1. Dispelling the Myths
Introduction and a Personal Story–Why “Powerless No Longer?” - The Nature of Addiction – A Look at What Works – Suggestions on How to Use the Book
2. How We Learn Addiction
The Concept of Neuroplasticity – The Neuroplastic Learning Process – What We Can Learn We Can Unlearn – From reward to slavery, Neuroplasticity and the three stages of addiction – The role of stress in urges
3. They Were Not Powerless, and Neither Are You
Abuse and dependence, the medical point-of-view – Nicotine dependency, the commonest natural recovery – Early studies of self-change – The Vietnam veterans study and the end of the myth – Destroying the powerless myth once-and-for-all – Successful non-abstinent outcomes and natural recovery – Natural recovery and what it means for you
4. Breaking the Chains – Harnessing the Power of Self-change
A simple model of change – The Precontemplative-living in denial – Contemplators-dealing with the pros and cons – Preparation-making plans to change and deciding on the method – Action-now you go to work – Maintenance-learning to live – Relapse-the option you don’t want to exercise – Termination-moving on with your life
5. Choosing Your Personal Pathway to Change
Recovering with informal help – Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and 12-step recovery – SMART Recovery® - Moderation Management
6. Obtaining and Maintaining Motivation
Motivation is key to recovery – Mindfulness – Motivational Enhancement and Maintenance Techniques – Crystallization of Discontent
7. Understanding and Controlling Urges
Understanding urges – Strategies to cope with urges – Introduction to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy techniques
8. Proven Non-magical Tools for Living in a Reality-based World
The “ABC’s” of REBT – Managing stress-at the source – Problem solving
9. A Realistic, Balanced Vision for You
Lifestyle balance – Moving on with your life
