The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction - 2nd Edition by Rebecca E Williams & Julie S Kraft (Paperback)

About the Book

Addictive behaviors are often the result of loss--the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, or even the end of a romantic relationship. This fully revised and updated second edition of The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction offers readers an effective program for working through their addiction and grief with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Written by two VA psychologists, this workbook is effective for treating the emotion dysregulation, stress, depression, and grief that lie at the heart of addiction.

Book Synopsis

Break the addiction cycle once and for all with this powerful and compassionate workbook--now fully revised and updated!

If you struggle with addiction, know that you are not alone. Addictive behaviors are often the result of loss--the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, or even the end of a romantic relationship. If you're like many others, you may have turned to drugs, alcohol, or other troubling behaviors to avoid the pain of loss. But this only delays the healing process, and can ultimately lead to a destructive cycle that leaves you feeling trapped. So, how can you break free?

This second edition of The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction will help you identify the root of your addictive behaviors while providing healthy coping strategies to deal with the stress, anxiety, and depression that can come from experiencing a loss. With these powerful mindfulness exercises and lifestyle tips, you will be able to replace addictive behaviors with healthy behaviors to begin healing.

This workbook will help you:

• Determine the function your addiction is serving
• Develop healthy coping skills for dealing with loss
• Accept your thoughts and emotions
• Avoid addiction "triggers"
• Heal broken relationships and build a support system

No matter the loss, the mindfulness skills in this workbook will allow you to process your grief and replace your addiction with healthy coping behaviors.

Review Quotes

"Addictive behaviors thrive during times of grief, stress, and anger. The authors have created an excellent, easy-to-follow guide for dealing with these difficult emotions, making it perfect even if your feelings are running high and your addicted mind is running amuck. In this practical road map, you will find helpful exercises to develop the mindfulness skills needed to cope with these challenging emotions and overcome any barriers life throws at you."
--Duane Osterlind, LMFT, CSAT, host of The Addicted Mind podcast, and founder of Novus Mindful Life Institute--Duane Osterlind, LMFT, CSAT

"Mindfulness is such a powerful recovery tool. This workbook creates a beautifully accessible set of practices for supporting sustained recovery. Perfect for beginners or those experienced in mindfulness and therapy. A wonderful addition for any therapist or person seeking recovery."
--Celisa Flores, PsyD, NBCC, E-RYT, international speaker, integration coach, mindfulness facilitator, and Center for Discovery clinical outreach representative--Celisa Flores, PsyD, NBCC, E-RYT

"This book represents an essential journey to a deeper understanding and healing from addiction. Step by step, it masterfully takes you through this process in a way only someone with extensive clinical experience treating addiction can provide. It is simple to follow with insightful exercises, and stays true to the science behind addiction. Whether new or experienced in recovery or mindfulness, this book will take you deeper through your healing."
--Amer Raheemullah, MD, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University, and director of the addiction medicine consult service at Stanford Hospital--Amer Raheemullah, MD

"This inspired and comprehensive guidebook is the healing journey that we wish everyone struggling with addictions would have access to. Through inspirational practices, the authors engage readers to actively become part of their next-level metamorphosis. In its second edition, this guide integrates many of the traumas we recently experienced as a collective, and how we can move forward post-pandemic. This book delivers a journey toward self-understanding, self-acceptance, self-love, and transformation."
--Britt Deanda and Tara Schulenberg, founders and creators of Elevate the Globe, and coauthors of Good Morning Intentions--Britt Deanda and Tara Schulenberg

"This masterfully designed workbook distills proven strategies and interventions from multiple schools of psychotherapy into a holistic and practical guide that is sure to be a powerful catalyst for recovery. Guided by the trusted wisdom of experienced and hope-inspiring clinicians, the reader will learn to transform their relationship with their emotions and resolve the painful losses that are so often at the root of addictions."
--Dimitri Perivoliotis, PhD, psychologist at the VA San Diego Healthcare System; associate professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine; and coauthor of Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy for Serious Mental Health Conditions--Dimitri Perivoliotis, PhD

"Using insightful exercises and practical, real-life examples, Rebecca Williams and Julie Kraft lay a solid and accessible foundation for using mindfulness and inquiry to help us heal from addiction."
--Katy Cryer, MS, author of Yoga for Addiction--Katy Cryer, MS

"Warm, practical, and relatable, this guide to recovery is loaded with proven strategies to manage the emotional pain that drives addiction. It's an indispensable tool for those struggling with addictive behaviors, their loved ones, and their treatment providers."
--Yael Schonbrun, PhD, assistant professor at Brown University, and cohost of the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast--Yael Schonbrun, PhD

"We combed through stacks of addiction workbooks before finding The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction. With a blend of engaging narrative and practical tools, the authors show people that it's possible to feel and move on from years of underlying emotional trauma. With this essential manual on everyday mindful living, thousands have found satisfaction and sustained recovery through newfound self-acceptance and emotional intelligence."
--Daniel Manson, CATC and CATC-CS, president of Elevate Addiction Services, with over twenty-two years working in the substance abuse treatment industry--Daniel Manson, CATC and CATC-CS

About the Author

Rebecca E. Williams, PhD, is an award-winning author, psychologist, and wellness expert specializing in healthy recovery from mental illness, addiction, and life challenges. Her work focuses on building resilience and promoting well-being. Rebecca is coauthor of The Gift of Recovery. After more than twenty years as a clinic director at the VA San Diego Healthcare System and associate clinical professor at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine; she has turned her focus to healing and empowering health care professionals through her books, podcasts, and webinars.

Julie S. Kraft, MA, LMFT, is an award-winning author, and a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in recovery from addiction, anxiety, depression, and challenging relationships. She was adjunct professor at the University of San Diego's School of Leadership and Education Sciences until relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2018. Julie is coauthor of The Gift of Recovery. She has spoken at several addiction conferences and is a frequent guest on podcasts, but her greatest joy is treating clients in her private practice and seeing them find greater peace, joy, and fulfillment.