My wife and I have just finished reading "the Alcoholism & Addiction Cure". It was very informative and hit home in many areas. Our 32 year old, very intelligent son has been an "addict" now for several years. He has probably tried about anything and everything out there. He graduated to being a needle using heroin addict. Pax's struggle and stories with his heroin addiction struck home. we need to convince our son to read your book and to move forward from there. He had moved back in with us and did well for awhile and them started using substitute drugs on occasion. He is back on the street now, the day before xmas. Bless you for all you have done. I recently retired as Police Chief in our community and spent many years "fighting the war on drugs". That war will never be won without a change in "attitude". The award and availability of drugs will always be there. Its the attitude that needs to be changed. Thank You!
-Gene
I was skeptical at first, thinking it was mostly hype and a marketing ploy. Boy, was I wrong! I recommend this book to all of my friends in the recovery community and I strongly suggest that all of my clients listen to the audiobook because Chris has distilled everything I believe, teach and have proven in my own experience as a holistic recovery coach and spiritual counselor into a concise guidebook. I don't necessarily agree with everything that his staff of experts say but I do agree with about 95%, which is a huge statement for me to make.
-Mary
I saw an advertisement on T.V about a month ago. I had to rush online and purchase the book right away. I have the book on cd and I am only up to the fifth cd right now. I have cried while listening, and completely relate to the stories of Pax. It has been very emotional for me to listen to the cd's, and I can't wait to finish the book. I have also purchased Be who you want have what you want along with the other books in the package. I can't wait to read those as well. I have always suffered from anxiety disorder, depression and agoraphobia. Seeing me you would never know, as I am very outgoing. All the while I suffer inside. I reside in New York and have been on disability for many years. I only wish I could afford to get help at your center. I have tried hospitals and therapists and I have never received the right type of help. I am forty four years old and my wish for myself is to be normal. To find happiness, be in a healthy relatioship and have the children I've always wanted.
Sincerely,
Lisa
I really understand the concept of the book. I went through traditional treatment, am still clean, but I found it nothing but the teachings of the 12 step program.
I feel each person needs to find that works for them. The legal system uses 12 step as free therapy. I am mandated by a dmv supervision to attend 12 step meetings. I was never given a choice for my treatment.
This book makes sense with your methods of treating addicts. I see too many people trying 12 step groups over and over and not getting well. I have always believed that people need to deal with their issues to stop using. I am tired of being told that the 12 step method is the only way to recover. Doing that is like saying that only one form of medicine works for everyone. It's time to stop mandating people into meetings.
-Diane
Greetings and salutations, First of all I would like to express my deepest and most sincere gratitude to Chris for writing this extreemly insightful text. It literally saved my life! I originally purchased the book for my spouse as she didn't achieve much success with Alcoholics Anonymous. Sadly, she never even cracked the cover. Needless to say, she is no longer in my life due to her inability to face life without drugs and alcohol. We used lethal quantities of drugs and alcohol together. In the end of our using "career" together, I could not go 30 days without overdosing on pharmaceuticals, yet she was the one with the problem! One day I decided I'd had enough pain. I had gotten into legal trouble and the Judge, in his infinite jurisprudence, said I could either go to jail...AGAIN, to face the agony of withdrawl in the "four star" accommodations of the County Jail, or I could go to treatment. Being the master manipulator I chose rehab. I thought I was beating the system by chosing the "easy way out"! The facility I was admitted to employed a treatment modality based on the 12 steps of A.A.. I had a great deal of difficulty grasping the principles of the program. In fact, at about day 45 of the 28 day program I was caught with two female clients in my bed, was reprimanded for "skinnydipping" in the pool, got into a physical altercation with another client, and overdosed on Xanax and Oxycontin! Being a man of science, I struggled with the whole God concept. Mind you, I was an Atheist, or so I told myself. My therapist, (such a brilliant soul), so ever gently informed me that I wasn't "smart enough to be an Atheist!", and told ME to to read your book. At first I took offense and was bewildered by his observation of my intellect.
