Addiction Recovery Manual by E. Allen Griggs, M.D., J.D. is a fairly short self-help book on addictions and recovery. In this, the author provides his own personal experiences, stories of others going through addictions, those who ultimately failed, and those who (so far) have overcome addiction. He includes a host of references and provides summaries of the 12-step process of recovery that many have used over the past years. The author’s experience in working with patients, as well as his own personal struggles with alcohol, cement his authority in writing this book. It’s obvious he has studied in the medical profession, worked with those struggling with addictions, and has proven case studies whereby people are able to make it through these terrible, life-changing problems, and still come out on the other side.

In admitting his own personal failures with alcohol, this book allows you to see E. Allen Griggs's compassion for those going through the same types of struggles he faced. Instead of a stand-offish, judgmental approach, the author clearly communicates his concern for others who have problems like these. The book pulls no punches. Some of it is detailed and indicative of the gritty reality for those who ultimately fail and lose their lives. But it also gives the other side of the story, a positive ending for those who choose to take back their lives and follow a proven methodology that has saved many. Addiction Recovery Manual by E. Allen Griggs, M.D., J.D. comes highly recommended.

In Addiction Recovery Manual, Dr. E. Allen Griggs takes readers through an informative journey about addiction. Split into fifteen chapters, Griggs discusses different types of addiction that manifest themselves in various situations. The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are brought up throughout the chapters, along with personal questions and notes that people can reflect upon. I found this non-fiction piece to be very interesting and extremely relevant to the society in which we live today. Griggs does a phenomenal job of using both stories and other research to comprise his material in Addiction Recovery Manual.

I thought that E. Allen Griggs did a very thorough job of explaining addiction and the steps that can be taken to overcome it in Addiction Recovery Manual. I really appreciated getting to read personal stories from different people who have struggled with addiction and seeing facts and statistics on the topic. As someone who has seen the effects that drugs and alcohol can have on different members of my family, I found this book to be super important. I did not find anything about the book confusing; I felt that Griggs kept his writing on a level that was easily understandable. Overall, this is a very insightful book that I believe everyone should read whether or not addiction plays a direct or indirect role in their life. Not all addicts are going to want to accept help, but this book shows that it is possible to find a way out of addiction.

Addiction Recovery Manual by Dr. E. Allen Griggs is a practical handbook for recovering addicts. Dr. Griggs has written the manual as a guide to conquering addiction. Each chapter includes a short addiction story, the doctor’s notes, questions for reflection, and a detailed bibliography. The intention is to support addicts on their path to recovery. There are brief explanations of the different types of addiction. There are also case studies of medical, legal, and socio-economic consequences of an individual’s addiction. As a doctor, attorney, pathologist, and a fully recovered alcohol addict, Dr. Griggs brings forth his extensive knowledge and experience as a ready reckoner to others on the same journey. The manual also includes some much-needed advice to families of addicts.

As I read Addiction Recovery Manual, I was struck by its brutal honesty. The doctor is a multi-faceted personality with extensive experience as a physician, attorney, and a pathologist. As a former addict himself, Dr. E. Allen Griggs minces no words in laying down the harsh realities of addiction and its consequences. The writing is crisp, clear, and incisive. It is impossible not to be hit by the devastation caused by addiction as described in each story. I was moved by the doctor’s sentiment that he would rather meet an addict in rehabilitation rather than on the autopsy table. Most stories carry hope as addicts have recovered fully and moved on to lead happier lives. This manual is a must-read for addicts on the path of recovery and their families.

Addiction Recovery Manual is a work of non-fiction in the self-help and advice and guidance sub-genres and was penned by author E. Allen Griggs, M.D., J.D. After many years of disheartening experiences working in the world of drug and alcohol-related autopsies, the author takes the time to offer a fuller understanding of addiction and its true nature as a medical disease, with the hope that future generations may come to recognize and control it better. Written for both those who suffer from addiction and the family and friends who may wish to extend support to them, this insightful volume offers many stories and perspectives on this tragic state of being.

Author E. Allen Griggs, M.D., J.D. presents a frank and concise understanding of addiction that is sure to open the eyes, hearts, and minds of even the most unsympathetic people when it comes to those who have problems with drugs and alcohol. I found that the work struck a great narrative balance between the clinical, professional medical side of the issue, and the human touch of empathy which Dr. Griggs clearly has for sufferers of this terrible condition. The tone is both informative and hopeful, redrafting addiction into a proper medical perspective to present treatment options like you would any other illness. I also felt that the stories, anecdotes, personal moments, and other influences on Griggs’s life were excellent inclusions. Overall, I would definitely recommend Addiction Recovery Manual for anyone wanting to learn more about addiction from an authentic source.