“A Gentle Path through the Twelve Steps: The Classic Guide for All People in the Process of Recovery” by Patrick J. Carnes Ph.D. is a comprehensive guidebook that offers practical guidance and support for individuals in addiction recovery. The book is organized into three sections that provide a structured approach to addressing addiction-related issues.
In the first section, the author provides an overview of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and their relevance to addiction recovery. The Twelve Steps are a set of principles that guide individuals through a process of self-reflection, self-improvement, and spiritual growth. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the Twelve Steps as a whole, rather than focusing solely on individual steps, in order to achieve lasting recovery.
The second section contains detailed explanations and exercises for each of the Twelve Steps, along with personal stories and reflections from people who have successfully completed the program. The author provides guidance on how to work through common challenges and obstacles that may arise during addiction recovery, such as relapse and shame. The exercises and personal stories included in the book can help individuals identify triggers and develop healthy coping mechanisms to address them.
The third section offers guidance for maintaining sobriety and continuing to grow in recovery beyond the Twelve Steps. The author emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, acceptance, and spiritual growth in the recovery process. He also provides guidance on how to develop a support network and seek professional help when needed.
While the book is not specifically written for shoplifters, it can be helpful for individuals struggling with compulsive stealing behavior as it provides a structured approach to addressing addiction-related issues. The exercises and personal stories included in the book can help individuals identify triggers and develop healthy coping mechanisms to address them. However, it’s important to note that shoplifting may have specific legal consequences, and individuals struggling with this behavior may also need to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor with experience in addressing compulsive stealing behavior.