Summary of Patrick Carnes's A Gentle Path through the Twelve Steps

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The First Step is designed to give you what you need to know for your journey. It helps you realize that you have a story, and that story is not hopeless or unchangeable. You have the opportunity to transform. #2 The First Step requires an admission of powerlessness over your living in the extremes. You must document both powerlessness and unmanageability in your life. This is the beginning of understanding the story of your illness. #3 The cost of addiction is loss of faith in your abilities. You can reprogram yourself with positive, healthy messages. Select from the list the affirmations that have meaning for you. Add some of your own. Tape the list on your mirror and repeat them while you are shaving or putting on your makeup. #4 Addiction is like living in a fun house. The insanity and unmanageability of addiction and codependency look normal to those who can see themselves only through the distorted lens of dysfunctional behavior and its consequences.