Beyond the Twelve: A User’s Guide (Book Review)

Beyond the Twelve-User’s Guide: A Workbook for Navigating the Intersection of Addiction and Change (without the Twelve-Step programs), by Ryan Paul Carruthers

A Review by Tom Horvath, PhD

I stopped years ago attempting to keep up with new books about how to address addictive problems without using the 12 steps. There seemed to be so many! Unfortunately, it has taken more than books to sufficiently penetrate US awareness about the existence of the multiple pathways, “beyond the 12,” available to us. Much work remains to be done before “everyone seeking recovery from addictive behavior [is] informed about the full diversity of recovery options available and allowed to choose freely amongst them (p 5).” Nevertheless, progress is being made.

Carruthers has made a worthy contribution to this effort. The Guide is remarkable for its depth, comprehensiveness, and ease of use, all in only 87 pages! I’m glad it has come to my attention.

The Guide makes a compelling case that I could be (p 8) “rational, reflective, capable of logic” even though my behavior at times is “irrational, repetitive, and obsessive.” The Guide then presents many helpful questions and much relevant information, more than any one person would need. That’s part of the point: there are many pathways. You don’t need every part of every pathway. But so much is in this Guide, there is a good chance you can pull together what will work for you.

The road trip analogy (recovery as a journey by car) is meaningfully developed and introduces many “hooks” for useful information. I agree with Carruthers that “most people find the metaphor relatable, but even if you don’t, the exercises are practical enough to stand on their own (p 4).” He “attempt[s] to stay true to the research and theories that inform the science of addictive behavior change.” He lists this work, and based on what I know, he has summarized it accurately.

There are many sections of this Guide that might stand out for individual readers:

The 2-page Appendix A, “Twelve-Step Program Complaints,” which provides “information that may help you, and the people in your life, understand why you want to find another pathway (p 4).”

The 1-page Appendix B, “Recommended Questions/Answers for Vetting Addiction Professionals,” so that you can find one who aligns with the Guide.

The 10 pages (45-54) that summarize 10 different pathways for change. Most of them are free, but there are also two important paid ones: Stanton Peele’s Life Process Program and The Freedom Model

There are many helpful charts, such as Problematic Attitude Identification (p 23), Problematic Non-Addictive Behavior Identification (p 24), Value Identification (p 28), and Typical Recovery Math vs. Real Recovery Math (p 69). As just one example of ease of use, he could have asked “what are your values?” but instead provides a list of 60 to prompt you.

At https://books.by/ryanpaulcarruthersphd you can purchase the Guide and download additional copies of the worksheets. I would be surprised if many readers completed all the worksheets and answered all the questions, but I can easily imagine some being so “on target” that many copies would be used.

A diligent reader will be well served by this book.

Liked Dr. Horvaths book review of “Beyond the Twelve: A User’s Guide?” You might also be interested in: The Hidden Biology of Addiction and Cancer.