Joseph Nowinski, PhD is an internationally recognized clinical psychologist. He has written on a variety of topics. His experience and writings are described here.
Sober Love: How to Quit Drinking as a Couple Published by Johns Hopkins University Press, and available on Amazon, Sober Love addresses issues facing couples who decide to pursue a sober, as opposed to a drinking, lifestyle.
“Dr. Nowinski delivers a
much-needed book for couples who are both struggling with unhealthy use.
He poignantly illustrates the way a relationship can change from one between
two people to a relationship between each person and alcohol, splitting the
ties between a couple. With thoughtful vignettes and prompts for
discussion, he provides needed help to couples who want to move from shared
drinking to a life of shared recovery.” Valerie Slaymaker, PhD Vice
President of Research and Education (retired) Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
Doody’s
Book Review:
Charla
Waxman, MBA, EdD(Lake Behavioral Hospital)
**Description**
This book is a history, a case study, and a
guide on "how to" all at once. It asks if there is a consideration
for the cessation to quit drinking as a couple. This book provides opportunity
for both assessment of the problem and an action plan to move forward and away
from addiction toward sobriety.
**Purpose**
This book is much needed and hits the target in
a manner that makes recovery feel, not only possible, but doable. Although it
is a "how to" book, it shows couples how to select paths for sobriety
that will work in a way that feels tailored for them.
**Audience**
Joseph Nowinski holds international acclaim in
the field of recovery. The book indicates that now is the time for couples to
look at what is happening in their relationships relative to alcohol. There is
so much research and so much positioning for use of alcohol by companies that
gain from the sale of such a damaging substance. The book includes an
incredibly valuable "how to use this"
section that will be extremely useful for those
pursuing sobriety.
**Features**
This book begins with an excellent introduction
indicating that the book is about how to love each other enough as a couple to
pursue cessation of co-addiction of alcohol. It reveals that it is also a book
about drinking.
Sober relationships, individual behaviors and
the spectrum of use are the core frameworks of this book. The book discusses
the psychology or "why" behind drinking early on, but cleverly, only
a small section. In this way the sobriety-considering readers do not feel
lectured but get a quick glimpse of a general concern. It does not feel like
finger pointing, but a suggestion to get a finger on the pulse of what
generally causes one to imbibe in an unhealthy manner. It is masterful and
readable. Early in the book the reader can feel some camaraderie with the
couples whose case studies the book discusses. It always makes it easier to
look through the eyes of someone who is like you in some way. It is nice to not
feel alone. From that point the book lays out the concept of what it takes to
get sober and maintain sobriety as a couple in easy-to-understand steps.
Positivity and potential for sobriety is the foundation of this amazing book.
**Assessment**
As a reviewer, I have provided some of the
highest scores I have ever given here for this book. This is the first book I
have seen of its kind. In the Foreword it even points out that couple work is
often neglected in the research. If you are looking to get sober along with a
significant other, this is your chance. I love this book for all it offers and
the change that can come from its practical, hope-filled words. Every page is a
treasure. Every chapter is a wonder of opportunity. There is not another book
like it. THIS is the book you need.
Dr Joe is also the author/creator of Twelve Step Facilitation,
which is an evidence-based treatment for alcohol and drug abuse. A Cochrane
Review, considered the gold standard for evaluating medical as well as psychological
treatments, concluded that TSF was superior to alternative treatments, such as
cognitive-behavioral therapy, in promoting long term recovery from substance
abuse disorders. For those who are interested here are links that describe the Cochrane Review:
Hazelden Publications is the publisher for TSF materials, including the TSF Handbook (2nd Edition), a TSF Facilitator Guide, Participant Workbooks, and a DVD that can be used in TSF sessions. Here is a sample from the TSF DVD: Twelve
Step Facilitation Core Topic 2: Acceptance (wistia.com)
A review of this site will allow readers to see the range of
topics Dr Joe has written on. In each case they will find that his books are grounded
in sound research that he is able to translate into practical advice and
guidance. This is also evident in the many posts he has written for Psychology
Today, the Huffington Post, and other Internet sites. Links to these writings can be found through Google.