In retrospect, he was absolutely, "spot-on". He could see right through my facade of power and control. He saw the emaciated, lost, major depressive that I had become and had accepted as my destiny. Full of bitterness and rage with no sense of direction or concept of where I fit into the grand scheme of the Universe. At first I found "The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure" a slow read. As touching as Pax's story was, I was all too familiar with the wages of addiction. When I progressed to "Changing the Treatment Paradigm" I started to become enthralled. Through meditation and deep introspection I began examining the reasons I began seeking the "relief" that drugs and alcohol originally afforded me through self-medication. I discovered that I was deeply depressed, insecure and fraught with self loathing. In addition, I had legitimate chronic pain issues. With these issues in mind, I prescribed myself therapy with a psychiatrist with intensive training in addictions. Through extensive labwork and diagnostics we discovered that I have a chemical imbalance which caused major depression. Furthermore it was revealed that I have a hormone deficiency. I now take an anti-depressant and Testosterone. I then consulted with a nutritionist and developed a diet and supplement regimen.
Then I enlisted the services of a physical therapist to address my chronic pain. Finally I sought the help of a spiritual adviser to assist me in the development of a personal philosophy on life and to help me see realistically just exactly how and where I fit into the the Universe as a whole. I initiated all of this while I was still in the treatment center, just as your guidelines suggested with the exception of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (Due to denial of insurance benefits for same.). However, I remain open-minded to the potential of Chinese medicine. Anyway, to lend some brevity to an already long story, I have been free from all mood altering drugs including alcohol for the better part of a year now. Through actually studying (not simply reading) your book and practicing the fundamentals contained therein I have addressed the core issues that were the reasons I used drugs in the first place. I do not crave drugs and I KNOW I am cured, freed from the chains of active addiction! Thank you for teaching me about myself and above all for believing in me. Your book truly saved my life!
Deepest Gratitude,
Dr. English
Where to start. First of all your book has given me the first REAL feeling that I have ALWAYS known and that's that I can fix myself. That I am not doomed to be a failure all my life. I have been drinking, taking drugs and have promiscuous tendencies. I certainly use these things to self medicate. I have SEVERE anxiety problems, SEVERE self image problems. For the first time I feel there is hope for me. I have known my whole life that I have been capable of more than what and who I am but have ALWAYS self sabotaged it and have become a slave to the vicious cycle of ups and downs. I know now that I can lead a HEALTHY HAPPY life with help which I desperately need or stay stuck forever in this endless cycle. Though I am the type of person that would flower under a direct intense 30 day program of rehab and healing myself nor my family could afford such a thing. Ive asked. They would love to help but cant. So, I am going to try and attempt to figure this out on my own but have found it very overwhelming to find Drs in Florida where I live to help and believe. I need the correct testing and care and cant find it. I need help. I am tired of watching everyone I know and love have loving lasting relationships, successful careers. I have spent the last 10 years shut down and off cause I felt nothing could help me. I have hope and I am craving to become the person that I know that I have the potential to be. Is there anyone there that can suggest Drs and/or testing facilities in the Delray Beach, FL area that may help me. Its been a very discouraging search but I don't want to give up. Please help me. I want to feel like a person thats worthy of love. I want a real life worth living. I'm tired of being so all alone. Thank you in advance for your help but most of all for The book. Its changed my life.
T
Your concept of why Addition occurs is, I feel on mark. Abuse of a person/women is one of most common occurances and with that not totally addressed with a loud voice it is something that needs to be heard. I am in the process of writing an informative read regarding this in every form. To make it easier for the person reading it along with your book, to open their eyes, what to watch for.Are they already in the eye of the storm of an abusive relationship? Do they need to have an in your face book about a women that was in this type of relationship for 16 years. This is a book that will need a highlighter attached!!! It tells of how he slowly did this and the signs to watch for. How she responded to life and how she got out. Its a spiritual journey that will be hard to put down and relief in spirit to the reader.
