My Best Thinking

The Highs and Lows of Rehab

Fiction - Social Issues
198 Pages
Reviewed on 04/12/2020
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

I have worked as an addiction therapist for many years. I started to write non-fiction books to hopefully 'change perceptions' about addiction as it always gets such a bad press. This is my first fictional story about life in rehab. Again written in the hope that if more people could familiarise themselves with the subject, treatment would not be such a frightening option. Deaths because of untreated addiction are rising and are catastrophic, it is my mission if you like to help change perceptions to enable more people to find solutions.
I guess I am so passionate about this subject because I am one of the lucky ones to have discovered a solution to my own addictions and have more importantly managed to have continuous sobriety using the methods described in my books.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Darin Godby for Readers' Favorite

My Best Thinking by author Sarina Wheatman, while fiction, gives the audience a clear view of what a person seeking rehab could experience. While some classify those seeking treatment as crazy, hopeless, or even worthless, Sarina Wheatman helps the reader to understand that no one is too far gone if they genuinely desire to live. The unfathomable riches found on the other side of rehab always seem beyond reach to those on the other side. The purpose of therapy and treatment is to enable the one with the greatest need to begin to have hope in the things unseen. They are to put their faith and trust in the system while trusting the leaders around them to help them arrive at the other side a changed individual.

Sarina Wheatman gives a list of real resources in the hope that an addict who picks up this fiction book will also reach out for help. Written so that the individual can easily relate it in some way to their own life, this certainly helps the reader connect and hopefully desire to seek help. One thing she inserted that was so powerful is: “Honesty is the pre-requisite to Recovery” (P. 57). Sarina Wheatman knows that unless the addict is honest with who they are and where they are, they can never begin the journey toward improvement. There is nothing in the book that says recovery will be easy, but it will be worth it. This book is a great tool to use for those who need encouragement and those needing help.

Cliff

Thoroughly recommend this book to everyone in recovery from addiction, or contemplating rehab. Sarina is an expert who has helped countless of us in our journey into recovery. Forever grateful.

Libby Garnham

My Best Thinking by Sarina Wheatman provides the reader with a realistic view of residential treatment known to most of us as 'Rehab'.
The word Rehab evokes many different reactions. Some think it a glamorous indulgence for the well heeled, some an embarrassing word for a place where those beyond hope are dispatched and some (generally those looking to access treatment) it is a sanctuary, a place that offers hope and without sounding dramatic a place that saves lives.
This book is a real eye opener into the crazy, mad, heartbreaking world of treatment from addictions. The book will make you laugh out loud at times with the unbelievable antics of the residents and the cool acceptance of the therapists. It is also heartbreaking and not afraid to tell the truth.
I would encourage everyone to read this book, someday it may help you, your children or grandchildren. It will aid your understanding as you realise that no one ever chooses to become an addict.

Lisa S

This book was a joy to read . Both sad funny and informative . It gives you a first hand description of what it’s like been in treatment for addiction . A subject which is still a taboo and misunderstood. Hopefully this book will get the recognition it deserves and the more people who read it the more the cloud over addiction.will lift and it will be better understood.

Steven N

Fantastic book

Emerlee

One of the best reads I've had in a long time. A informative and entertaining book with clear insight into the world of addictions. An awesome read for people wanting to learn about rehabs and addictions or for people who want to be carried away into a fictional world. Would 100% recommend

Duncan Campbell

A very enjoyable book by a proficient author of books of this genre. It is great to follow all the characters through their journey in Rehab and the factual information provided as an aside to the main plot of the book is really useful for anyone interested in addiction of any kind.

For anyone wanting to know what life is like behind the closed doors of Rehab this book is a must as it accurately reflects day to day life in Rehab as my stint there confirms!

Factual, interesting and a good plot - a thoroughly enjoyable and educational read.

Kevin

An amazing view into the world of addiction and treatment. Shocking yet honest accounts from a number of perspectives.

Rachel Whitfield

Breaking down stereotypes about addiction
This book is a skillful weaving of fictional narrative and fact a lot addiction. The message of recovery through a program is a powerful one, as is the breaking down of stereotypes within the book. Reading this book really was a pleasure, and I can't wait to see what the author writes next

Jules

Thoroughly enjoyable read, the writer allows you into the world of rehab bringing valuable information with the lighter side, this book made me laugh and cry. Highly recommended read,

Jacqui Newbold

"My Best Thinking" is Sarina's 3rd book. The first 2 were non fiction exploring and explaining the confusing world of addiction. This book is an amalgamation of the first 2 books, skilfully presented as a fictional story. But it is so much more than just a story. She has seamlessly included all the factual elements of her first 2 books and written a bio of a life in rehab.. This is a scary concept for many addicts and their family/friends, experiencing the turmoil and destruction of this cruel, baffling and fatal illness. Sarina has made it her life's work to change perceptions "one book at a time". I encourage everyone to read this and her other 2 books, even if only to be educated. If you are one of the many suffering then this is a must read.

Bill Stevens

Bill Stevens
5.0 out of 5 stars The closest you will get to rehab without going to rehab
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 February 2020
I have been to rehab. I have worked in rehab. This is a book about real rehab. do not shirk, shake or shrink from anything or anyone when you attend rehab in this masterful illumination of the experience. Sarina has developed as a writer, such that she can take you inside the inside of life-changing therapeutic group work. You will learn and change just by reading. You will feel everything, as you should.

Linda Young

Great book. Informative as well as a good read.

Susan

Great read! Gives a fascinating insight to the world of rehab and the characters that inhabit this world, both staff and patients - extremely interesting ,informative, sad, funny, empathetic in equal measure on a subject that is so widely misunderstood - would highly recommend reading for anyone either contemplating coming in to rehab or for general interest.

