Addiction and Grace: Exploring the Psychology of Addiction, the Power of Spirituality, and the Path to Freedom Through Contemplative Practices

In just over two decades this book has become a classic in understanding what addiction is, how it works, why addictions occur, the ingredients of an addiction, and what must be done in overcoming one. Dr. May talks about addictions from coffee to the other end of the spectrum. He shows us that we all have them. They do not have to be life-threatening, although many are.As a medical doctor, he shows that addictions are not just a mental challenge that must be surmounted. There are physical, neurological and spiritual components that enter into the whole mix.I initially bought this book in the late eighties to try to better understand the problem of alcoholism in my family. I have to say, I got what I wanted. I also got to take a better look at myself and what makes me tick.Each reading of this is very new. However, it is also a great reference book to keep handy to help others in need. I have used it hundreds of times in this manner.I have likened it many times to  The Confessions of St. Augustine  and his speaking of his own addictions. To paraphrase him, he said addictions are a perversion of any of our passions, which then get out of hand: we go from an evil, to a habit, to a compulsion and then to a necessity. At one point, he calls it the "Law of Sin," which he gets from Saint Paul's Letters to the Romans (and Galatians). He gives a great definition too! He says, "the law of sin is the fierce force of habit, by which the mind is drawn and held even against its will, and yet deservedly because it had fallen willfully into the habit" (Book 8, 5 in the Frank Sheed translation shown above).Like Augustine, like any 12-step program, Dr. May shows that there is a dimension in recovery that is beyond ourselves. Augustine saw it as Christ, the "... Anonymous" programs see it as a Higher Power, Dr. May calls it "Grace." Because of this dimension, this is not only a helpful, but also a good spiritual read that can benefit almost anyone.I've liked the hardcover, because it serves one well over the years. It's not a bad idea to keep a few used paperback copies around to give away. They're cheap enough! I've given away dozens of copies along the way, and will probably continue to do so.

In just over two decades this book has become a classic in understanding what addiction is, how it works, why addictions occur, the ingredients of an addiction, and what must be done in overcoming one. Dr. May talks about addictions from coffee to the other end of the spectrum. He shows us that we all have them. They do not have to be life-threatening, although many are.As a medical doctor, he shows that addictions are not just a mental challenge that must be surmounted. There are physical, neurological and spiritual components that enter into the whole mix.I initially bought this book in the late eighties to try to better understand the problem of alcoholism in my family. I have to say, I got what I wanted. I also got to take a better look at myself and what makes me tick.Each reading of this is very new. However, it is also a great reference book to keep handy to help others in need. I have used it hundreds of times in this manner.I have likened it many times to the Confessions of Saint Augustine and his speaking of his own addictions. To paraphrase him, he said addictions are a perversion of any of our passions, which then get out of hand: we go from an evil, to a habit, to a compulsion and then to a necessity. At one point, he calls it the "Law of Sin," which he gets from Saint Paul's Letters to the Romans (and Galatians). He gives a great definition too! He says, "the law of sin is the fierce force of habit, by which the mind is drawn and held even against its will, and yet deservedly because it had fallen willfully into the habit" (Book 8, 5 Frank Sheed translation).Like Augustine, like any 12-step program, Dr. May shows that there is a dimension in recovery that is beyond ourselves. Augustine saw it as Christ, the "... Anonymous" programs see it as a Higher Power, Dr. May calls it "Grace." Because of this dimension, this is not only a helpful, but also a good spiritual read that can benefit almost anyone.I've liked the hardcover, because it serves one well over the years. It's not a bad idea to keep a few used paperback copies around to give away. They're cheap enough! I've given away dozens of copies along the way, and will probably continue to do so.

After more than two decades working alongside people living with addictions, this book has confirmed some of my conclusions and challenged some others, providing a refreshing window on the author's mind in terms of an applied spirituality of healing grace.

While therapy can do much to assist in breaking with our addictions, Dr May shows so clearly that the grace of God through Jesus, the Christ remains the sole successful, spiritual and liberating force available to all of us.

Having been a Christian for over 50 years and worked in the criminal justice system for 30 years this book has given me new insights and understanding not just of addiction and grace but of myself. I will read it again and again.

I love this book. I love how it makes us see our flaws and humble ourselves before God, so that grace can enter. I'm not having much success, but I'm always trying to control my life. It doesn't work. I find that fasting greatly helps to calm my anxiety.

This is a refreshing and thorough review of the subject of addictions.What constitutes an addiction? What causes them? and more importantly Dr May gives us insight into how Grace can break the addiction and set us free to be who God created us to be!