The story of becoming sober signifies a great deal more than simply not ‘picking up' or ‘using'. This is a story not only of recovery, but also of what it means to live in sobriety.
CONGRESSMAN PATRICK J. KENNEDY
1ST DISTRICT, RHODE ISLAND
This book, written by a recovering addict who became a successful therapist, is a perfect road map for addicts, codependents, and therapists. Among the milestones are sobriety, emotional maturity, and personal responsibility.
JOSEPH A. PURSCH, M.D.
PSYCHIATRIST AND MEMBER OF THE PRESIDENT'S COMMISSION ON ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ADDICTION
A provocative and enlightening book that will inspire and touch the reader deeply. Highly recommended!
CONGRESSMAN JIM RAMSTAD
3RD DISTRICT, MINNESOTA
CO-CHAIR, ADDICTION TREATMENT AND RECOVERY CAUCUS
Read this book, if for nothing else than insight into how very much alike we all are. Despite our differences, when we enter recovery, embracing it with clarity and purpose, willing to do whatever it takes for as long as it takes, that’s when life really begins.
ADDICTION TREATMENT MAGAZINE (CLICK ABOVE LINK FOR FULL REVIEW)
This is a highly readable book that will be inspirational to those struggling with alcohol or drug problems and enlightening for those unfamiliar with the recovery process.
GEORGE KOLODNER, M.D.
MEDICAL DIRECTOR, KOLMAC CLINIC
CLINICAL PROFESSOR, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Inspiration for a Nation Struggling with Addiction
Anyone interested in public policy regarding addiction should read this book. We live in an age where addiction to food, alcohol, drugs, sugar, or whatever seems to be overpowering all the genius of our modern scientific society. The mystery of why we have not been able to make significant advances in treating addiction is the question of the 21st century. Dr. Anita Gadhia-Smith's excellent book, "From Addiction to Recovery", is a wonderful read. Dr Gadhia-Smith describes her own life in great detail. She was a woman with everything, and yet she felt into severely addictive behavior. Her struggle about her road to recovery is something everyone should read. Many young people may realize that if such a fine person such as Dr. Gadhia-Smith could fall to addiction and yet recover, they should conclude that they are also children of God and that they too can recover.
SENATOR LARRY PRESSLER (NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON, DC)
This book gives us HOPE!
This book bares a woman's soul as she struggles with seemingly irrecoverable addictions and unimaginable psychological devastation. Yet she courageously recovers and gives readers HOPE that no pit is so deep nor compulsion so strong that an effective recovery program cannot overcome.
Anita's book should be read by all who have experienced - or know someone who has experienced - the desperation of addiction, insecurity, and deep emotional trauma. Her story provides a reference for all who seek to help themselves or others put their stories in context and feel life is worth living!
DON ARTHUR, M.D.
An Amazing Journey
This gripping ,intimate story covers a beautiful womans saga from a suburban middle class upbringing to pot smoking, alcohol- use then abuse. Her journey in and out of education, bars, sex, drugs and rock and roll....After years of stupid, self destroying behavior...She finds a 12 Step Program,learns to live a complete life then Graduates at the Top of her class from 2 of the Nations finest Universities and emerges as one of Washington DC's most respected, dedicated and devoted Counslers/Psyco Analysts. Her story is riviting and an inspiration.
ARNIE POTOMAC
A Must Read for Recovery and Emotional Growth
I very recently read this book and would recommend it to anyone who is in recovery and looking for answers on how to get better emotionally and spiritually after addiction. While many books have accounts of the active addiction, this book is more about understanding the underlying causes and the way out to spritual growth. The author's deep understanding of the addictions that have affected many in our society, gives hope to the newly recovered alcoholic and drug addict looking for a reason to continue in their search for sobriety and meaning in their lives.
W. HALL (WASHINGTON, DC)
A remarkable story, worth revisiting often!
This is a remarkable story of courage and perseverance, but most of all hope. And one of the most important "take aways" is that recovering from addiction is more than not just using - it is about allowing changes in attitudes, beliefs and actions to permeate the rest of your life. Dr. Smith does a wonderful job in allowing this part of the story to unfold, as she takes us through her journey through a "new life."
I've read it 3x since purchasing it about a month ago. And I never fail to find something worthwhile even when picking it up to peruse a few pages. Lots of lessons here!!
HOLLY
Very Educational, Honest, and Helpful!
I really enjoyed reading this book. It shows that one can work their way through very difficult times. The author was very forthcoming and inspirational. She worked through many obstacles to reach her goals. This is a very inspiring book for many audiences. I think it would be helpful for people with addictions, their families and professionals who work in this area. This is a great tool to become more aware of addiction in our society today. It also has many useful strategies to work on and overcome addictions.
CANDACE KOPIT "CANDACE SAHM, ADHD COACH" (BETHESDA, MD)
A fearless and thorough personal account
I found Dr. Gadhia-Smith's narrative fascinating. It really tells what it was like, what happened, and what it is like now for her as a recovering alcoholic and addict. It is very reader friendly and offers a hopeful message. I think this book would be good for anyone who suffers from "the disease of addiction" or knows someone who does. It was enlightening.
