) If "90 meetings in 90 days" and bumper-sticker slogans haven't meant much success for you, maybe there are good, practical, physical reasons.

Dr. Larson has uncovered a vital link between addiction and chemical deficiencies. The clear discussions of various types of alcoholic intolerance was precise and reassuring. Best of all, my own "cure" went practically unnoticed until one day I just didn't want to put wine in my mouth anymore. This happened less than a month after I began taking a carefully researched regimen of vitamins, amino acids and other suppliements that are the keystone to nutritional recovery. At first, I thought it was a fluke, but 13 months later, I still have no desire for even the best wines or any other liquor.

This book was recommended to me by a knowledge-able, trusted naturopathic physician who keeps a supply of the book an hand. We are both delighted that Joan Larson has written a book that was nothing less than an act of Grace for me.

After reading the book I immediately set about purchasing the nutritional supplements and planning my regimen of diet and exercise for the seven weeks. The relief of finally having a plan was intense. The the joy of discovering that it actually worked is indescribable. At the end of seven weeks I was safely on the path to recovery. I am now approaching my fourth anniversary and have never looked back. In fact I grow happier and healthier every year.

Discovering the link between alchohol and depression was a revelation. What I now realize was appaling depression has just disappeared. I used to drink to be able to deal with my life. The same life now fills me with joy and contentement, and nothing has altered but my drinking and diet. The roller-coaster life of highs and lows has been replaced by balance and control.

If achohol has you or someone you love in its grip this alternative approach may be your solution.

Dr. Larson's approach makes complete sense: Alcohol undermines physical health and mental stability by destroying the vital nutrients responsible for the maintenance and proper functioning of the body and brain. To restore the natural chemistry that govern brain and body, and thus conquer alcoholism, Dr. Larson's plan is based on physical repair, the so-called bio-recovery. Her seven weeks programme is intimidating at first, but it all makes sense. Don't let the number of vitamin and nutrient pills discourage you. Her website healthrecovery.com has plenty of useful information as well as the complete 7 weeks nutrient system available for mail order. My brother has been doing fine, has not had cravings or anything, and in his words "genuinely happy for the longest number of years". There is this Chinese herb called Kudzu (alcohol-free tincture from revital.com), that also helps with your cravings. I also found the link between Omega-3 and 6 oils and moodswings and depression highly interesting. Changing your diet (cut out sugar etc. - after completion of programme you can sensibly use fruit sugar instead - it has a low GI that won't interfere with your insulin. Get a copy of Jason Vale's The Juice Master's Slim 4 Life or Michel Montignac's Eat Yourself Slim) is self-explanatory, I think. I am planning to get a copy of this book to the local AA and Alanon "club".

Why isn't this programme more widely available?? Quitting alcohol is not enough, the delicate balance in your body and brain must be restored to stop your cravings and help you get on with your life. Talking will not put vital nutrients back into your body, the 7 weeks programme will. Get this book and get with the programme. It will change your life. And the lives of those who love you.