Thank You
Elizabeth J Saxton
he reason I purchased your book was due to the fact that I felt my drinking was becoming a problem. I had dealt with heavy drinking in my youth and I ended up conquering it or so I thought. About 4 years ago I started casual drinking and it became a problem, but I was determined that I could get a handle on it and that I just had to limit my intake. Your right, as you state in your book that no-one wants to be labled as alcoholic or addicted and I was seriously starting to look at myself as suffering with a dreaded disease that I would never overcome and I was about ready to start a 12 step program. But then I read your book and all I can say is Wow. I actually could hear your voice or how I would perceive your voice in my head asking me the question - Do you know why you abuse alcohol? It was that easy. After a few moments of really thinking it became crystal clear. I am fortunate in that I won't require some of the treatments that some may, but this book has changed my perception. One will be able to navigate, when one is able to see clearly.
Thanks So Much And God Bless,
Bernard D.
In desperation last Sunday I was scanning the internet to locate a rehab ctr., that would accept a person without insurance far away from the North Carolina. I have 4 beautiful adult children. Been using since I was 40yrs of age now 52. I thought there was no hope especially after calling and finding out the cost. After reading website and reviews I quickly went out and purchased the book. I just finished reading Pax's story "To Hell and Back". I found some freedom when reading that Pax believed in me "It takes a strong person to stand up to his or her fate & overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of freedom and success". You see I havent been able to hold down a job in 10 years, no money, no insurance and totally unable to get the help required to overcome my addiction to crack cocaine. I am excited however to continue reading the rest of the book hoping praying that somehow someway I can get the medical help needed. With no dependent children no medicaid. Not old enough for senior citizens medical. But I am going to find away. No longer am I convinced that "once an addict always an addict". There are many underlying reasons why I continue to use and Pax damnit this time I know with the proper help I can do this. Thanks for sharing with an old sister seeking help and standing in the need of prayer.
Love you.
Carla
I have been supporting a loved one with alcohol issues, and I have been frustrated until now. Even though AA stands for and does incredibly good things in people's lives, I have stood on the sidelines, concerned, that the root causes of the alcohol abuse were virtually ignored. I have been thinking and saying that there are actual emotional, spiritual, and/or physical reasons why people use or abuse alcohol as a coping mechanism and that no real relief can come without addressing those, but I felt like no one else was really hearing me. I spent two hours on the internet this evening searching for any link related to "underlying cause of alcohol abuse" and similar word strings, and I found nothing...and then a breakthrough...your book. I am purchasing it right away along with the other life-changing books by Chris Prentiss I've just discovered. I can't wait to read them and to share them with my loved ones. Based on the book summaries and my tour of your treatment center website, it's clear that you have used your harrowing personal challenges as a springboard to truly help others heal and be happy. God bless you both Chris and Pax, and may wealth, health, happiness and profound inner peace abound in your lives. Thank you for "getting it" and for sharing it with the world.
Tom
I have read your book, and have to say that it has completely changed my life. I have been to treatment more than ten times from Missouri to Maui to Washington. I have tried and tried to make the treatment work, but just like Pax, I relapsed many, many times. I honestly don't know where I would be right now if it wasn't for "The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure". I have been waiting my whole life for this. The reason I am writing you this is because I would like to give back. I am living proof that this works, and know that there are millions of people out there that could be helped immensely by this program. The thing is, I am not quite sure what to do to help. I would love to volunteer at Passages, and even though I've never been there, I feel like I already am familiar with the miracles that happen there on a daily basis. I would love to hear back from someone who might have some suggestions for me, or who could tell me if there is any possible way that my services would be welcomed there, free of course. I check my email on a regular basis, and look forward to hopefully hearing from you soon. Also, thanks again for saving my life, I owe you guys the world.
