Book description
The face of addiction and alcoholism is a face that many have seen
before -- it may be a celebrity, a colleague, or even a family member.
And though the 12-step program by itself can often bring initial
success, many addicts find themselves relapsing back into old ways and
old patterns, or replacing one addiction with another. Author Darren
Littlejohn has been there and back, and presents a complimentary guide
for recovery to the traditional twelve-step program, out of his own
struggles and successes through the study of Zen and Tibetan Buddhism.
Working with the traditional 12-Step philosophy, the author first
shares his own life path, and how he came to find the spiritual solace
that has greatly enhanced his life in recovery. Then, he details out
how his work integrating Buddhism into the traditional twelve-step
programs validates both aspects of the recovery process. While being
careful not to present himself as a Tibetan lama or Zen master, the
author shows how each step -- such as admitting there is a problem,
seeking help, engaging in a thorough self-examination, making amends
for harm done, and helping other drug addicts who want to recover --
fits into the Bodhisattva path. This integration makes Buddhism
accessible for addicts, and the 12 Steps understandable for Buddhists
who may otherwise be at a loss to help those in need.
The 12-Step Buddhist is designed to be a complimentary
practice to the traditional 12-step journey, not a replacement. While
traditional twelve-step programs help addicts become sober by removing
the drug of choice and providing a spiritual path, they rarely delve
deep into what causes people to suffer in the first place. The
integration of Buddhism with the traditional process provides the
wisdom and meditations that can help addicts truly find a deep,
spiritual liberation from all causes and conditions of suffering --
for good.
"If the 12-Step program leads to recovery,
Buddhist practice and philosophy can provide the spiritual
underpinnings needed to stabilize that recovery. [Darren Littlejohn's]
interpretation of the 12 Steps as seen through the lens of this wisdom
tradition is fascinating and useful. A very practical and inspired
guide." -- Susan Piver, author of How Not to Be Afraid of Your
Own Life
Darren Littlejohn dropped out of school in the eighth
grade in order to “pursue drugs and alcohol as a full-time endeavor.”
After a long, rough road to sobriety, he passed his high school
proficiency exam and went on to earn an AA in Behavior Science from
San Jose City College, a BA in Psychology from California State
University, Long Beach, and has completed all coursework but the final
theses for the MA Pre-Doctoral Research Program, also at the Long
Beach campus of California State University.
In his personal journey, he studied Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, later
integrating all of his life experience, beliefs, credentials and true
passion into his work. Already practicing what he preaches, he is a
dedicated, enthusiastic promoter and speaker who is eager to see
others helped out of their pits of despair and self-destruction.
