The face of addiction and alcoholism is a face that many have seen before -- it may be a celebrity, a colleague, or even a family member. And though the 12-step program by itself can often bring initial success, many addicts find themselves relapsing back into old ways and old patterns, or replacing one addiction with another. Author Darren Littlejohn has been there and back, and presents a complimentary guide for recovery to the traditional twelve-step program, out of his own struggles and successes through the study of Zen and Tibetan Buddhism.

Working with the traditional 12-Step philosophy, the author first shares his own life path, and how he came to find the spiritual solace that has greatly enhanced his life in recovery. Then, he details out how his work integrating Buddhism into the traditional twelve-step programs validates both aspects of the recovery process. While being careful not to present himself as a Tibetan lama or Zen master, the author shows how each step -- such as admitting there is a problem, seeking help, engaging in a thorough self-examination, making amends for harm done, and helping other drug addicts who want to recover - fits into the Bodhisattva path. This integration makes Buddhism accessible for addicts, and the 12 Steps understandable for Buddhists who may otherwise be at a loss to help those in need.

The 12-Step Buddhist is designed to be a complimentary practice to the traditional 12-step journey, not a replacement. While traditional twelve-step programs help addicts become sober by removing the drug of choice and providing a spiritual path, they rarely delve deep into what causes people to suffer in the first place. The integration of Buddhism with the traditional process provides the wisdom and meditations that can help addicts truly find a deep, spiritual liberation from all causes and conditions of suffering -- for good.

The 12-Step Buddhist: Enhance Recovery from Any Addiction, Darren Littlejohn, Atria Books/Beyond Words, Paperback, 320 pages, $17.00

.Darren Littlejohn is a recovering addict and a practitioner of Zen and Tibetan Buddhism. Trained as a power yoga instructor, he integrates what works into his recovery. He holds a BA in Psych and completed graduate coursework in Research Methods for Psychology. He's been involved with many community projects, including the fight against smoking, creating dog parks, community television, and a spiritually driven jazz program. A spiritual crisis led to a relapse in 1994 with 10 years of sobriety. After regaining sobriety in 1997, Darren worked on recovery with a new zeal, incorporating many years of psychotherapy, 12-Step work, Zen and Tibetan Buddhist practices. While relapse with long-term sobriety is common, returning for a sustained duration is extremely rare. Darren's program, which became the basis for the bestselling, "The 12-Step Buddhist", is an integrated approach that is hard won. His life's work is Compassionate Recovery, Mindful Healing for Trauma and Addiction (Rainbow Light Media 2022) Darren enjoys his dogs, cat and solitude in his Zen garden.

	Contents: The 12-Step Buddhist: Enhance Recovery from Any Addiction
	Foreword	ix
	Acknowledgments	xi
	Introduction	xv
1.	Darren's Story	1
2.	From Zen to Tibetan and Back	23
3.	The Grim Face of Addiction	31
4.	12-Step Programs: What Works and What Doesn't	53
5.	Buddhist Paths	65
6.	Introducing the Steps	89
	Step 1 Principle: Acceptance	95
	Step 2 Principle: Confidence	107
	Step 3 Principle: Surrender	123
	Step 4 Principle: Self-Examination	133
	Step 5 Principle: Self-Honesty	147
	Step 6 Principle: Willingness	161
	Step 7 Principle: Humility	171
	Step 8 Principle: Forgiveness	183
	Step 9 Principle: Restitution	195
	Step 10 Principle: Admission	209
	Step 11 Principle: Seeking	219
	Step 12 Principle: Unconditional Love	237
	Epilogue	261
	Notes	263
	Glossary	275
	Recommended Resources	281
	Index	283