Helen Duck

I found this book impressively compelling.
Having been in Rehab myself for alcoholism I think it’s a very accurate, honest account of the highs and lows of Rehab.
I found some invaluable information to help me in my journey of recovery.
It will move you to the core and really make you think.
Thank you to Sarina Wheatman for this powerful page-turner.

Karen D

I read this book on holiday and it did not disappoint. It was fun, entertaining but also very informative on addiction. I would highly recommend this book for everyone who has in interest on what goes on in rehab.

A Matthews

A great read from start to finish . It’s an emotional journey through recovery that tells the truth about addiction. It’s great for those suffering as well as those coping with loved ones in addiction. It has so much necessary information dispelling many incorrect ideas about addicts , addiction and recovery.
I highly recommend this book.

Anne B

I wish I had read this book before going into rehab. It would have addressed all my fears, challenged my assumptions and given me a much better sense of what to expect.
Rehab is not a stroll in the park, but the author explains that everything in rehab happens for a reason and is always in your best interests. The characters reflect my experience in rehab: they are very diverse in terms of age, background, types of addiction and their journey to rehab. There is plenty of useful information about the science of addiction and details of background reading and sources of support, but I really liked the human stories. They rang true (it's 'no holds barred' in rehab!) and conveyed the mutual warmth and support which was so important to me during first steps in recovery.
If you are teetering on the edge of committing to recovery: do it. But read this book first!

David Musgrave

Very helpful and inspiring
Just wanted I needed to help in my recovery

Lauren Vickery

A fantastic book, written by an equally fantastic woman. This book gives great insight into the journey and treatment of addiction. It gives us an understanding of what rehab is like. It offers hope to anyone who still suffers with the disease of addiction.

Sarina’s other two books, are also worth reading... I applaud and support the author’s purpose, ‘to change perceptions of addiction’, so that people can get the help and support to recover. These books certainly deliver a greater understanding and compassion towards an illness that destroys so many lives.

Steve

Painfully honest but packed with hope. Feel this - it's realism, cleverly done in a fictionalized way. Incredibly sad but funny & insightful. Not only a real beacon into the dark, shadowy world of addiction that is much-maligned & so unfairly misunderstood but the clear message that sometimes, the most painful thing we can do is open our eyes. True of us all to some degree, but this book - the 3rd from this precious life who has saved many precious lives down the decades - offers an ideal for living for us all. Well done, Sarina

Lee C

Having read Sarina’s first 2 books, I was intrigued to read her 3rd. “My Best Thinking”. My intrigue was that this book is fiction, unlike Sarina’s first 2 books, which were non fiction, however, the message delivered is still as powerful, if not more so.

The story is set in a treatment centre, that brings to life the highs and lows of addiction, from the perspective of those battling this disease. It brings to life the stories in a unique way, that allows the reader into the journeys of those in the book, whilst cleverly entwining factual information that complements their journeys. Journeys that you may actually never know were happening all the time, right across the world.

Addiction is an illness, and although it is often not recognised as such, the devastation it causes is often heartbreaking and life changing, and has far reaching consequences that affect many people besides the addict themselves, and as such, Sarina’s work has not only altered the lives of many, many people who have battled this cruel disease over the years, but those around them too.

Sarina’s aim is to “Change Perceptions one book at a time” and by reading her books, I can say, her aim has changed my perceptions of addiction. Addiction is not a choice but a monster that overtakes and commands the life of those who are fighting it, but it can be treated and lives can be changed and Sarina’s books will help the reader see that recovery is possible.

Angie Cullen

Thank you Sarina for reminding me just what rehab was like. Very real! The sense of complete confusion and fear in the beginning and the gradual changing of the addict brain to understanding and acceptance. The biggest plus is how you explain and demonstrate the information which is vital for this miraculous transformation.

Caroline

"My Best Thinking" is a valuable tool for anyone who is wanting to be free of addiction. It is a cautionary tale, but certainly offers the hope of change. The facts of the illness of addiction are woven into the story of Mimi's journey of recovery. Would recommend for patient and therapist alike.

Jackie C

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Having been into Rehab and now working with addiction, it has proved to be a useful tool for me personally and for my work as well as being a great insightful, if uncomfortable at times, read. Well done Sarina.

Jan Brushdown

I loved this book. Picked it up after searching for something to
Read about alcohol problems having learnt my daughter in law was suffering and in need of help. This book really helped me think of these clinics and people involved differently and if I’m honest (as the book encourages :) removes some of the fears I have surrounding trying to be helpful in theses issues. Would recommend to anyone feeling cluelessabout the realities of these drink problems we get affected by. I exspect it may even be of great comfort for the person considering reaching out for help but to fearful of the unknown to get started. Keep. It going Sarina wheatman.

Jane

I have now read all three of Sarina's books and would highly recommend them all for anybody wanting to know about Addiction, Recovery and Treatment. I felt that this book was true to life as I work in an addiction treatment centre. The madness of addiction is sensitively portrayed and the skill and compassion of staff working in this field is well documented.

Hayley Myers

This book gives an excellent insight into the world of recovery.
I started my journey into recovery 15 years ago and have since worked in that professional field. Although my illness was an eating disorder, an addiction is an addiction. They all you lead you down the same crazy, chaotic path. The stories of my recovery closely resemble those in this book.
This book definitely depicts the ‘highs and lows’ in an honest, emotional , funny and hopeful way.
I would recommend this book to anyone battling an addiction, family friends and professionals. This is the kind of book that can really educate people about addiction. From my experience both personally and professionally, the illness of addiction can happen to anyone.
Thank you Sarina.