Cool, Hip & Sober: 88 Ways to Beat Booze & Drugs

by W.H. Manville and Bill Manville

Book Overview

In a refreshingly clear-headed and informed approach to addiction, noted writer and radio host Bill Manville sums up what he's learned in more than forty years of research . . . twenty as a demon-driven drunk and twenty in recovery.From his popular show "Addictions and Answers," broadcast from KVML in Sonora, California, Manville has compiled a list of 88 questions and answers from, as he says, "a ton of plain and fancy drunks and dopers and their friends and families." As well, he offers valuable advice and information from his guests: noted psychiatrists, psychologists, rehab counselors, MDs, academics, and more.Here, in first-person detail, are responses to the issues faced by alcoholics, addicts, and their loved ones, such as:? How to intervene with a substance-abusing friend? How alcoholics can protect themselves from relapses? Evaluating therapies, both individual and group? How alcohol affects sex? Definitions of "social drinker," "heavy drinker," and alcoholic? The many faces of denial? Is alcoholism inherited?? How to choose the right rehab? Is there an addictive personality?? What role does spirituality play in recovery?A brave and transformational look at the treatment of chemical dependency, Cool, Hip, and Sober is a captivating, insightful and essential handbook for overcoming denial and achieving a peaceful, long-term recovery.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0765303140
• ISBN13: 9780765303141
• Release Date: December 2003
• Publisher: Forge
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.8" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

cool,hip and amazingly readable- riveting!

I have had this book for awhile having read it once and then put it on the shelf. I picked it up today and reread almost half of it when I had planned to do something else.As a sucker for anything that clearly tells the tale of our human nature- the stories here do just that. Garnered from the sober author's radio call in show, (he's sort of the sober dear Abby) the problem drinkers or persons who are not sure if what they are wrestling with is an alcoholic situation get straight answers.The authors experience was extreme- and he is an advocate for rehab and then a 12 step program. However, the stories and information here are useful to any tangental situation - they cut right to the chase. Another thing that is super refreshing is that the author really loves and embraces his sobriety and is "cool, hip and sober" For all those pub crawlers who have given up on their creativity and their dreams , it is nice to hear someone affirm that sober life is technicolor and the alternative dreary black and white. I love any text that tells the truth and this book is just filled with "stories".

Bert H. from (currently) Sacramento

I found this well-written book easy to read and to understand. The straight-to-the-point real-life examples seem to answer my questions completely. The narative flows along smoothly while making the points. If a person didn't get it the first time, the subsequent narrative of other people's situations and outcomes gives them another chance to do so.I know a few people who will benefit from reading this book and will be thanful to Mr. Manville for writing it.

Does not read like a self-help book

My family has a long history of addiction and I've been exposed to a lifetime of books, programs, literature and advice on the topic.Cool, Hip and Sober is the ONLY "Self-Help" book I have ever read,(on any topic) that I didn't have to make myself read.Before any form of knowledge or experience can be helpful, it must be transmitted. Bill Manville's, Cool, Hip and Sober flows into the reader's conscious without resistence and therein lies the beauty of this book.You will want to read this book!

Masterful, readable and real addiction advice

As an addiction counselor, I've read many self-help books about addiction. Cool, hip & sober is my favorite so far because of the question and answer format, the down to earth approach of the author and the believable, heart felt stories and examples of the pain and suffering of the addict and everyone around them, as well as the tough, but doable triumphs of recovery.