Hi all
As those of you who read my Value of meditation thread know, I have been reading about Buddhism and learning about how to change self-image with a view toward addressing drinking.
Now, I just started reading Alan Carr's book Easyway to control drinking. I only read 90 pages so far but think there might be some valuable lessons in here.
For example, he says that it is a myth that we cannot handle stress. This is a myth in society, that we are deficient and need booze to cope, a myth that is supported by ads and movies. But the reality is our bodies are very complex and we can cope with lots of things.
This deficiency feeling feeds addiction. I think this fits with the buddhist books i have been reading, that we actually can deal with stressful situations better than we think we can.
The other thing he talks about is the rationale for quitting. he thinks focusing on the negatives and feeling deprived is the wrong way. he seems to be suggesting we just use our natural abilities to deal with life and view the trap of addiction for what it is.
Also, he addresses the myths that keep us drinking. for example, we say that a beer quenches our thirst when in fact it dehydrates us. Or we say it makes us sociable, when in reality it knocks us out. he says we need those excuses to justify doing something that is in fact very harmful. Very interesting stuff.
also, he doesn't like the stigmatising term "alcoholic" and doesn't believe alcoholism is a disease. I agree with this.
I like this book!!!
As those of you who read my Value of meditation thread know, I have been reading about Buddhism and learning about how to change self-image with a view toward addressing drinking.
Now, I just started reading Alan Carr's book Easyway to control drinking. I only read 90 pages so far but think there might be some valuable lessons in here.
For example, he says that it is a myth that we cannot handle stress. This is a myth in society, that we are deficient and need booze to cope, a myth that is supported by ads and movies. But the reality is our bodies are very complex and we can cope with lots of things.
This deficiency feeling feeds addiction. I think this fits with the buddhist books i have been reading, that we actually can deal with stressful situations better than we think we can.
The other thing he talks about is the rationale for quitting. he thinks focusing on the negatives and feeling deprived is the wrong way. he seems to be suggesting we just use our natural abilities to deal with life and view the trap of addiction for what it is.
Also, he addresses the myths that keep us drinking. for example, we say that a beer quenches our thirst when in fact it dehydrates us. Or we say it makes us sociable, when in reality it knocks us out. he says we need those excuses to justify doing something that is in fact very harmful. Very interesting stuff.
also, he doesn't like the stigmatising term "alcoholic" and doesn't believe alcoholism is a disease. I agree with this.
I like this book!!!
Suz
Comment