If You Work It, It Works: The Science Behind Twelve Step Recovery,Hazelden Publishing.
In this book, Joe Nowinski once again proves his ability to integrate the science and experience of Alcoholics Anonymous and to explain both in clear, unpretentious language. --Keith Humphreys, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry, Stanford University
Nowinski has done a great service by interpreting many of the landmark studies that demonstrate that AA and Twelve Step treatments are among the most effective interventions currently available.--John F. Kelly, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry in Addiction Medicine, Harvard Medical School.
Recovery After Rehab: A Guide for
the Newly Sober and Their Loved Ones, Rowman and Littlefield. Booklist Review: For people struggling with addiction and those who love
them, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a better
understanding of what to expect from treatment and to plan ahead for after
treatment. It aims to demystify the
process while offering clear suggestions of how to maintain treatment benefits.
It pulls back the curtain and takes an honest look at the reality of what
happens during and after treatment and how we can help – not hinder – progress
toward recovery. Presenting loved ones as collaborators in recovery, Dr.
Nowinski empowers those affected by addiction with the knowledge required to
evaluate various treatment options and to make informed decisions beyond the
walls of formal care settings that will promote recovery over time.
Additional Reviews about Recovery After Rehab:
Cara M. Renzelli, PhD
Vice President, Operations and
Clinical Advancement
Gateway Rehab, Mt Pleasant, PA,
Youngstown OH, Warren OH, Aliquippa PA, and Pittsburgh PA In early recovery we hear, "To
succeed, take ownership of your recovery," a poignant but abstract idea.
This new book by Joe Nowinski finally provides the owner’s manual to a new
life-of-recovery from process or substance use disorder. Daily reflection books
offer comfort and insight, but Recovery After Rehab is the map to navigate
all the "but, how?" perils of recovery realities that we each face.
Joe C., author, Beyond Belief: Agnostic Musings for 12 Step
Life and host of Rebellion Dogs Radio
Dr. Joseph Nowinski is one of the pioneers of Addiction
Psychology. He has made seminal contributions to the field, most significantly
in his development of Twelve-Step Facilitation, an empirically supported
treatment for alcohol use disorders. In this new book, Dr. Nowinski has
addressed a significant gap in the treatment literature – the role of the
family in the recovery process. All too often families of addicted patients are
placed in an isolated position – they are minimally involved in treatment and
given little guidance to direct them through the potential minefield of early
recovery. This book fills that void by providing an understanding of the role
of rehab, and the necessary tasks for promoting recovery for the patient and
for the whole family. Masterfully written, based on Dr. Nowinski’s lifetime of
clinical experience, this book will provide relief and direction for those who
are accompanying a loved one through the sometimes-mysterious journey of
recovery. There are helpful suggestions throughout the book. Patients and
family members alike will benefit from reading it, and even experienced
practitioners will gain useful insights. A highly recommended addition to the
literature.
Mark Schenker,
Ph.D.
Author of A Clinician’s Guide to 12-Step Recovery
Lead
Psychologist for Adult Services, Caron Treatment Centers, Philadelphia PA,
Wernersville PA, NY City, Boca Raton FL and Atlanta GA.
Dr. Joe nails it again! This book is an amazing guide for loved
ones invested in recovery. Ever since Dr. Nowinski wrote developed 12
Step Facilitation I knew I’d found an educated and knowledgeable person when it
comes to addiction and recovery. I can’t wait to buy some copies for friends
and family to help take the confusion out of ongoing recovery!
Judi Bixby, Director of Alaska Services
Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers, Kirkland WA, Seattle WA, Edmonds WA, Everett
WA, Tacoma, WA.
Visitors will find that they can get much more information about Dr
Joe, as well as links to information that can be very helpful, by perusing this
site.