HELEN FOREST (WASHINGTON, DC)
Letting it all hang out!
Ferocious opening of a very private and rough first life and calming closure for the second go round. A great (and fast) read and learning experience for anyone who second guesses their value to other humans and a standard operating procedure for anyone needing inspiration and a roadmap to recovery. The author holds back on nothing and lets it all hang out so others can heal. Pure raw guts and a survival story that's always on the edge.
K. BURT
A Must Read for Medical Students and Those Struggling
"A must read for those studying medicine and treating people with medical & psychological issues associated with addiction. As a volunteer in the Psychiatric Unit of a hospital, I feel that Dr. Gadhia-Smith's honest and easy to read personal story can offer hope and guidance to those who have none left. As a human being, this book is a brave story of recovery and an example of the steps to take in leading a productive and rich life."
BILLIE MITZNER (ARLINGTON, VA)
An Achievement of Love and Will
When Anita reaches the point in her life at which she knows unequivocably that she must either sink or swim, she SWIMS. She swims through some of the most shark-infested and seemingly insurmountable waters imaginable - her own powerful and long-term addiction to drugs and alcohol. This is one of those "takes your breath away" true stories of a person who identifies in herself the will to live - and her love for herself - and struggles against tremendous obstacles to ultimately achieve true health and happiness. It is a story of bravery and humility. This is a "must read" for anyone looking for the inspiration - and a model - to kick the habit and for anyone who loves someone who must. Read it all night long. I did.
KATHLEEN C. STONE (BALTIMORE, MD)
Inspiring
This is a deeply honest, painful, yet inspiring, story. It was quick to read, but is slow to leave my thoughts. Especially the chapters on marriage and self-care. There are many lessons shared by the author that can help those struggling with addictions and with relationships. It is definitely a book I will share with others, maybe even lend them my copy, but will not let them keep. It was more than worth the price I paid for it.
C. SNOWDEN
A Must Read for Those in Need
This is a true life story that shares the insights necessary for addicts to find a methodology to potentially overcome their illness. In addition, it sheds light from the inside that will allow family members and friends to understand the signs and issues of addiction. This is a must read for anyone involved with addiction. It is easy to read and understand the messages that Dr. Gadhia-Smith has openly constructed about the internal confrontations of her life and her ability to overcome them. Any medical facility dealing with addiction must have this on their shelf and it should be required reading for anyone in AA or NA. In her book, Dr. Gadhia-Smith does not pretend to say that overcoming addiction is easy, but she does open the door to the dark closet of secrets surrounding this disease which affects so many.
ET (WASHINGTON, DC)
My wife's favorite book of 2007
My wife Inge asked me to buy this book for her - and she loved it. She told me after reading it in only three sessions, "this is one of the best books I have every read." She found it very difficult to put down and was very disappointed when she got to the final page.
The author tells her story from her soul and her heart, and captures the reader with her heartrending life experiences of someone so young. Anyone who is abusing drugs or alcohol and believes there is no way out will realize from this book that there really is a "light at the end of the tunnel." Dr Anita is a victor and a warrior, and she conquered all her addictions.
My wife assures me that you will enjoy reading this informative book. "All the characters are so alive," she said, "it is like watching a movie.
N. WALLACE (BETHESDA, MD)
A Review
This book held my attention, captivated my spirit, and warmed my soul. The writer's determination to battle, conquer and defeat her addiction made me hungry to read on. The story was compelling with from the gut honesty and an easy to read style.
ANONYMOUS
Splendid
The book is as gorgeous as the author's picture on the cover! Inviting, haunting, and very honest and real. Makes me wish I had met her in the 20s (and 30s and 40s!)! Don't miss her story!
RONALD E SMITH MD
A must read for professionals and lay people alike
This book would be an excellent text for substance abuse classes. I wish it had been available when I was in school. It follows the progression of the disease from the beginning, to the depths of misery, to the first glimmer of hope, and finally to the triumph of sobriety and high achievement. We are there for every moment of the journey.
I was struck by the absolute honesty of book. I don't know where Dr. Gadhia-Smith found the courage to be so self-revelatory.
MARIANNE
Very Helpful Book. Must Read
I bought this book for one of my friends and his response was 'This is the BEST gift you could have ever given' he called me after 2 weeks to thank me. I thought he was beyond help but this book had a great impact on him. What's interesting is that the author has personally experienced and overcome challenges so it is a realistic experience and not preachings by someone who cannot relate to it.
APURVA ASHOK GHELANI
Amazing story
I am not much of a book worm, but could not put this book down once I started reading it. To read about where Dr. Brown came from to where she is today, spiritually, personally and professionally...should be an inspiration of hope for anyone facing addiction issues.
A KID'S REVIEW
Why You Should Read This Book!
Excellent book for those suffering with any type of addiction or if you have a loved one in active addiction. The author tells her own story of horrific struggles to get a life of meaning as she crawls out from under the bondage of her addictions. Her quest for recovery gives all addicts hope of what can be found when you immerse yourself in a community of recovery. A book that brings hope for those of us in bondage. Her life in recovery is amazing as she dedicates herself to helping others as a therapist.
STEPHANIE H.
back to top
