“Alcoholism and drug addiction are the only two pathologies (character traits) that tell you, you don't have them. If you think you might have a problem, you do! If you do then I would suggest two books to read, "Alcoholics Anonymous" or "The Tao of Sobriety"--if you're serious about getting sober. David Gregson's and Jay Efran's new book "The Tao of Sobriety" has captured the pain, loneliness and absurd (comic) insanity of alcoholism and drug addiction with compassion and insight. It is a book that should give hope and courage to anyone struggling with addictions. You owe it to yourself to take the time and read it. Its simple straight forward suggestions just might save your life.”

If you are feeling lost and bad about yourself, June 21, 2005

“I love to read and re-read this book. It's not just about being sober, it's about being human. I feel like I have a personal private therapy session every time I pick up this book to read various passages. It is like you are being personally addressed and all your issues are diminished and you get "freed up". I only wish these authors were "on the road" giving seminars or something but, alas, don't find anything online about that. A truly, loving, supportive, forgiving friend is found when reading these pages. Thank you.”

Actually Five-Plus Stars !!, August 28, 2006

“This workbook is the best cognitive approach (CBT) to recovery that I have read so far. Outstanding and easy to comprehend. In the 12-Step Programs, those of us who have not experienced an anthropomorphic God (i.e., one who intervenes in human affairs) have an uphill battle with the religionists who want to promote their Higher Power (usually Jesus). Even my beloved Bill W. wrote the Chapter to the Agnostics, which has been used by more than one sponsor to clobber my agnosticism.
For 18-years, my Higher Power was my Home Group and the Big Book.
But it wasn't until I started using a cognitive-behavioral approach to recovery, and Buddhism for my spirituality that I really began having success in changing my "stinking thinking." So I don't care whether my binge drinking is a disease, heredity or part of my PTSD, all I know is that finally, after 20-years of effort, I am finally "happy, joyous & free." Thank you Bill W. for starting my journey & thank you Buddha & David Gregson for helping me put the icing on the cake.o far. Outstanding and easy to comprehend.”

Great book for anyone in recovery (and even those who aren't), January 27, 2008 C. H. Godwin "hope fiend" (Philadelphia, PA)
Reading this book was a key turning point in my recovery. It really put everything into perspective for me and strengthened my commitment to remaining sober and living a live of commitment to love and well-being for all. I gave it to my mom as a gift as well, and she's not in recovery.

darn good but, April 24, 2003

excellent suggestions for getting hold of the reins of loving sobriety...a wee lack of understanding of AA's philosophy as the authors mention the 'disease' is looked at as biological and physiological by AA and not dealt with as a disease of the 'mind' yet it's clearly written in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous on page 23 that alcoholism is a 'disease of the mind primarily' (2nd sentence of 1st paragraph) ... the authors also say 'alcohol and drugs' when alcohol is one of the major drugs...nicotine and alcohol are the worst of the bunch... whereas booze is more dramatic and devestating ruining many lives of loved ones,nicotine slaughters many more slowly chipping away at lives until it's too late and many a drunk has dumped the habit left not able to get off nicotine...the authors use the wrong minded terms 'clean and sober'...you'll see that term in NA literature and it's big among the rehabilitation centers but there's no 'clean'...it's the big rehabilitation center and counselor type 'lie'...no where in AA literature will you find the term 'clean'...'clean with caffeine and nicotine' you will hear in AA but even that's dwindling as the rehabilitation business detrimentially effects AA...one must alter ones mood chemically everyday of their lives...the only question is 'what chemical' do they use or abuse ?...sugar, anger, caffeine, workaholism (the biggest and most rewarded addiction of all...addiction is doing what i want to do repeadedly because i want to do it and i do it to the exclusion of 'wholeness'), judgementalness, nicotine, cocaine, booze, weed, heroine, aspirin, submissiveness, shyness, self-righteousness...all physical, psychological, mental, emotional, spiritual, emotional, social 'states' have their attending 'chemicals' shooting through the body...there's no way anyone can't alter their mood with chemicals daily...many of the non-external chemicals are worse than the external chemicals taken into the body...i dare say the authors were probably 'jacked up', worn out, anticipatory and struggling with pride and work all during the making of this book...no such things as 'clean and sober'...there's only 'sober' as first proposed by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob...they'd probably be appalled at the term 'clean' and even more shocked by the corruption of AA and long term sobriety by the authors and rehabilitation centers cashing in on a human phenomena...good techniques in this book but a fundamental ignorance of the dynamics of sobriety...it's striking the lack of understanding among psychologists/counselor types/addiction experts towards their own 'field'...could be because most of them haven't lived the addicts life or hit bottom themselves...especially the 'self talk' therapists...good book though...i trust 'take what you need and leave the rest'is practiced by all who read this lovely book...jsmith@fastmail.com

By A Customer
“I have nothing but good things to say about this book. Health concerns caused me to make the decision to give up my daily consumption of 2 or 3 drinks. While I did not think it necessary to attend AA, I needed some form of help. This book was the answer and gave me the knowledge and skills to forgo my daily pastime. It has been seven weeks since the last drink and other than a few times, it has been relatively easy to stop. I have read the book twice however and plan to read it again, if the "mind demons" start to play havoc with me. Thank you for an intelligent book that provides the skills needed to overcome this addiction. Highly recommended.”

Thought-Provoking and Practical, July 8, 2002

“I found "The Tao of Sobriety" to be extremely helpful on several counts. With over 20 years experience in the substance abuse treatment field, I found Gregson and Efran articulating ideas that I'd been working with in a coherent and practical framework. Their section on establishing "innocence in spirit" among patients who are plagued with guilt about their addiction is especially powerful and has been well received by several of my patients. The use of actual exercises makes the book useful as well as stimulating. The message of this book is relevant whether one is working a 12-Step program, (in which case it fits neatly into the "prayer and meditation" of the 11th Step), or is seeking an alternative approach to recovery. In fact, most of the concepts have relevance beyond the substance abuse area, and have already found a way into my practice with both addicted and non-addicted patients. I recommend this book highly.”

The Tao of Sobriety, March 9, 2002

“Although a therapist and a student of Zen practice for over 25 years, this book gave me a deeper level of compassion for people who suffer a life of addiction. I was impressed with how direct and yet nurturing the book spoke to the everyday difficulties of a person suffering from addiction. I found the exercises and the related discussions practical, realistic and powerful. This book can help addicts and their loved ones to experience the great joy of substance free, moment to moment living. As a family member who has experienced the pain of another family member's addiction, it help me to change my interactions, conversations and start a new relationship based on honest expression and loving actions. Read it, apply it and this book with change you!”