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Rating: 
Summary: Not impressed.
Review: As a member of AA, I'm well aware of some of it's weaknesses. I was hoping to find, in this book, some improvements to AA, but I came away with the impression that the actions suggested in this book would be at *least* as difficult as the 12 steps. Yes, it takes away the "god" part of AA, which is a big stumbling block for a lot of people, but Dorsman then spends an entire chapter describing the ideal diet that will help you recover from alcoholism. It seemed unrealistic to me.I also think it would be difficult for someone who's just starting to quit drinking to go through pick which of Dorsman's suggestions they want to do. Recovery is a lot of hard work, and my guess is that most people need the structure of a 12-step or other program to help them through at least the first part of recovery. I was pleased to see that Dorsman listed some existing programs that are alternative to AA, and a nice listing of relaxation techniques and "inspirations" that could be incorporated to any recovery program.
Rating: 
Summary: Very rational
Review: I bought this book a couple weeks ago after reading a couple pages online, and finally got started on it at 3am -- couldn't sleep, hadn't drunk enough yesterday. The negative reviewers rely on slamming Dorsman as anti-AA, which he is not. He simply (and effectively, if you read it without that pre-supposition) communicates that AA is not for everyone. We are not cookies, all made from the same cookie-cutter. If it works for you, I'm very pleased for you. I know of AA successes, and I know of cases where AA was not successful. He suggests trying a few meetings. I very well may, though I suspect it is not for ME... I feel that the Dorsman approach will work better for ME. I am a firm believer in diet-based "treatment." We truly are what we eat and drink (WATER!) To believe otherwise is to believe that sugar, booze, bio-engineered foods, pesticides and herbicides (eg Roundup,) hormones (eg rBgh,) animal antibiotics (eg, those widely used in poultry farming) are harmless or even beneficial. We didn't get to the 21st century by consuming those products thoughout history. Alcoholism and junkfood (including all the processed "meals") comsumption are on meteoric rise and may well beat nuclear war to our destruction.
Rating: 
Summary: Response from one with no sane self-will or self-knowledge
Review: There was a time I disliked AA and it's sub-culture. Tried this book and like many things I tried, it didn't work ... for me. My rating would have been higher if I didn't see so many inaccuracies in regards to the AA program. What's funny is that at one time I agreed with 90% of it. Jerry Dorsman may mean well, however much of what he had to say in regards to AA was inaccurate under the "Problems With AA" topic. 1) AA does not neglect the physical and/or the disease concept. In the book "Alcoholics Anonymous" the disease concept is clear in the Doctor's Opinion and it is spoken about frequently in the meetings I attend. 2) AA does not necessarily require social involvement. There are those in AA who live in obscure places or are physically housebound. These people can connect via mail and their non-involvement in AA meetings does not keep them from practising the 12-steps. If there is not an alcoholic to carry the message to, there is always somebody out there somewhere one can reach out to ... if only to call to say hello or give a smile. The alturistic part of AA has it's purpose in getting the alcoholic's mind to think about someone other than one's own self. 3) God does not have to be a "Him". I know of members who refer to their Higher Power as a Goddess. I am non-religious and non-Christian. My spirituality has been metaphysically based and incorporates both non-tradition western and eastern philosophies. AA is NOT a religion and does not require one to be religious. It is "not allied with any denomination, sect, politics or institution." per the preamble. 4) AA's do not insist that anyone calls themselves an alcoholic. "The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking". This is per the 3rd Tradition of AA. 5) The AA way of life...which is the incorporating of the 12-steps in one's life is a holistic approach. Self-caring is part of recovery and cleaning up harmful habits is a natural progression. Since my own recovery, I've quit nicotine, caffeine, sugar, and I work out regularly. I am not unique in this. True, AA is not for everybody. My sincere best wishes to all alcoholics seeking recovery of any sort in any way. May this book be your answer or lead you closer to it. Peace be with all of you, your families, and friends.
Rating: 
Summary: AA is NOT the only way...
Review: This book was OK. But you should know that AA is not the only way to stop drinking/using drugs. It does work for a lot of people but not everyone. Try SMART recovery, too - they are an alternative to AA that is based on research. Definitely great - no need to buy ANY book!
Rating: 
Summary: If the shoe fits, wear it
Review: This is a sad, sad, sad book. I was forced to go to A.A. by the courts, and I hated A.A. with a passion. Once I was done with my A.A. sentence, I bought this book and left A.A. Two years later I was still drunk and I went back to A.A. for help. If you go to A.A. they will tell you that A.A. is not for everyone and if A.A. does not work for you then you do not have to stay. This book is anti A.A. in stating many misconceptions that will drive people away. The sad thing is, after reading this book and failing, many people will never get that chance to get sober because they will not no where to go.
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