Addiction is something that affects many different people from all walks of life and can be difficult for a therapist to treat, and the client to conquer. In this book fifteen people who have formerly had serious addictions speak about their experiences.

Survivors of Addiction draws on first-hand narratives to provide an overview of how and why people become addicted, and explores what happens after the addiction is left behind. Divided into four sections it covers:

• being caught up in addiction
• how and why users stop being addicted
• the early days after surviving addiction
• long-term outcomes.

By considering psychodynamic and Jungian perspectives as well as the clinical vignettes, this book examines the process of recovery from addiction. It will be key reading for therapists, clinicians and healthcare workers who encounter addictions in their day to day professions and will also be of great interest to those who are, or have been addicted, and their families.

Introduction. Setting the Scene. Part I: Lost in the Labyrinth of Addiction. A Shameful Secret. Down and Out. Ambivalence Second Time Round. Lost in the Labyrinth of Addiction. Part II: The Turning Point. I Did it My Way. Time to Stop Drinking with the Boys. I Was Able Just to be Me. The Prize Fighter. The Turning Point. Part III: The New Task. Starting from Scratch. Putting Away My Crutches. What I Learned When I Stopped Drinking. A Most Astonishing Thing Happened. The New Task. Part IV: In the Long Term. A Bleak Picture: Hoping Against Hope. A Very Major Change for Me. Stepping Away from Co-dependence. This Intense Relationship with Life Itself. In the Long Term. 

"Addenbrooke's beautifully written and innovative approach gives addicted individuals the chance to express themselves, making clear what does and does not work for them in their struggle. Then she adds canny and well-informed thinking and realistic reflection on this very demanding kind of therapeutic work. All mental health professionals carry addicted individuals in their practices and will be grateful to learn from this fine book, whilst addiction specialists will find it essential reading." - Andrew Samuels, Professor of Analytical Psychology, University of Essex, UK

"Easy to follow, Mary Addenbrooke's thoughtful and profound explorations into the voices of addiction recovery is essential reading for anyone who works with, or cares about an addict." - Addictionblog.org, May 13, 2011  

"The value of this book is in its skilful integration of the various factors that influence the onset and course of addictive disorders. Its message may remind clinicians, health care providers, social workers, and families that recovery must encompass a holistic process, including mental and physical health, spirituality, family and social relationships, and work. By giving voice to individuals who have gone through addiction and recovery and struggled to regain a footing in life, Survivors of Addiction is a refreshing counterpoint to the media-fueled fascination with celebrity addiction and the depictions of carefree substance misuse as seen in popular films. Such accounts only sensationalize addiction or disguise its potentially harmful effects on individuals, families, and society. In contrast, Addenbrooke strives to give dignity to the struggles that are depicted in these narratives. Although filled with drama, the narratives succeed in bringing us closer to the humanity of those who suffer through addiction, revealing the struggle and courage of those who embark upon recovery and the role that others may play in assisting them along the way." - Christine Grella, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol 57, Jan 2012

Mary Addenbrooke is a Jungian analyst who has worked in the field of substance misuse and a professional member of the Society of Analytical Psychology.