Sincerely,
Tyson
Dear Mr. Prentiss:
I just celebrated my first New Year's Eve sober. What an amazing feeling. My wife gave me your book after I was arrested for drunk driving about six months ago, and it completely changed my life. I laughed when I first read the title, because I had been told in the past, and I totally believed it, that I had the incurable disease of alcoholism. At first I didn't believe it, but then I read Pax's story. Wow! What you and he went through amazing! It gave me a glimmer of hope and I decided to give your program a try. What an amazing wake up call it was when I realized that it was true, that I was not an alcoholic at all, that it was just a label someone had stuck on me. And almost right away I had a real breakthrough. I discovered that what I had was not incurable alcoholism, but a dependency. I was not an incurably diseased alcoholic. So I followed the steps you outlined in the book to cure my dependency, and here I am, sober as can be. I am a walking miracle. Following the steps in your program, I found out the real truth behind my drinking, the real cause. It was a difficult time for me, but I won out. I don't miss drinking, I don't even think about it, I have no cravings and it's not because my life has been a bed of roses, it has not. Two months into my sobriety, I had a severe business set back that nearly caused me to declare bankruptcy. Fortunately, it righted itself after a month, BUT, I didn't turn to alcohol to cope with my problem during that horribly hard month. I was and am so proud of myself. My wife is proud of me too. Your program worked like a dream. So I took this moment to write to you to tell you of my profound gratitude. My wife also thanks you, and we both wish you the greatest new year possible. Keep up the good work and if you ever get to West Virginia, give us a call!
Michael J.
Dear Mr. Prentiss:
Simple words cannot explain how grateful I am to you for writing your book on addiction. It has truly saved my life. I now have the life that I have always dreamed of having. I am no longer a prisoner in the jail cell of addiction where I lived for over twenty years. I thought for sure I would do a life sentence there, but you gave me the key to get out. I have now been sober for 14 months. I do not even get cravings. I am can honestly say that I am cured once and for all. I tell everyone about your wonderful book. I looked at your Passagesmalibu.com website the other day and was inspired to write to you. It looks like such a wonderful place. I hope all your dreams and hopes come true. You certainly deserve it. Please tell Pax that it was his story that gave me the strength I needed to get started. He gave me hope. Even though we have never met in person, I feel as though we are close friends.
Your Friend,
J.P.
During the past few weeks, I read a book given to me. The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure - A Holistic Approach to Total Recovery by Chris Prentiss is one of the most enlightening books that I have ever read - not because of his views of alcohol and drug dependency and their causes, but because the book informed me that these views are relatively new to the world of addiction therapy. Chris believes that drug and alcohol dependent people don't have an incurable disease. Dependency is 100% curable. Alcoholics and drug addicts are simply trying to cope with the world in which they live. Their coping mechanisms just happen to be alcohol and drugs. And alcohol and drugs work very well - regardless of whether or not they will eventually kill you. I always thought it was obvious. Apparently not. So, I will help Chris spread the word, and promote his book as well. The book itself is great. It is easy to read and full of warmth, very chatty. It is a wealth of information both for dependent people and for their therapists. This book makes a great reference source. The third chapter is written by Chris's son, Pax. Pax was addicted to heroine, cocaine and alcohol for ten years. Chris got him clean forty times. This chapter is Pax's story and it is as heartening and illuminating as it is appalling. Once Pax discovered the reason for his dependency and he and Chris were able to cure it, they opened a rehabilitation centre for dependency treatment in Malibu called Passages. It has the highest success rate of any dependency treatment center in the world.
Sarah S.
This book is all about healing...and healing holistically, which appeals to me. The author has real experience about how alcoholism and addiction can affect a person, and his own son's experience is covered in one of the chapters. I appreciate the way that they are described as dependencies, and how effective treatment must focus on healing the underlying causes of the dependency. People who have these conditions can often be stereotyped in society. As many of us know, dependency can happen to anyone. I am buying this book for those family and friends who I know will find this book a source of inspiration and healing. It is also great for people who are supportive of people who suffer with these conditions. Give this book serious consideration. Learn how to cure yourself, or provide support for your loved one who is seeking a cure.
Rachael
I have ordered the book and CD's and find them to be so extremely helpful. It is so amazing to me to learn from this information. I am now 7 days sober and it is because of the wonderful recovery kit that passages has offered to the public. Ordering this program is the best thing I have ever done. My eyes have been open to a new approach to recovery. I have read the book and listen to the CD's daily. They have given me hope and I feel that without them I would not be sober now.
Brian
The cost of this book is so inexpensive considering its value. The author's easy reading style describes a slowly emerging truth about addiction. After so many years of alcohol and crack-cocaine addiction I was saved by a similiar view on addictions by another treatment center. If you keep telling addicts that they are diseased and powerless what do you expect from them in the way of recovery? This book offers a permanent solution, and for those that are ready to quit it rings true.
Gary
