Refuge Recovery: A Buddhist Path to Recovering from Addiction

by Noah Levine

Overview

Refuge Recovery is a proven practice, a process, a set of tools, a treatment, and a path to healing addiction.

Refuge Recovery is a Buddhist-oriented, nontheistic recovery program that does not ask anyone to believe anything, only to trust the process and do the hard work of recovery. In fact, no previous experience or knowledge of Buddhism is required. Recovery is possible, and this book provides a systematic approach to treating and recovering from all forms of addictions. When sincerely practiced, the program will ensure a full recovery from addiction and a lifelong sense of well-being and happiness.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062122841
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	06/10/2014
Pages:	288
Sales rank:	9,210
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Noah Levine is the founder of the Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society, with two centers in Los Angeles and over twenty affiliated groups in North America and Europe. He is the author of the national bestseller Dharma Punx and Against the Stream. He leads meditation groups and workshops nationally as well as in juvenile halls and prisons. Levine holds a master's degree in counseling psychology and has studied with many well-known and respected teachers in both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions. Levine lives in Los Angeles.

Editorial Reviews

05/12/2014
Levine (Dharma Punx) offers Refuge Recovery, the Buddhist-inspired program for addicts that he helped create and implement in various cities throughout the U.S. The first half presents the principles and process of the program, in which the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism are foundational. Similar to Alcoholics Anonymous’ stance of faith in the process of recovery and the group or community, Levine’s program “does not ask anyone to believe anything, only to trust the process and do the hard work of recovery.” The process involves acknowledging the ways in which suffering is brought about and perpetuated. It also advocates individual and group mindfulness practice to break out of the vicious cycle of addiction, teaching addicts to anchor in the present moment, away from unhealthy desires. The second half is a collection of stories from former addicts, recounting their downfall into addiction and their recovery through Buddhist practice and the Refuge Recovery program. Levine offers much to struggling addicts who are looking for recovery programs that are alternatives to the Christian-influenced AA/NA groups. Nonaddicts can also glean lessons for examining and managing problematic desires in their own lives. (June)

Publishers Weekly