Just was not what I was expecting it to be, a little "woo woo" for my taste... Would probably be better for someone else!

This is a powerful and inspiring book that offers a new way to think about addiction. Dr. Stout offers that addiction is not a disease, but rather a spiritual problem. He believes that the only way to truly heal from addiction is to reconnect with our souls. If you're struggling with addiction and searching for answers about ways to move forward, this might be a good resource.

Dr. Carder Stout takes a thoughtful and empathetic approach towards treating a wide range of addictions. Stout uses a variety of examples and exercises to help guide the reader in reconnecting with their soul and overcome addiction. The book is broken up into chapters dedicated towards particular addictions such as eating disorders, alcohol and drugs, smartphones, etc. This may lead readers to focus solely on specific chapters, however most of the exercises across chapters, can be applied universally, such as getting past obsessive thinking or rediscovering your core values. The author covers some very serious addictions, but only within a short disclaimer before the first chapter (which can be easily overlooked) is there advice that individuals should seek professional help first and foremost. This book has the potential for wide-appeal in it's exploration of general addictive pattern and thoughts, but lacks guidance in the long term application of the exercises scattered throughout.

This is a psychiatrists point of view on addiction and tries to explain to the reader how our souls relate to our addiction as opposed to our egos like most therapy suggests. A little run on and dry in some points but a mostly interesting read and I appreciated the different approach. Addiction is such an epidemic and reading about it seems more common place that I’d suggest this to those who struggle as well as to family members who were trying to understand it as well as it doesn’t just cover the basic addictions most are familiar with (drugs and alcohol). The book also covers eating disorders, addictions to pornography and sex, cellphones, success.. etc.

Thank you NetGalley, Viva Editions, and the author for the chance to read this ARC.

Great book about addiction from a very different perspective. I liked the way the author referred to the addictions we all share and introduced the concept of addiction as an archetype. Im sure this book will help a lot of people.

I found the author’s approach to addiction quite fascinating and like his idea of connecting more to our souls instead of our egos in order to quiet the addictive thoughts that lead to compulsive behavior. The journaling exercises and meditations are well thought out and helpful, however I think that many people suffering from any kind of addiction would also benefit from individual work with a therapist, EFT tapping practitioner, or a community support system.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is an interesting and provocative view of addiction through the perspective of a psychologist, a “wounded healer,” who has addressed a myriad of addictions both personally and professionally.

The premise of soul-based recovery from a variety of human conditions is not new. What is new is the idea that addictions are archetypal energies that we all encounter at some point in our lives. The author’s compassionate take on this topic helps to strip away the shame and stigma associated with addiction. This does not make us less responsible (response-able) for our thoughts and behaviors – in fact, it frees us to address addictions with that same compassion for ourselves and others.

For many, the coping strategies to avoid and/or relieve pain and fear are rooted in childhood experiences when choices and options were limited. It is ironic that these same strategies intensify over time and become the obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions of addiction, which only sustains and increases the suffering.

The author provides much anecdotal information from case studies and his personal experience in healing his addictions to support his premise that reconnecting with the soul – the authentic, loving self, is the answer to releasing the bonds of addiction. I appreciated his transparency in sharing his history of addiction and recovery.

The book is written in a very approachable style and is quite comprehensive in scope, including suggested exercises to put theory into practice. Chapters illustrate addictions to: Vanity and Fame; Annoyance, Frustration and Resentment; Alcohol and Drugs; Smartphones; Sex, Love and Pornography; Eating Disorders; Work and Success; Exaggeration and Lies; and the Future and the Past. This is not a “quick fix” guide to addictions. As the author point out, his reconnection with soul took place over 15 years and continues on. Recovery is more an upward spiral than a linear process and deepening the soul connection as the guiding force is a life-long endeavor. My only (mild) criticism is the emphasis on his famous clientele, which for me is irrelevant.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

This is an interesting book with a unique approach to self-help. Unfortunately, it was a little too woo-woo for me. I’m sure there are many people out there who are more spiritual than I am and will love the book. I think it will help a lot of people , but this was a DNF for me.