Review: The Road to Recovery from Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 11, 2013
The Courage to Surrender by John W is an honest and compelling account of decades of alcoholism and drug addiction and the ultimate recovery and sobriety of the author. It is the wish of the author to remain anonymous in order to protect those closest to him, but it is also his wish that his story might be of help to others facing the same challenges. I believe every word this author wrote; it is compelling, and sometimes difficult, to absorb.John W recounts his years of alcohol and drug addiction with remarkable clarity, yet there are periods where he very plainly says, I don't remember much of this. It is clear that he is educated and intelligent. He is also a savvy technologist and managed to hide his addictions and hold down various positions throughout his career.One of the main points of the book is that he has low self-esteem which is fueled by his addictions, so he succumbs to his addictions, which further exacerbates his low self-esteem. A vicious circle, and which the author clearly wants to stress. He says as much, that he wants to emphasize it because it is important that this type of behavior be recognized.The author's story is poignant and heartbreaking but I had to remember that this book was not meant to be a novel, but a memoir, and the addictions and eventual recovery are the focal point.The author says he "is not a writer" but I thought his writing clear, and honest, and well-thought out. I thought his writing quiet brilliant at times in that he was able to clearly express his feelings, his failings, and his fears. For people who are ready to confront their addictions and begin the road to sobriety, this is a must-read. The author wants to help people, and he says if he can help just one person become sober then it will have been worth it.It is clear, a lot of anguish and soul-searching went into the writing of this important memoir. And it will be worth it.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."